THERE is always a charm in typical and allegorical interpretation of Scripture, when undertaken soberly and in accord with the general teaching of the word of God. Scripture itself abounds in illustrations of this method, while the parables of our Lord show how constantly He made use of it. No apology then need be made for finding the gospel in the Book of Ruth.
That which appeals to the heart, too, has a place which must not be overlooked in these days of mental activity and selfishness. Heart history appeals to all who have hearts, and thus this story which is an appeal to the affections throughout has ever had an attraction for the people of God. The following pages contain little or nothing that is new; if they freshly bring to the memory well-known truths, and induce simpler faith in a well-known Lord, their purpose will have been met. The reader will notice that the dispensational features have been touched upon throughout. It should be remembered that the book is Jewish, and the first application must be to God's earthly people. This, so far from hindering its application to the present time, will be found to give an added charm.
One slight correction should be made by the reader. In commenting on chap. 2:18, the passage was treated as if Ruth after reaching home ate of what she had gleaned before giving to her mother-in-law. No doubt what is referred to in that verse is what she had left over from the midday meal spoken of in ver. 14 of the same chapter. She ate and was sufficed and left some of what had been given her. Of this she gave to Naomi. The lesson remains the same, but the charge of apparent selfishness is removed by this interpretation which is entirely permissible. The passage will be found on page 46 of the "Gleanings.”
These pages are but "gleanings" in a field whose golden grain is offered to us with a largeness of heart and a freedom of which that of Boaz was but a type. That they may stir to fresh zeal in the searching of Scripture which will be most richly rewarded, is the prayer of the writer. S. R.