Lange’s Commentary on the Holy Scriptures has served as a standard reference for more than a century. The subtitle “Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical” aptly describes the three-pronged approach to the biblical text. This translated version of the German text is often considered by many to be superior to the original.
“It was an ancient law in Israel, sanctioned by the Mosaic legislation (Deut. 25:5), that when a man died without issue, his brother was bound to marry his widow. This is a right of the woman. She can demand it of him, and if he refuses, put him openly to shame.” (Page 37)
“ that the wrong which has been done is overcome, and turned into a stepping-stone to a great end” (Page 13)
“Elimelech, an individual citizen, abandoned his home when the times became bad.” (Page 12)
“Spread out thy wings over thy handmaid; for thou art a redeemer (goel). It is because he is a blood-relative that she can make this demand. Hence, she does not say, I am Ruth, the Moabitess; but, I am Ruth, thy handmaid. Here, where she lays claim to an Israelitish right, she drops all remembrance of Moab. And has he not himself received and treated her as an Israelitish maiden?” (Page 42)
“Rather than leave her to suffer alone, Ruth will starve with, or beg for her.” (Page 20)