“I Want to Be Like Ruth” Study

#5 Love Finds a Way -- Ruth 4

The Book of Ruth opens with three funerals but closes with a wedding. There is a good deal of weeping recorded in the first chapter, but the last chapter records an overflowing of joy in the little town of Bethlehem. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps. 30:5, kjv). Not all of life’s stories have this kind of happy ending; but this little book reminds us that, for the Christian, God still writes the last chapter. We don’t have to be afraid of the future.

(4:1-22) Introduction: marriage is one of the most beautiful experiences in life. At some point in their lives, most people desire marriage, an intimate relationship with the opposite sex that is permanent, lasting. There is a desire for the spiritual union and intimacy that marriage offers, for a deep sense of...

All these are qualities for which the human soul longs. And to some degree, these qualities cannot be completely fulfilled apart from the intimacy of marriage. God has made us that way, putting within our very nature the need for a marriage partner. It is through marriage that the human race is preserved. And it is through a redeemed marriage—a marriage that has been rescued and saved and committed to God—that godly children are born. It is through redeemed marriages that the descendants of faith continue to march down through the ages of history. This is the wonderful event that takes place here in the present Scripture: the marriage of Ruth to Boaz.

Remember, Ruth had proposed to Boaz, seeking to marry him because he was a kinsman-redeemer. By law, the kinsman-redeemer was to protect both the name and property of all close relatives. He was to marry any childless widow in order to keep the family name alive, keep the family from dying out. And he was to redeem any property that had been mortgaged or sold off. All property was to be kept within the family. Ruth had sought marriage with Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer, because she and Naomi were in dire straits. They had been widowed, both husbands having died and having left them childless. They were poverty-stricken, living in a male-dominated world. There were few if any reasonable paying jobs for women. Moreover, Ruth was a foreigner, a stranger who was sometimes looked upon suspiciously as foreigners so often are. Ruth and Naomi had faced a bleak, hopeless future—UNTIL NOW! Boaz had accepted Ruth's proposal for marriage. But a problem or predicament existed. There was one closer relative, a man who had the rights of the kinsman-redeemer before Boaz. Even so, Boaz promised Ruth to take the matter immediately to court in order to settle the issue. This is the scene being covered by this chapter.

This chapter focuses on three persons: a bridegroom, a bride, and a baby.

The bridegroom (Ruth 4:1-10)

The law of the kinsman redeemer is given in Leviticus 25:23-34, and the law governing levirate marriage is found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. The purpose of these laws was to preserve the name and protect the property of families in Israel. God owned the land and didn’t want it exploited by rich people who would take advantage of poor people and widows. When obeyed, these laws made sure that a dead man’s family name did not die with him and that his property was not sold outside the tribe or clan. The tragedy is that the Jewish rulers didn’t always obey this law, and the prophets had to rebuke them for stealing land from the helpless (1 Kings 21; Isa. 5:8-10; Hab. 2:9-12). The nation’s abuse of the land was one cause for their Captivity (2 Chron. 36:21).

The meaning of redemption.

The word redeem means “to set free by paying a price.” In the case of Ruth and Naomi, Elimelech’s property had either been sold or was under some kind of mortgage, and the rights to the land had passed to Ruth’s husband Mahlon when Elimelech died. This explains why Ruth was also involved in the transaction. She was too poor, however, to redeem the land.

When it comes to spiritual redemption, all people are in bondage to sin and Satan (Eph. 2:1-3; John 8:33-34) and are unable to set themselves free. Jesus Christ gave His life as a ransom for sinners (Mark 10:45; Rev. 5:9-10), and faith in Him sets the captive free.

The marks of the redeemer.

Not everybody could perform the duties of a kinsman redeemer. To begin with, he had to be a near kinsman (Lev. 25:25). This was the major obstacle Boaz had to overcome because another man in Bethlehem was a nearer relative to Ruth than he was (3:12-13). When you see this as a type of Jesus Christ, it reminds you that He had to become related to us before He could redeem us. He became flesh and blood so He could die for us on the cross (Heb. 2:14-15). When He was born into this world in human flesh, He became our “near kinsman”; and He will remain our “kinsman” for all eternity. What matchless love!

