Ruth 3:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

However, given that there is another relative present, I must confer with him first so that he may wed you, if he is willing, in accordance with the law. If he is unwilling, I will take you under the bond of marriage. Such is the principle of this husband! Had a beautiful maiden approached him by night, he would have maintained his purity and deferred to the law. He did not rush into matrimony outside of legal bounds, but instead proposed marriage to the nearest family member.