Ruth 4
Ruth Refused by Her Kinsman.This section tells how Boaz arranged a meeting at the city gate to settle the matter of redeeming Naomi’s land and marrying Ruth. Boaz acted quickly and openly, showing respect for the law and for Ruth. The story highlights the value of good character, honesty in business, and trusting God’s timing. Boaz’s actions stand out because he cared more about Ruth’s virtue than her wealth or status.v. 1–2: Boaz, likely an important leader in Bethlehem, went up to the city gate, where public business was discussed. He called together ten elders to witness the case. Boaz also called the other kinsman, who had the first right to redeem Naomi’s land. Boaz acted openly and wanted everything to be fair and legal, not done in secret. This teaches us to be honest and above reproach in our dealings (Job 29:7–25 a). – v. 3–4: Boaz explained that Naomi was selling a piece of land that had belonged to her family. The closest kinsman had the first right to buy it back. At first, the man was eager to redeem the land, thinking it would be a good investment. Boaz gave him the chance to buy it before anyone else, showing fairness even though Boaz himself wanted it (Ruth 4:3–4; Leviticus 25:24–25 b). – v. 5–6: Boaz then told the kinsman that if he bought the land, he must also marry Ruth, the widow of the family, to carry on her husband’s name. When the man heard this, he changed his mind and refused, saying, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance (Ruth 4:6 c). He was worried about the cost or the effect on his own family. The man valued his own interests above doing what was right for Ruth and Naomi. Many people are like this—they want blessings but not the responsibility that comes with them (Deuteronomy 25:5 d). – v. 7–8: When the kinsman gave up his right to redeem, he took off his shoe and gave it to Boaz. This was a traditional way of sealing a deal in Israel, showing that he gave up his claim to the land and Ruth (Ruth 4:7–8; Jeremiah 32:10–12 e). This public act made everything official and honest. Unlike the law of levirate marriage, where refusal meant shame, here the shoe was just a sign of transferring rights (Deuteronomy 25:9 f). Boaz’s open and honest way of handling the matter teaches us to act with integrity and transparency in all our business and relationships. – Ruth Married to Boaz.This section describes how Boaz publicly declares his marriage to Ruth and his redemption of Naomi’s family property. It shows Boaz’s integrity, Ruth’s honor, and the blessings that come from doing what is right. The marriage is celebrated with prayers and good wishes from the elders and people of Bethlehem, reflecting the joy and importance of this union.v. 9–10: Boaz gathered the elders and people at the city gate to witness his actions. He announced that he had redeemed Elimelech’s property, paying the price to restore it to the family. Boaz also declared that he was taking Ruth, the widow of Mahlon, to be his wife, in order to preserve the name and inheritance of the family (Ruth 4:9–10 g). Boaz’s public declaration showed his respect for the law and his desire to honor both the living and the dead. By marrying Ruth, Boaz gave dignity to her and her family. His selflessness and commitment brought him into the genealogy of the Messiah, showing how God blesses those who act with kindness and faithfulness (Luke 14:14 h). – v. 11–12: The elders and all the people blessed the marriage, praying for Ruth and Boaz. They prayed that Ruth would be like Rachel and Leah, who together built the house of Israel by having many children. They also prayed for Boaz to continue to be respected and successful in Bethlehem. Finally, they asked that Boaz’s house would grow and prosper like the family of Pharez, one of Judah’s descendants, who was known for having a large and strong lineage (Numbers 26:21 i). These prayers show the importance of seeking God’s blessing on marriages and families. They also highlight how God can use even humble people, like Ruth, to accomplish great things. – The Pedigree of David; Naomi Comforted in Her Grandson.This section tells of Ruth and Boaz’s marriage, the birth of their son, and how this child brought joy and comfort to Naomi. It also shows how God used Ruth, a foreigner, to be part of the family line that would lead to King David and, eventually, to Christ. God rewards faithfulness and can turn sorrow into joy.v. 13: Boaz married Ruth with all the proper customs and respect. Ruth, once a poor and foreign widow, became his wife and was honored for her faithfulness and character. Boaz’s prayer for Ruth to be rewarded was answered as he himself became the means of her blessing. God often lifts up the humble and gives them honor (Psalm 113:7–8 j). v. 14–15: The Lord gave Ruth the blessing of a child, for children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3 k). The women of Bethlehem celebrated with Naomi, seeing the child as a sign of God’s kindness to her family. They prayed that this child would be famous and bring comfort to Naomi in her old age, just as Ruth had been a great blessing to her mother-in-law. Sometimes God gives us new family and joy in ways we do not expect (Psalm 113:9; Isaiah 54:1 l). – v. 16–17: Naomi cared for the baby and loved him like her own. The women named him Obed, which means “servant,” hoping he would serve and help his family. Naomi’s love for Obed showed how God can restore what is lost. Ruth’s love and loyalty made her better to Naomi than seven sons. God can use even those we least expect to bring us the greatest comfort and joy (Proverbs 18:24 m). – v. 18–22: The genealogy at the end of this book shows that Ruth became the great-grandmother of David, Israel’s greatest king. This family line leads to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Ruth’s story teaches us that God can use anyone who is faithful, no matter their background, to accomplish His great plans for the world.
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