In order to qualify, the kinsman redeemer also had to be able to pay the redemption price. Ruth and Naomi were too poor to redeem themselves, but Boaz had all the resources necessary to set them free. When it comes to the redemption of sinners, nobody but Jesus Christ is rich enough to pay the price. Indeed, the payment of money can never set sinners free; it is the shedding of the precious blood of Christ that has accomplished redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19; see Ps. 49:5-9). We have redemption through Christ’s blood (Eph. 1:7), because He gave Himself for us (Titus 2:14) and purchased eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:12).

There was a third qualification: The kinsman redeemer had to be willing to redeem. As we shall see in this chapter, since the nearer kinsman was not willing to redeem Ruth, Boaz was free to purchase both the property and a wife. The nearer kinsman had the money but not the motivation: He was afraid he would jeopardize his own family’s inheritance.

The method of redemption.

In ancient times, the city gate was the official court where judicial business was transacted in the presence of the elders (Deut. 21:18-21; 2 Sam. 15:2; Job 29:7ff). When Boaz arrived at the gate, he gathered ten men to witness the transaction. Just then, the nearer kinsman walked by—another evidence of God’s providence—and Boaz hailed him. Now everything was ready for the great transaction that would ultimately involve the coming of the Son of God into the world.

The key theme of this chapter is redemption. The words “redeem,” “buy,” and “purchase” are used at least fifteen times. There can be no redemption without the paying of a price. From our point of view, salvation is free to “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21, kjv); but from God’s point of view, redemption is a very costly thing.

The other kinsman was willing to buy the land until he learned that Ruth was a part of the transaction, and then he backed out. His explanation was that, in marrying Ruth, he would jeopardize his own inheritance. If he had a son by Ruth, and that son were his only surviving heir, Mahlon’s property and part of his own estate would go to Elimelech’s family. The fact that Ruth was a Moabitess may also have been a problem to him. (Both Mahlon and Chilion had married Moabite women and died!)

Boaz was undoubtedly relieved when his relative stepped aside and opened the way for Ruth to become his wife. It’s worth noting that the nearer kinsman tried to protect his name and inheritance; but we don’t even know what his name was or what happened to his family! Boaz took the risk of love and obedience, and his name is written down in Scripture and held in honor. “He who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17, nkjv). This also explains why Orpah’s name is missing in Ruth 4:9-10.

The custom of taking off the shoe probably relates to the divine commandment to walk on the land and take possession (Gen. 13:17; Deut. 11:24; Josh. 1:3). In years to come, the ten witnesses would be able to testify that the transaction had been completed because they saw the kinsman hand his shoe to Boaz. It symbolized the kinsman’s forfeiture of his right to possess the land. Boaz now had the land—and Ruth!

I have mentioned before that Boaz is a picture of Jesus Christ, our Kinsman Redeemer; and this scene is no exception to that. Like Boaz, Jesus wasn’t concerned about jeopardizing His own inheritance; instead, He made us a part of His inheritance (Eph. 1:11, 18). Like Boaz, Jesus made His plans privately, but He paid the price publicly; and like Boaz, Jesus did what He did because of His love for His bride.

However, there are also some contrasts between Boaz and the Lord Jesus Christ. Boaz purchased Ruth by giving out of his wealth, while Jesus purchased His bride by giving Himself on the cross. Boaz didn’t have to suffer and die to get a bride. Boaz had a rival in the other kinsman, but there was no rival to challenge Jesus Christ. Boaz took Ruth that he might raise up the name of the dead (Ruth 4:10), but we Christians glorify the name of the living Christ. There were witnesses on earth to testify that Ruth belonged to Boaz (vv. 9-10), but God’s people have witnesses from heaven, the Spirit, and the Word (1 John 5:9-13).

Five times in Ruth 4:1-2 you find people sitting down. When Jesus Christ finished purchasing His bride, He sat down in heaven (Heb. 1:3; Mark 16:19) because the transaction was completed. “It is finished!”

(4:1-4) Kinsman-Redeemer, Facts About— Redeemer, Facts About—  Redemption, Marks of— Cities, Courts of— Courts, Legal— Legal Courts: first, the redeemer had to be a near kinsman, a very close relative, a member of the very same family or clan. This was an absolute essential in order to preserve the name of the family and to keep all property within the family. For this reason, Boaz had to seek out the other kinsman-redeemer. They had to settle the issue: Which one of them would marry Ruth and redeem the property of Naomi and Ruth?

