Ruth 4:1-12 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
today’s passage: Ruth 4:1-12. Let’s go!
Ruth 4:1 (NIV)
1 Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat there. When the kinsman-redeemer he had mentioned came along, Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.
On verses 1-9: I’m intrigued by the interaction between Boaz and his relative and how different these two men are.
On one hand there’s Boaz. Boaz was thoughtful, considerate, and intentional in his dealings with people and in business. Before making a decision, he would do his research, count the cost, and plan ahead. I get the sense that Boaz would try to think two steps ahead of everyone else. Boaz was also respectful in the way he communicated with those he dealt with. Thoughtful decision making and good EQ – these are part of what made Boaz an effective leader and a successful businessman. You see these traits of Boaz in play often in the book of Ruth, but especially here in Ruth 4:1-12. Boaz thoughtfully speaks to his relative (v1), wisely invites the elders of the town to be witnesses to a transaction (v2), skillfully leads his relative to relinquish his right as kinsman redeemer (v3) and eloquently announces to all the people that he will step in as Ruth’s kinsman redeemer (v9-10).
On the other hand we have Boaz’s relative. The Bible doesn’t disclose his name, so let’s call him Mr. X. From the perspective of consanguinity (closeness by blood), Mr. X was a closer relative to Elimelek (Naomi’s late husband) than Boaz was. Therefore Mr. X had priority (what lawyers call a right of first refusal) to act as Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer, to acquire Elimilek’s property and to take Ruth as his wife. Notice that apparently without asking any questions or doing any research at all, Mr. X quickly promises to redeem Naomi’s land (“I will redeem it” – v4). But then when he learns that he must also marry Ruth as part of the transaction, he backs out of his promise “because I might endanger my own estate.” (v6). This of course was great news for Boaz. But it also shows a bit of folly from Mr. X, who says yes at first, only to back out later.
What’s the lesson here? Before you make any major decision, think through it thoroughly, count the cost, and plan ahead. Otherwise, you can look foolish if you say yes at first and only later reconsider or regret your decision.
Ruth 4:10 (NIV)
10 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from the town records. Today you are witnesses!”
On verses 10-12: Of course, Boaz was in love with Ruth and was thrilled to marry her. But Boaz also understood that his marriage to Ruth was more than just about the two of them. He knew he was also fulfilling his role as kinsman redeemer and maintaining the name of three deceased relatives — Elimelek and his sons Kilion and Mahlon — “so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from the town records” (v10). What Boaz didn’t know was that, in addition to all this, God would use the marriage of Boaz and Ruth to do something even greater: to bring forth King David and ultimately Jesus the Messiah.
What can we learn from this? Marriage is not just about two people who love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together. God has a greater purpose for marriage, a purpose that is bigger than the two people getting married.
If you are married, or hope to get married one day, I pray you would see your marriage that way too: that your marriage is for a purpose greater than yourself and your happiness. It’s to give God glory and to carry the name of Jesus into the next generation and every generation after you. God wants Jesus to show up through your marriage.
Heavenly Father, help me to be a thoughtful planner like Boaz. And thank You for perfect plans for me. Today I recognize that Your plans for me are not just about me; they’re about how I fit into a much bigger story You are writing, a story that will impact nations and generations after me for the glory of God. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
