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Ā¹āÆThen 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.
Ā²āÆAnd he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.
Ā³āÆAnd 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:
ā“āÆAnd 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.
āµāÆThen 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.
ā¶āÆAnd 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.
ā·āÆNow 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.
āøāÆTherefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.
ā¹āÆAnd 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.
Ā¹ā°āÆMoreover 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.
Ā¹Ā¹āÆAnd 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 Bethlehem:
Ā¹Ā²āÆAnd 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.
Ā¹Ā³āÆSo 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.
Ā¹ā“āÆAnd 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.
Ā¹āµāÆAnd 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 borne him.
Ā¹ā¶āÆAnd Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
Ā¹ā·āÆAnd 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.
Ā¹āøāÆNow these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,
Ā¹ā¹āÆAnd Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,
Ā²ā°āÆAnd Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,
Ā²Ā¹āÆAnd Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,
Ā²Ā²āÆAnd Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.
š A Divine Match: Trusting Godās Plan for Marriage š
āAnd he said, āBlessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.āā ā Ruth 4:15
Ruth chapter 4 brings the story of Ruth and Naomi to a beautiful conclusion, showcasing God’s hand in redemption, provision, and restoration. This chapter demonstrates how Godās plan for redemption often involves the faithfulness of individuals who trust His timing. The powerful story of Ruth’s relationship with Boaz and the lineage that is formed through their union points toward God’s perfect plan of salvation.
In Ruth 4, we see a significant turning point for both Ruth and Naomi, as Boaz steps forward as the kinsman-redeemer. This chapter reinforces themes of loyalty, justice, and God’s sovereignty in working through the lives of His people. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, Boazās righteousness, and Godās faithfulness are central to this chapter, revealing how God works through ordinary people to bring about extraordinary outcomes.
š Structure of Ruth Chapter 4
Verses 1-2: Boaz Goes to the City Gate
Boaz, aware of his role as a potential kinsman-redeemer, heads to the city gate, where legal transactions and matters of justice were handled. Here, he meets the nearest kinsman and prepares to take action on behalf of Naomi and Ruth. The gate represents a place of authority and decision-making in Israelite culture.
Verses 3-6: Boaz Offers the Redeemer’s Role
Boaz presents the opportunity for the kinsman-redeemer to buy Naomiās land. However, when the kinsman learns that this responsibility includes marrying Ruth, he declines, citing the potential risk to his inheritance. Boazās righteous character shines through as he takes up the mantle of redemption for Ruth.
Verses 7-10: Boaz Redeems Ruth
In a formal act of redemption, Boaz purchases the land from Naomi and agrees to marry Ruth, thus fulfilling his duty as a kinsman-redeemer. This is a powerful moment where Boaz demonstrates integrity, acting according to the law and with a heart of compassion. He redeems not only the land but also Ruthās future and legacy.
Verses 11-12: The Blessing of the Elders
The elders of the city and the people at the gate bless Boaz and Ruth, praying that their union would bring prosperity and strength to the house of Israel. They recognize that Ruthās marriage to Boaz will bring a lasting legacy, as they pray for their descendants to be as famous as the house of Perez.
Verses 13-17: The Birth of Obed
Ruth and Boazās marriage results in the birth of a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. This child represents not only the redemption of Naomi and Ruth but also the unfolding of Godās plan for Israelās future kingship, which ultimately leads to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Naomiās joy is restored as she cares for Obed, and the women of the town praise God for His provision.
Verses 18-22: The Genealogy of David
The chapter concludes with a genealogy that traces the lineage from Perez to King David, showcasing how Godās plan of redemption was unfolding through ordinary people like Ruth and Boaz. Their faithful obedience resulted in the continuation of God’s promise to Israel, further illustrating how Godās purposes are accomplished through generational faithfulness.
š” Key Themes
āØDivine Providence and Redemption
Ruth 4 highlights God’s sovereign plan in the lives of His people. Ruth and Boazās faithfulness and obedience lead to the redemption of Naomi and Ruth, and their lineage contributes to Godās redemptive story for Israel.
āØFaithfulness and Loyalty
Ruthās loyalty to Naomi and Boazās integrity as a redeemer demonstrate the importance of faithfulness in our relationships and in the pursuit of God’s plan. Their actions bring about God’s blessing and fulfillment of His promises.
āØRestoration and New Beginnings
Through Ruth and Boazās union, God restores not only Naomiās family line but also Ruthās status. This chapter emphasizes that God can bring about restoration, even in the most hopeless situations, when we trust Him and His timing.
āØGodās Timing in His Plan
The birth of Obed at the close of the chapter signifies the fulfillment of Godās perfect timing. Ruth and Boaz’s union was not just about their personal happinessāit was part of God’s greater plan for Israelās future.
š¤ Key People
- Ruth ā A woman of loyalty, courage, and faith, whose commitment to Naomi leads to her role in God’s redemptive plan.
- Boaz ā A righteous man who fulfills the role of kinsman-redeemer, demonstrating integrity and compassion.
- Naomi ā A widow who experiences the restoration of her family and the blessing of a grandson.
- The Elders of the City ā The witnesses to Boazās redemption of Ruth and Naomi, who bless their marriage and recognize Godās hand in the process.
š„ Why This Chapter Matters
Ruth 4 serves as a beautiful picture of redemption, not just for Ruth and Naomi, but for all of God’s people. The faithfulness of Ruth, the integrity of Boaz, and the sovereignty of God come together to fulfill His promises. This chapter reveals that God’s redemptive plan unfolds in the most ordinary ways, through the faith and actions of His people. It also sets the stage for the eventual coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer.
š Let’s Reflect
- How do you see Godās hand of redemption working in your life?
- What does it mean to you that Godās plan is often fulfilled through ordinary acts of faithfulness?
- How can you trust God’s timing when it seems like the outcome is uncertain?
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