Boaz went to the city gate, the place where court was held and legal matters settled (4:1). In the cities of that day, the gates were somewhat like city squares in small villages and towns. People gathered at the city gates because everyone—citizens and visitors alike—had to pass in and out to conduct business and other important matters. City gates became the place where city officials and businessmen gathered to conduct their affairs. Even civil court was held at the area surrounding city gates.

Boaz arrived at the city gate rather early, probably before daybreak, because of his excitement. Hopefully, he might be able to settle the issue rather quickly and marry Ruth himself. As soon as the other kinsman-redeemer came along, Boaz summoned him into court. Boaz then called ten city elders to serve as court officials and witnesses (4:2). Surprisingly, when he began to present the case before the court, he said nothing about Ruth. Rather, he switched the burden of the case to Naomi, stating that she had a piece of land that she needed to sell because she was poverty-stricken (4:3).

Does this mean that Naomi actually owned a piece of land that had remained in her family during the family's ten-year stay in Moab, that she was now forced to sell it because of her poverty? If so, it was the duty of the kinsman-redeemer to buy back (redeem) the land in order to keep it in the family. However, there is another possible interpretation: that Naomi did not actually own the land at this particular time; that it had been sold by her husband Elimelech before they left for Moab. But according to Israelite law, even now she retained the right of redemption, the right to buy back the land. However, being destitute, she lacked the funds. Thus, it was the responsibility of the kinsman-redeemer to repurchase the property. "It is the right of redemption that Naomi is 'selling.'"

Boaz informed the other kinsman-redeemer that one of them needed to buy the property (4:4). A decision needed to be made. The redemption of the property had to be carried out by a near relative, a kinsman-redeemer.

    The law of Israel clearly stated that the redeemer had to be a near kinsman, a close relative, and a member of the family who was related by blood. This is a clear type of Jesus Christ. In order to redeem us, He had to become related to us. Just as we are born with flesh and blood, so He Himself had to come into the world as flesh and blood in order to redeem us.

(4:4) Redemption, Facts about— Redemption, Duty— Will, Duty: second, the redeemer had to be willing to redeem the needy. Ruth and Naomi desperately needed to be redeemed, rescued and saved from a life of poverty and hopelessness. They desperately needed someone who was willing to redeem them and their property. Boaz was willing, but was the other kinsman?

Boaz urged the kinsman to redeem the property. If he would not, then Boaz stated that he would. As soon as Boaz had made this statement, he heard the dreadful words he had hoped he would not hear. The kinsman agreed to redeem the property. His quick response suggests that he was eager to secure the land, feeling that it would be a good investment and perhaps increase his holdings and estate rather significantly. Of course, being a large property owner would enhance his reputation and position in Bethlehem as well as increase his profits each year.

Throughout Israel's history, willingness was an absolute essential for the needy to be redeemed. The kinsman-redeemer had to be willing to rescue his relative from trouble. So it is with our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ willingly went to the cross to die for us. He made the decision—determined, set His mind, resolved, purposed—to redeem us by dying for us. He willingly, voluntarily became our Redeemer.

(4:5-6) Resources— Kinsman-Redeemer, Resources of: third, the redeemer had to have the resources to redeem the needy. As soon as the other kinsman agreed to redeem the property, Boaz reminded the kinsman of the legal condition. He had to marry the widow Ruth. And then Boaz added the reason: so that Ruth could have children and carry on her husband's name, keeping the land in the family.

Hearing this, the other kinsman-redeemer backed off. He would not be able to redeem the land and take on the added expense of another family and their future heirs. This time Boaz heard the news he longed to hear: the other kinsman told Boaz to redeem the land himself.

This kinsman-redeemer did not have the resources to redeem Ruth and Naomi. But this is not so with Christ. Jesus Christ has the resources, the power to redeem us, to rescue and save us.

(4:7-9) Redemption, Surety of, a Legal Transaction— Law, Governing Redemption— Redemption, Duty, to Transact Legally— Boaz, Faithfulness of: fourth, the redeemer had to legally transact redemption before witnesses. This fact is now seen in the legal transaction that took place between Boaz and the other kinsman-redeemer:

1.  In ancient history, the law for transferring or redeeming property was finalized by a dramatic symbol: a person removed one sandal and gave it to the other party (4:7). Throughout the Old Testament, to walk, to set foot on land meant that a person was taking possession and ownership of it (Genesis 13:17; Deuteronomy 11:24; Joshua 1:3). Thus, when an owner transferred his property to another person, the owner removed his sandal and gave it to the other party.

