Explore the Bible By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
REDEEMED and SECURE
Ruth 3:8–13; 4:13–17
Recently the story of Desmond Doss has become the subject of a major Hollywood movie. This unassuming man of faith felt compelled to enlist in the armed forces during World War II although he held a deep conviction not to bear arms. He faced accusations of cowardice when training to serve but as a medic he demonstrated courage in the face of certain death to save his comrades wounded on the battlefield. As the men with whom he served would discover, God can surprise us with whom He chooses to bring about His purposes. Many men owed him their lives.
In our continuing Bible study of the time of the judges we find Ruth diligently carrying on the task of caring for her mother-in-law, Naomi. While Mama “Mara” found bitterness from her year in Moab, Ruth found sweetness in belonging to her husband’s extended family in Bethlehem. In these selected passages, we find a kinsman-redeemer whose lineage points us to the once-for-all Redeemer.
Inquiry (3:8–9)
Ruth and Boaz met earlier, while Ruth worked diligently in the gleaning fields to provide for Naomi. When Ruth left, Boaz graciously gave her plenty of grain in addition to the barley she had gleaned from the ground and the edges of the fields. Naomi inquired about the grain, Ruth mentioned Boaz by name and Naomi told her to bathe and perfume herself. Only then would she be presentable enough to request her redemption by one of her husband Mahlon’s kinsman. She listened to Naomi’s words and then went to the threshing floor during the night to approach Boaz.
Boaz was startled at the sight and scent of this young woman lying at his feet. “Who are you and what are you doing here?” Ruth reintroduced herself, who likely looked very different from the worker in the gleaning fields streaked with dust and sweat. She requested that Boaz redeem her, buy her husband’s possessions and become the father of her dead husband’s heir. All of this he would have understood when she asked him about redeeming her.
Interest (3:10–13)
This love story has a sweet and sour twist here. Boaz is pleased that Ruth would request this redemption by him. He knew, however, that another potential redeemer was available. In order for Boaz to redeem Ruth and all Elimelech’s (her father-in-law) possessions, the nearer kinsman would have to refuse the redemption publicly.
For those unfamiliar with the redemption concept, one must understand that God put provisions in His law through Moses to protect the unprotected. Widows, orphans, sojourners and the poor had certain liberties for survival. Widows would be cared for by the husband’s family. Her husband’s next available brother would marry her, and the first son born to them would become heir for the dead man. Later this practice expanded to the closest male family member. If the brother-in-law (Latin “levir,” as in “levirate” marriage) abused his right, God might put him to death (Gen. 38:6–10). If he refused to redeem her she would remove his sandal and spit in his face (Deut. 25:8–10, though not present in Ruth 4:8).
Inheritance (4:13–17)
Why does the redemption story of Ruth matter to Christians? This act of redemption carried on the family line in the tribe of Judah, from whom would come King David. Bible students, our new Testament begins with Matthew mentioning Ruth in Jesus’ genealogy from Abraham to David (Matt. 1:1–6a) and from David to Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer (Matt. 1:6b–16).
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