184 (§56A). Remember that it was the Hebrew custom for a man's widow to be married by his brother. If he had no brother his nearest relative was expected to marry her. So Naomi hoped that Boaz, who was related to her dead husband, would marry Ruth. She plans a little scheme to let him know privately that he is a near relative who ought to do this honor for those who were dead. There would be a great feast at the time the barley was threshed, and then all the men would go to sleep in the open air on the smooth floor where the threshing was done. Ruth was instructed to let Boaz know the plan when the others were asleep. 185 (§56B). Tell the story in your own words. Notice especially that Boaz explains that there is a nearer relative who ought to marry Ruth. What did Boaz give to Ruth to take to her mother-in-law? Tell the conversation of the two women. 186 (§57A). The Gate was the place where all the business was done. Note how the business was begun, and how arrangements were made for the bargain to be witnessed. The conversation refers to the Hebrew laws of real estate. It is enough for us to see that the kinsman was not willing to marry Ruth. What interesting old custom is shown? They were sitting on the ground cross-legged, so one could easily pull off his shoe or sandal. What other story have we had in which the sandal was easily taken off? (See 97 and illustration.) Note Boaz' solemn statement of the agreement. How did all the people congratulate Boaz? 187 (§57B). It is interesting to see that the people congratulated Naomi when Ruth's baby was born, because there was again a son for her family. This grandson would take the place of the sons whom she had lost. What did the women think of Ruth? What relation was Ruth to David? 188. What do you think of Ruth? Look up I Cor. 13:13 in the Revised Version and see what it says about the greatest thing in the world. Can everybody have this greatest thing? How much does it cost? Think whether you are bringing that into your home. WRITTEN REVIEW We do not always see the heroism that is just about us. The only women whom we think about as heroines are those who have done some great public work, but there is many a heroine who is quietly giving up her ambitions to make the home happy as Ruth gave up herself to go with Naomi. Ask your mother to tell you about some young woman who gave up opportunity of education, or ease, or pleasure, in order to help the family. Write about it in your notebook. THE FOUNDERS OF THE KINGDOM XVIII. SAMUEL AND ELI XIX. SAMUEL AND SAUL XX. JONATHAN'S VICTORY XVIII. SAMUEL AND ELI THE STORY =§58. The Birth of Samuel= (I Sam. 1:1-4, 8-28; 2:11) A. HANNAH'S GRIEF