In the present case, when the other kinsman-redeemer refused to buy Naomi's property, he removed his sandal. He revoked his right to the property and gave Boaz the right to purchase it. Just imagine the scene, the excitement and joy that flooded the heart of Boaz, the anticipation of being with Ruth that rushed through his body. But before he could allow his thoughts and emotions to run loose, he had to finalize the transaction.

2.  Boaz called upon the witnesses to confirm the transaction of redemption (4:9-10). He turned to the ten elders and to the people standing around witnessing the scene, calling upon them to be witnesses to the legal transaction. He then itemized exactly what he was redeeming (purchasing):

Þ  He was redeeming all of Naomi's property, the property of her husband Elimelech and their two sons, Kilion and Mahlon (4:9).

Þ  He was redeeming Ruth, marrying her in order to carry on, keep alive the family name and family property (4:10).

Boaz then made a public declaration: the family name and property were not to die out with the deaths of Naomi and Ruth. The family name and property were not to disappear from the family records nor from the town records. "Today you are witnesses to this transaction of redemption."

In the early history of Israel, the redemption of people or property had to be legally transacted. If a kinsman-redeemer was to rescue or save some person, he had to obey the law, legally finalize the transaction. So it was with Christ. When He purchased our redemption upon the cross, it was a legal transaction. Christ fulfilled the law perfectly by hanging upon the cross, by securing our redemption. The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross was a legal transaction between God and man, the very way God chose to redeem us, to rescue and save us from sin and death.

The bride (Ruth 4:11-12)

It’s a wonderful thing when the covenant community sincerely rejoices with the bride and groom because what they are doing is in the will of God. In my pastoral ministry, I’ve participated in a few weddings that were anything but joyful. We felt like grieving instead of celebrating. The popular entertainer George Jessel defined marriage as “a mistake every man should make,” but the last place you want to make a mistake is at the marriage altar. Contrary to what some people believe, marriage is not “a private affair.” This sacred union includes God and God’s people, and every bride and groom should want the blessing of God and God’s people on their marriage.

The people prayed that Ruth would be fruitful in bearing children, for in Israel children were considered a blessing and not a burden (Ps. 127:3-5). Alas, that’s not the attitude in society today. In the United States each year, a million and a half babies are legally destroyed in the womb, and the pieces of their bodies removed as though they were cancerous tumors. A Christian nurse said to me one day, “In one part of our hospital, we’re working day and night to keep little babies alive. In another part, we’re murdering them. What is God going to say?”

It was important that the Jewish wives bear children, not only to perpetuate the nation, but also because it would be through Israel that God would send the Messiah to earth. The Jews abhorred both abortion and the exposing of children to die—practices that were common in other nations. Jacob’s two wives, Leah and Rachel, bore to him eight sons who “built” the nation by founding the leading tribes of Israel (Gen. 29:31-30:24; 35:18). The use of the word Ephrathah in Ruth 4:11 is significant, for the Hebrew word means “fruitful.” The people wanted Ruth to be fruitful and famous and bring honor to their little town. It was the place where Rachel was buried (Gen. 35:19), but more importantly, it would be known as the place where Jesus Christ was born.

The neighbors also wanted the house of Boaz to be like that of Perez (Ruth 4:12; see Matt. 1:3). The family of Perez had settled in Bethlehem (1 Chron. 2:5, 50-54), and Boaz was a descendant of Perez (v. 18). Tamar, the mother of Perez, was not a godly woman; but her name is found in our Lord’s genealogy (Matt. 1:3).

What wonderful changes came into Ruth’s life because she trusted Boaz and let him work on her behalf! She went from loneliness to love, from toil to rest, from poverty to wealth, from worry to assurance, and from despair to hope. She was no longer “Ruth the Moabitess,” for the past was gone, and she was making a new beginning. She was now “Ruth the wife of Boaz,” a name she was proud to bear.

(4:11-12) Redemption, Results— Prayer, Stirred by— Prayer, What to Pray for: fifth, the redeemer stirred people to pray because of his gracious act of redemption. Once Boaz had finished calling upon the elders and people to be witnesses, they joyfully responded, "We are witnesses." They then offered up a beautiful prayer and blessing upon Ruth and Boaz. Note the Scripture and outline:

1.  The people prayed for Ruth: that she might be fruitful, bearing many children (4:11). Note exactly what they prayed: that she would be as fruitful as Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. These two dear women had been the founding mothers of Israel. Together they had borne eight sons who became the heads of eight of the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 29:31-30:24; 35:18).

