Study of Ruth 4:7-12

Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party would remove his sandal and give it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.

So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.”

Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I am buying from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. I am also acquiring Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, as my wife, to perpetuate the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his hometown. You are witnesses today.”

All the people who were at the gate, including the elders, said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and renowned in Bethlehem. And may your house be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring the Lord will give you by this young woman.”
— Ruth 4:7-12


This passage describes the formal completion of Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer. The symbolic act of the kinsman-redeemer removing his sandal signifies the legal transfer of rights to Boaz. Boaz publicly declares his intentions to redeem the property and to marry Ruth, ensuring that the name of Elimelech’s family will continue.

The community’s blessing over Boaz and Ruth reflects their acknowledgment of the importance of this act of redemption. They compare Ruth to Rachel and Leah, the matriarchs of Israel, recognizing her potential to be part of God’s greater plan for His people.

This scene reminds us of the faithfulness of those who take on God-given responsibilities, as Boaz did, and how such actions can impact not just individuals but entire communities. It also points forward to the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus, who willingly took on the cost to redeem humanity.


Questions

1. Boaz’s act of redemption ensured the continuation of Elimelech’s family line. How can we honor and preserve what God has entrusted to us?

2. The community celebrated Boaz’s decision with blessings for him and Ruth. How can we support and encourage others when they take steps of faith and obedience?

3. How does Boaz’s role as a redeemer remind us of Jesus’ work of redemption for all of humanity?


Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Through Boaz’s faithfulness and the community’s blessings, we see how redemption brings restoration and hope. Teach us to step into the roles You have prepared for us with courage and integrity, trusting that our obedience can have a far-reaching impact. Help us to celebrate and encourage others when they follow Your call. Thank You for sending Jesus as our ultimate Redeemer, who paid the price to restore us to You.

I pray in the name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen.

-

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lamentations 3:22-23 – Even Through the Bad, God is Faithful

Image
The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. --Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB The most significant thing about this wonderful passage is where we find it in the Bible. The Book of Lamentations tells of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, which took place over 587 and 586 BC when Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar overran the city. The surviving inhabitants either fled to other countries, were carried away to Babylon as slaves or remained under the brutal rule of an occupying force. Lamentations does not name its author, but it is generally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. For many years Jeremiah had warned the people and their leaders about their unfaithfulness to God. Jeremiah knew that being chosen by God did not translate to a free pass. He knew that actions had consequences. If God's people were not faithful to God's instructions, bad things would happen. But even...
Read more

Study of James 5:19-20

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins. — James 5:19-20 James concludes his letter with a final exhortation, emphasizing the importance of restoring those who have wandered from the truth. He speaks to the responsibility believers have toward one another—not only to encourage and strengthen the faithful but also to help those who have drifted away from God’s path. James acknowledges that believers can stray, whether through sin, doubt, or deception. Rather than judging or condemning them, he urges the church to pursue them with love and compassion, seeking to bring them back to the truth. The one who helps restore a wandering soul is participating in a redemptive work, covering a multitude of sins. This phrase reflects the biblical theme that love and grace bring reconciliation, both between individuals and ...
Read more

Bible Study: Lydia

On the Sabbath day we went outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down, and spoke to the women who had come together. A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and stay.” So she persuaded us. — Acts 16:13-15 WEB* On his second missionary trip, Paul visited the Roman colony of Philippi (FILL-uh-pie) along with Silas, Luke and Timothy. Philippi was on the famous Egnatian Road—a trade route from Asia to Rome. The city was important during the New Testament due to its agriculture, location, functioning gold mines, and Roman status. Lydia was a businessworman whose name may have come from the Hellenistic district where the town of Thyatira (thigh-uh-TIE-r...
Read more