Vinegar. Heb. chomes, from chames, “to be sharp,” “to be sour.” “Vinegar” was a sour wine or sauce used as a relish. This was probably the same “vinegar” as that offered Christ on the cross (Ps. 69:21; Matt. 27:34).
Was sufficed. Amid all the unusual favors bestowed upon her, Ruth did not cease to be herself. She did not forget her mother-in-law, but saved for her a part of the good dinner she herself had had. It is in perfect keeping with Oriental custom even today to take home a portion of what one does not eat. When we ourselves have taken deep draughts of Christ’s love, we find that an infinite supply remains. It is our privilege to take of this and bring it to others who may be hungry and thirsty for a knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus.
Left. Not that she left the field (see v. 17), but that she “had some left over” (RSV).