It was important for Jewish wives to bear children for two reasons: to build up the nation of Israel and to produce the line through whom God would send the Messiah to save the world. Later, it will be seen that this prayer was answered. Ruth would bear a son, a son who would become the grandfather of King David and be an ancestor of the Messiah Himself (see outline—^§ Ruth 4:17-22 and note—^§Ruth 4:17-22 for more discussion).

2.  The people prayed for Boaz, the redeemer: that he might be famous and honored in Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding area of Ephrathah (4:11). The people wanted him to be highly esteemed, to have standing and position throughout the community.

3.  The people prayed for the future family of Boaz and Ruth: that all their descendants might be fruitful and be honored. The crowd did not just pray and wish the best for Boaz and Ruth; they wanted their descendants to have the very best in life. They wanted their family to be like that of Perez, who was one of the sons of Judah. Years before, Perez had settled in Bethlehem, which means that he was one of the famous ancestors of the city. Many of the citizens of Bethlehem would trace their roots back to him (1 Chronicles 2:5, 50-54; Ruth 4:18). Tamar, the mother of Perez, is listed in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:3).

The baby (Ruth 4:13-22)

God had been gracious to Ruth back in Moab by giving her the faith to trust Him and be saved. His grace continued when she moved to Bethlehem, for He guided her to the field of Boaz where Boaz fell in love with her. God’s grace continued at the town gate where the nearer kinsman rejected Ruth and Boaz purchased her. After the marriage, God poured out His grace on Ruth and Boaz by giving her conception (Gen. 29:31; 30:1-2; 33:5) and then by giving her the safe delivery of a son, whom they named Obed (“servant”).

God would use this baby to be a source of blessing to many.

Obed was a blessing to Boaz and Ruth.

This was no ordinary baby, for it was God’s special gift to Boaz and Ruth; and what a blessing little Obed was to their home! But every baby is a special gift from God and should be treated that way. Every baby deserves a loving home and caring parents who want to raise the child “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4, nkjv). What a great privilege it is to bring new life into the world and then to guide that life so it matures to become all that God has planned!

Obed was also a blessing to Naomi.

His grandmother informally “adopted” him as her own son and became his foster mother. The women of Bethlehem shared Naomi’s joy when they said, “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer” (Ruth 4:14, niv). The reference is to Obed, not Boaz.

Obed was a “restorer of life” to Naomi. Every grandparent can bear witness that grandchildren are better than the Fountain of Youth, for we “get young again” when the grandchildren come to visit. Though not all grandparents agree with it, they all know the saying: “They’re called ‘grandchildren’ because they’re grand when they come and grand when they leave.” There’s no better way to get a new lease on life than to start investing yourself in the younger generation. Every baby that is born into this world is a vote for the future, and grandparents need to focus on the future and not on the past. When you’re holding a baby, you’re holding the future in your arms.

Obed would be a blessing to Naomi in another way: He would one day care for the family that brought him into the world, including his grandmother Naomi. Boaz had redeemed the family inheritance; now Obed would continue the family line, protect the inheritance, and use it to sustain Naomi. He would live up to his name and be a “servant” to Naomi, his “foster mother.”

The guarantee for this ministry would not be the law of the land but the love of Ruth for her mother-in-law. Obed would early learn to love Naomi even as Ruth loved her. Obed was an only son, but his affection for his mother and grandmother would be equal to that of seven sons.

Obed would bring blessing to Bethlehem.

The child would bring fame to both the family name and the name of his native town. Elimelech’s name almost disappeared from Israel, but Obed would make that name famous and bring glory to Bethlehem. This happened, of course, through the life and ministry of King David (v. 22) and of David’s greater Son, Jesus Christ. Naomi would have the comfort of knowing that the family name would not perish but increase in fame.

Obed would bring blessing to Israel.

Obed was the grandfather of King David, one of Israel’s greatest rulers. When the name of David is mentioned, we usually think of either Goliath or Bathsheba. David did commit a great sin, but he was also a great man of faith whom God used to build the kingdom of Israel. He led the people in overcoming their enemies, expanding their inheritance and, most of all, worshiping their God. He wrote worship songs for the Levites to sing and devised musical instruments for them to play. He spent a lifetime gathering wealth for the building of the temple, and God gave him the plans for the temple so Solomon could do the job. Whether he had in his hand a sling or sword, a harp or hymnal, David was a great servant of God who brought untold blessings to Israel.

