Ruth 4: Redeeming Love and Lasting Legacy
Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.
And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.
And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s:
And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.
And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.
Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.
And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.
Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth–lehem:
And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman.
So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.
And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,
And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,
And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,
And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,
And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.
Ruth 4 beautifully concludes the story of Ruth, showcasing God's providential care, the power of loyal love, and the unexpected ways He weaves individuals into His grand narrative. This chapter highlights the redemption of Naomi's family land, the marriage of Boaz and Ruth, and the birth of Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David, solidifying Ruth's place in the lineage of Jesus Christ. This chapter underscores the themes of redemption, loyalty, and God's faithfulness in using ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary purposes. This chapter is a testament to God's ability to transform loss into blessing and to incorporate outsiders into His covenant family.
The Redemption at the City Gate (Ruth 4:1-6)
Ruth_4:1-2 opens with Boaz strategically positioning himself at the city gate, the hub of legal and business transactions. He awaits the arrival of the closer relative, the man with the first right of redemption, setting the stage for a crucial negotiation. Boaz invites the man to sit down, and gathers ten of the town's elders to serve as witnesses to the proceedings. This public setting emphasizes the seriousness and legality of the transaction.
Boaz then presents the situation: Naomi, recently returned from Moab and in need of funds, is selling a portion of the land that belonged to her late husband, Elimelech (Ruth_4:3). As the closest relative, this man has the first opportunity to redeem the land. Boaz makes it clear – redeem it if you wish; if not, Boaz himself is ready to step in as the next in line (Ruth_4:4).
Initially, the man is eager to acquire the land, seeing it as a potentially profitable investment. However, Boaz adds a crucial detail: redeeming the land also means taking Ruth, the Moabite widow, as his wife in order to provide an heir who would inherit the land under Elimelech's name (Ruth_4:5). This condition significantly changes the equation.
The man's enthusiasm quickly wanes. He realizes that marrying Ruth and having a son who would inherit the land would jeopardize his own inheritance and potentially bring social complications due to Ruth's Moabite heritage (Ruth_4:6). He expresses his inability to redeem the land, effectively relinquishing his right.
The Transfer of Rights (Ruth 4:7-10)
Ruth_4:7-9 describes the legal custom of the time: the transfer of a sandal to symbolize the transfer of rights and responsibilities. The man removes his sandal and gives it to Boaz, publicly signifying his relinquishment of his claim. This act, witnessed by the elders, legally grants Boaz the right to redeem both the land and Ruth.
Boaz then declares before the elders and the people that he is acquiring all that belonged to Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon, including Ruth the Moabitess, as his wife (Ruth_4:10). His intention is clear: to perpetuate the name of the deceased in his inheritance, ensuring that his name will not disappear from among his relatives or from the gate of his hometown.
Blessings and a New Beginning (Ruth 4:11-17)
The elders and the people gathered at the gate serve as witnesses and pronounce blessings upon Boaz and Ruth (Ruth_4:11-12). They pray that the Lord will make Ruth like Rachel and Leah, who built the house of Israel, and that Boaz will prosper and become famous in Bethlehem. They acknowledge the significance of their union and its potential for future generations.
God answers their prayers. Ruth conceives and gives birth to a son, Obed (Ruth_4:13). The women of Bethlehem rejoice with Naomi, praising the Lord for His provision and kindness (Ruth_4:14-15). They recognize that Ruth is a greater blessing to Naomi than seven sons, highlighting her exceptional loyalty and devotion. Naomi cradles the child, becoming his nurse, and the women declare, "A son has been born to Naomi!" (Ruth_4:17).
The Genealogy of David (Ruth 4:18-22)
To emphasize the significance of these events, the chapter concludes with a genealogy tracing the lineage from Perez, the son of Judah, to David (Ruth_4:18-22). This genealogy highlights that Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. This places Ruth, the Moabitess, directly in the ancestral line of Israel's greatest king.
This genealogy is not merely a historical record; it is a testament to God's sovereign plan and His ability to work through unexpected individuals and circumstances. It reveals that Ruth, a foreigner, became an integral part of God's chosen people and a key figure in the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-16).
Enduring Significance
The story of Ruth culminates in Ruth 4 with themes of redemption, loyalty, and God's faithfulness. Boaz's selfless act of redemption, driven by his integrity and compassion, mirrors God's own redemptive love for humanity. Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to embrace a new life in Israel demonstrate the transformative power of love and faith.
The birth of Obed and his inclusion in the Davidic line underscore God's providential hand in shaping history. The Book of Ruth reminds us that God often works through ordinary people, crossing cultural and social boundaries, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. It is a powerful reminder that even in times of hardship and loss, God's love and faithfulness endure, paving the way for hope, restoration, and a lasting legacy. By submitting yourself to the Lord’s agenda, you open yourself to his sovereign purposes—not only for your own benefit but potentially for the benefit of generations after you.
Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.
And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.
And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s:
And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.
And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.
Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.
And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.
Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth–lehem:
And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman.
So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.
And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,
And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,
And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,
And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,
And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.
Ruth 4 beautifully concludes the story of Ruth, showcasing God's providential care, the power of loyal love, and the unexpected ways He weaves individuals into His grand narrative. This chapter highlights the redemption of Naomi's family land, the marriage of Boaz and Ruth, and the birth of Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David, solidifying Ruth's place in the lineage of Jesus Christ. This chapter underscores the themes of redemption, loyalty, and God's faithfulness in using ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary purposes. This chapter is a testament to God's ability to transform loss into blessing and to incorporate outsiders into His covenant family.
The Redemption at the City Gate (Ruth 4:1-6)
Ruth_4:1-2 opens with Boaz strategically positioning himself at the city gate, the hub of legal and business transactions. He awaits the arrival of the closer relative, the man with the first right of redemption, setting the stage for a crucial negotiation. Boaz invites the man to sit down, and gathers ten of the town's elders to serve as witnesses to the proceedings. This public setting emphasizes the seriousness and legality of the transaction.
Boaz then presents the situation: Naomi, recently returned from Moab and in need of funds, is selling a portion of the land that belonged to her late husband, Elimelech (Ruth_4:3). As the closest relative, this man has the first opportunity to redeem the land. Boaz makes it clear – redeem it if you wish; if not, Boaz himself is ready to step in as the next in line (Ruth_4:4).
Initially, the man is eager to acquire the land, seeing it as a potentially profitable investment. However, Boaz adds a crucial detail: redeeming the land also means taking Ruth, the Moabite widow, as his wife in order to provide an heir who would inherit the land under Elimelech's name (Ruth_4:5). This condition significantly changes the equation.
The man's enthusiasm quickly wanes. He realizes that marrying Ruth and having a son who would inherit the land would jeopardize his own inheritance and potentially bring social complications due to Ruth's Moabite heritage (Ruth_4:6). He expresses his inability to redeem the land, effectively relinquishing his right.
The Transfer of Rights (Ruth 4:7-10)
Ruth_4:7-9 describes the legal custom of the time: the transfer of a sandal to symbolize the transfer of rights and responsibilities. The man removes his sandal and gives it to Boaz, publicly signifying his relinquishment of his claim. This act, witnessed by the elders, legally grants Boaz the right to redeem both the land and Ruth.
Boaz then declares before the elders and the people that he is acquiring all that belonged to Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon, including Ruth the Moabitess, as his wife (Ruth_4:10). His intention is clear: to perpetuate the name of the deceased in his inheritance, ensuring that his name will not disappear from among his relatives or from the gate of his hometown.
Blessings and a New Beginning (Ruth 4:11-17)
The elders and the people gathered at the gate serve as witnesses and pronounce blessings upon Boaz and Ruth (Ruth_4:11-12). They pray that the Lord will make Ruth like Rachel and Leah, who built the house of Israel, and that Boaz will prosper and become famous in Bethlehem. They acknowledge the significance of their union and its potential for future generations.
God answers their prayers. Ruth conceives and gives birth to a son, Obed (Ruth_4:13). The women of Bethlehem rejoice with Naomi, praising the Lord for His provision and kindness (Ruth_4:14-15). They recognize that Ruth is a greater blessing to Naomi than seven sons, highlighting her exceptional loyalty and devotion. Naomi cradles the child, becoming his nurse, and the women declare, "A son has been born to Naomi!" (Ruth_4:17).
The Genealogy of David (Ruth 4:18-22)
To emphasize the significance of these events, the chapter concludes with a genealogy tracing the lineage from Perez, the son of Judah, to David (Ruth_4:18-22). This genealogy highlights that Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. This places Ruth, the Moabitess, directly in the ancestral line of Israel's greatest king.
This genealogy is not merely a historical record; it is a testament to God's sovereign plan and His ability to work through unexpected individuals and circumstances. It reveals that Ruth, a foreigner, became an integral part of God's chosen people and a key figure in the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-16).
Enduring Significance
The story of Ruth culminates in Ruth 4 with themes of redemption, loyalty, and God's faithfulness. Boaz's selfless act of redemption, driven by his integrity and compassion, mirrors God's own redemptive love for humanity. Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to embrace a new life in Israel demonstrate the transformative power of love and faith.
The birth of Obed and his inclusion in the Davidic line underscore God's providential hand in shaping history. The Book of Ruth reminds us that God often works through ordinary people, crossing cultural and social boundaries, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. It is a powerful reminder that even in times of hardship and loss, God's love and faithfulness endure, paving the way for hope, restoration, and a lasting legacy. By submitting yourself to the Lord’s agenda, you open yourself to his sovereign purposes—not only for your own benefit but potentially for the benefit of generations after you.