“Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there; and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz had spoken came by. So Boaz said, “Come aside, friend, sit down here.” So he came aside and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. Then he said to the close relative, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, sold the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech. And I thought to inform you, saying, ‘Buy it back in the presence of the inhabitants and the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know; for there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.’ ” And he said, “I will redeem it.” Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also buy it from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance.” And the close relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I ruin my own inheritance. You redeem my right of redemption for yourself, for I cannot redeem it.” Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging, to confirm anything: one man took off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation in Israel. Therefore the close relative said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” So he took off his sandal. And Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi. Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have acquired as my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brethren and from his position at the gate. You are witnesses this day.” And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel; and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring which the Lord will give you from this young woman.” So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. Also the neighbor women gave him 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 this is the genealogy of Perez: Perez begot Hezron; Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Amminadab; Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon; Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed; Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David.”
Ruth 4:1-22 NKJV
Ruth 4 is the climactic chapter of the story, where redemption is fulfilled and restoration begins. Boaz steps forward as the kinsman-redeemer to secure Ruth’s future, honor Naomi’s family, and establish a legacy that ultimately leads to the Messiah. This chapter highlights God’s providence, faithfulness, and the eternal significance of redemption.
Exegesis of Ruth 4
1. Ruth 4:1-12 – Boaz Redeems Ruth
Boaz at the City Gate
Boaz initiates the legal process of redemption by meeting the closer kinsman at the city gate, a place for public transactions and decisions (Ruth 4:1-2).
Boaz presents the opportunity to redeem Elimelech’s land, making it clear that it includes marrying Ruth, the Moabite widow (Ruth 4:3-5).
The Closer Kinsman Declines
The closer kinsman declines the offer, fearing it would endanger his inheritance (Ruth 4:6). This refusal clears the way for Boaz to act as the redeemer.
Boaz Redeems Ruth
Boaz declares his intention to redeem Ruth and the land, fulfilling his role as kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 4:9-10).
The elders bless Boaz, praying that Ruth’s house would be like Rachel and Leah, the matriarchs of Israel (Ruth 4:11-12).
2. Ruth 4:13-17 – The Birth of Obed
God’s Blessing on Ruth and Naomi
Ruth and Boaz are married, and God blesses them with a son, Obed (Ruth 4:13).
Obed is described as a redeemer for Naomi, restoring her joy and securing her family’s legacy (Ruth 4:14-15).
The Role of the Community
The women of Bethlehem celebrate Naomi’s restoration, recognizing God’s kindness and Ruth’s exceptional loyalty.
The community’s blessing reflects the joy and unity that redemption brings.
3. Ruth 4:18-22 – The Genealogy of David
A Lineage of Redemption
The chapter concludes with a genealogy tracing Obed’s lineage to King David (Ruth 4:18-22).
This lineage ties Ruth to the greater story of redemption, leading to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer (Matthew 1:5-6).
Significance of Ruth’s Inclusion
Ruth, a Moabite, is included in the genealogy of Christ, demonstrating God’s grace and His plan to include all nations in His redemptive work (Galatians 3:28).
Boaz and Jesus: The Ultimate Redeemer
Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer beautifully parallels the redemptive work of Jesus Christ:
1. The Right to Redeem
Boaz, as a close relative, had the legal right to redeem Ruth and the land (Ruth 4:9).
Jesus, as the Son of God and Son of Man, had the right to redeem humanity:
“For God sent His Son… born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5).
2. The Ability to Redeem
Boaz had the resources and standing to fulfill the obligations of redemption (Ruth 2:1; Ruth 4:9-10).
Jesus had the power to pay the price for our sins through His sacrificial death:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).
3. The Desire to Redeem
Boaz willingly took on the responsibility, motivated by love and integrity (Ruth 3:11).
Jesus willingly gave Himself for us, demonstrating His love:
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
Boaz’s actions foreshadow Jesus Christ, who fulfills the ultimate redemption of humanity, securing eternal hope for all who trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Boaz’s role as a redeemer help you understand Jesus’ work of redemption?
- What does Ruth’s inclusion in Christ’s genealogy teach us about God’s grace and plan for all people?
- How can we reflect God’s redeeming love in our relationships and actions?
Life Applications
- Celebrate Redemption: Rejoice in the hope and restoration we have through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
- Live a Legacy of Faith: Like Ruth and Boaz, live in a way that leaves a lasting impact for God’s kingdom.
- Extend Grace to Others: Ruth’s story reminds us to embrace and extend God’s grace to all people, regardless of their background.
Conclusion
Ruth 4 is a beautiful picture of redemption, restoration, and legacy. Boaz’s faithfulness points to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. Through His love and sacrifice, we are brought into God’s family and given the hope of eternal life. Just as Ruth’s story becomes part of God’s greater plan, so too are our lives woven into His eternal purpose.