And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.
All Commentaries on Ruth 2:1 Go To Ruth 2
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Booz. The Scripture does not specify how nearly they were related. Rabbi Josue says Elimelech, Salmon, and Tob (chap. iii. 13,) were brothers, and Booz was the son of Salmon, which cannot be refuted, (Serar. q. 1.; Menochius) though the authority and proofs be very weak. It is not, however, more probable that Booz was the brother of Elimelech. Some think that he was not the immediate son of Salmon, as four persons seem too few to fill up the space of 366 years, from the marriage of Rahab till the birth of David. But this is not impossible. (Calmet) See chap. iv. 20. Ver. 2. To me. It was the privilege of the poor and of strangers to glean, Deuteronomy xxiv. 19., and Leviticus xix. 9. Yet Ruth asks leave, through civility. (Calmet)
This law is no longer in force, but it would be inhuman for the rich to deny this liberty to those who are in distress, and willing rather to work than to beg. (Tirinus) Ver. 4. With you. This blessing the Church still adopts in her service. (Worthington)
It was customary to bless one another during harvest, Psalm cxxviii. 5, 8. (Calmet)
Booz did, as Cato advises, Ne opera parcas visere; "See what is going forward. "The master's eye makes the servants diligent. (Haydock).
