Ruth 4
-Now Boaz followed through with his word to seek out a
kinsman redeemer for the widowed Ruth. He went to the gate and sat down there
as was the custom when matters needed to be addressed. As this closer relative
to Elimelech soon passed by, Boaz had him turn aside and sit down with him to
offer him the opportunity to buy Elimelech’s inherited land as a redemption
property. Initially, this close relative did want to buy the land and redeem
it. But, when Boaz informed him that if he bought the land he needed to also
acquire Ruth as his wife, the close relative thought again about his decision
and for whatever reason now declined the offer. He did mention that somehow he
would jeopardize his own inheritance; therefore, he allowed Boaz the right to
redemption of the land and Ruth. They performed the customary removal of the
sandal from one to another to confirm the exchange of the land unto the manner
of attestation in Israel at the time, and the matter was completed. Boaz said
to the elders and all the people who were there, “You are witnesses today that
I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all
that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon (Elimelech’s sons who had passed away, Ruth
4:1-9).”
-He went on, “Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess,
the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the
deceased on his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased will not be cut
off from his brothers or from the court of his birth place; you are witnesses
today.” All the people there agreed. They then pronounced blessing upon Ruth
and Boaz by saying, “May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home
like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built the house of Israel; and may you
achieve wealth in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem (Ruth 4:10-11).”
They went on with the pouring out of favor, “Moreover, may your house be like
the house of Perez whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring which the
LORD will give you by this young woman (Ruth 4:12).” So Boaz completed his
honorable and loveable mission by marrying his young bride and having sexual
intimacy. They conceived by the enabling of the LORD and had a son. The women
of the region blessed Naomi now and told her that indeed the LORD had raised up
a redeemer who would become famous in Israel. Boaz would become a restorer of
life to this older widow and a sustainer for her well-being. They went on to
say something really special of this Moabitess foreigner, the impeccable and
noble Ruth. She was to Naomi better than seven sons because she loved her
mother-in-law and gave her a grandchild to carry on the family name (Ruth
4:13-15).
-In time Naomi laid the new child on her lap and became his
nurse. He was named Obed, who later became the father of Jesse, who was the
father of the future King David (Ruth 4:16-17). The book ends with the genealogy
from Perez to David, a remarkable-real family line that fulfilled the ancient
prophecies and would lead to the Messiah in the fullness of time (Ruth 4:18-22,
Genesis 38:11-29; 49:10, Galatians 4:4-7).
-*Application* To this day, Boaz and Ruth’s names are famous
in Bethlehem Ephrathah. Included is a picture of a restaurant built in the
fertile area where Boaz’s wheat once grew. More important than this however is
the legacy of love and redemption that truly began with this great man and
woman of God. They had transformed lives that exuded class, kindness, and
courage. For their character they received blessings, honor, and favor perhaps
more than any other family in Israel. Let’s think about it, the Messiah, Jesus
Christ, came from them. Do we want to incur the favor of God in our lives like
these remarkable people? I don’t even need to answer that question do I? It’s
obvious, as we allow the LORD to change our hearts, wills, and minds into
conformity with His image, we too will experience the blessings of the Almighty
in small and large ways.
Verses to Memorize:
Ruth 4:10, 14
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