Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 2. Night. In Palestine, and other maritime countries, a breeze generally arises from the sea in the evening. It was then that Booz seized the opportunity of winnowing his barley; so that, at an early hour, he gave Ruth six measures, and retired to rest, beside some of the remaining sheaves ( Calmet.) in an adjoining apartment, erected for the protection of the reapers during the great heats, and to contain the corn in case of a shower. Columella, i. 7. and ii. 51. This shade was probably in the same field where Ruth had been gleaning. Calmet.—She might lawfully seize this opportunity ( Bible.) to obtain an honest marriage. D.