By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
REDEMPTION
Ruth 3:8–13; 4:13–17
The story of Ruth beautifully depicts the complexity of God’s providence. From an uncertain future to a future secured by the redeeming grace of God, Ruth’s story affirms that God’s promises and love are immeasurable.
The story of Ruth foreshadows God’s redemptive plan through Christ. We learn that sin from your past doesn’t dispel hope from your future.
Future Unclear (3:8–10)
Encouraged by Ruth’s days in Boaz’s field, Naomi instructed Ruth in the way she should go to ensure a brighter future. Ruth carefully followed Naomi’s directions to solicit redemption by Boaz, while the Lord had prepared Boaz to redeem Ruth.
Naomi instructed Ruth to put on her best appearance and to propose marriage to Boaz by using an ancient Near Eastern custom. Since Boaz was a generation older than Ruth (2:8), this overture would indicate Ruth’s desire to marry Boaz, which the older, gracious Boaz would not have initiated with a younger woman.
Ruth righteously appealed to Boaz using the language of Boaz’s earlier prayer (2:12) to marry her according to the levirate custom (Deut. 25:5–10).
This custom stated that when a husband died without children, the nearest brother-in-law might be asked to marry his brother’s widow to give her security in the name of the deceased brother.
Since both of Elimelech’s sons were dead, Ruth couldn’t ask a brother-in-law. So she asked Boaz, another kinsman redeemer in the family, to serve as her redeemer.
Boaz commended Ruth for her loyalty to Naomi and to the Lord. Ruth demonstrated moral excellence by not engaging in sexual immorality or remarrying outside of the family, but by appealing for levirate redemption to an older, godly man. Boaz understood the situation and the trust Ruth was placing in him.
Future Secured (11–13)
Boaz assured Ruth of his desire to help her. He and everyone in Bethlehem knew Ruth was a woman of noble character. But there was a potential obstacle in the way. There was one kinsman redeemer closer to Ruth than himself. This closer family redeemer had the right to redeem the land and Ruth.
Boaz responded to Ruth’s request with tenderness and compassion. He told her the truth about the other redeemer, but he assured her he would take care of the situation in the morning. Ruth could rest at peace because God was at work in her life. Boaz guaranteed Ruth that one way or the other, she would be cared for and had no need to worry.
Future Redeemed (4:13–17)
Boaz found the closer family redeemer, described the situation and explained the details of the transaction. Upon hearing that he would be required to marry Ruth, the other family redeemer declined his right of redemption.
Boaz pledged to redeem everything that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion and Mahlon, including taking Ruth to be his wife. He exercised his legal option before the appropriate witnesses.
God blessed the marriage and enabled Ruth to conceive and bear a son named Obed. It is beautiful to behold God’s providence restoring Naomi’s fortunes and reminding us that God has not abandoned us.
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