Obed would bring blessing to the whole world.

The greatest thing God did for David was not to give him victory over his enemies or wealth for the building of the temple. The greatest privilege God gave him was that of being the ancestor of the Messiah. David wanted to build a house for God, but God told him He would build a house (family) for David (2 Sam. 7). David knew that the Messiah would come from the kingly tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:8-10), but nobody knew which family in Judah would be chosen. God chose David’s family, and the Redeemer would be known as “the son of David” (Matt. 1:1).

Little did those Bethlehemites know that God had great plans for that little boy! Obed would have a son named Jesse; and Jesse would have eight sons, the youngest of which would be David the king (1 Sam. 16:6-13).^4-1 Remember that the next time you behold a baby or a child, that little one might be one for whom God has planned a great future. The medieval teacher who always tipped his hat to his pupils had the right idea, for among them perhaps was a future general or emperor.

The Moabites were not to enter the congregation of the Lord “even to the tenth generation” (Deut. 23:3). But the little Book of Ruth closes with a ten-generation genealogy that climaxes with the name of David!

Never underestimate the power of the grace of God.

(4:13) Redemption, Accomplished— Promises, Fulfilled— Jesus Christ, Promises of, Fulfilled— Boaz, Faithfulness of: the redeemer fulfilled his word, his promise. Boaz did exactly what he had promised: he redeemed Ruth, married her.

Imagine Ruth waiting—anxiously, excitedly, nervously—to hear if Boaz had been able to secure the right from the other kinsman-redeemer to marry her. Her longing desire was to marry Boaz, not some strange, unknown kinsman-redeemer. At last, the moment for which she had longed arrived: her redeemer came for her. He was the very redeemer of her desires, the redeemer who could meet all the needs of her heart and life. Her redeemer was Boaz. No doubt, as he entered the room where Ruth was waiting to hear from him, he reached out and took her into his arms, sharing the wonderful news: he had accomplished her redemption. He then took her and she became his wife. Soon thereafter, the Lord enabled her to conceive and bear a son. Note that the child was a special gift from God, not just an ordinary child. The newborn baby was not just the product of sexual activity; he was a child of destiny. God was choosing the child for a very special purpose.

(4:14-17) Redemption, Source— Ruth, Child of— Naomi, Redemption of— Obed, Son of Ruth and Boaz: seventh, the redeemer was given by the Lord Himself. The Lord provided redemption through the child born to Ruth and Boaz. This is clearly seen in the Scripture and outline.

1.  The child was given by the Lord to be the kinsman-redeemer of Naomi (4:14). Note that this is the climax of this wonderful short story of unusual love between Ruth and Boaz. And the climax focuses not upon the parents, but upon the child born to the loving couple. The redemption provided by Boaz was to be carried on through the child. The redemption of Naomi and Ruth from poverty and hopelessness was not to end with their death. The child was to become the kinsman-redeemer of Naomi and the family, and he was to pass on the work of redemption through the descendants of the family.

As soon as the child was born, the women of the neighborhood gathered together with Naomi to celebrate the birth of this very special child. Their praise was lifted up not to Boaz and Ruth, but to the Lord Himself. For it was the Lord who had given the child to the family, given a kinsman-redeemer to Naomi and the future descendants of the family.

2.  Note that the women offered up a prophetic prayer: they prayed for the child to become famous throughout all Israel. And the child did: through the life and ministry of the great king of Israel, David (4:22), and through the promised Messiah, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ (4:17; Matthew 1:5-16).

3.  The child was also to be a "restorer of life" to Naomi: he was to renew and sustain her in her old age (4:15). He was to reinvigorate her, give her a new outlook and perspective on life—more purpose, meaning, and significance in life.

4.  The child was proof of Ruth's love for Naomi, a love that was proven better than having seven sons (4:15). Because of Ruth's great love for Naomi, Naomi was guaranteed that the child would be taught the duties of the kinsman-redeemer. Naomi could rest assured that the child would provide and take care of her throughout all her life. Seven sons could not do any more for her than what the love of Ruth was doing by providing this child for her, this kinsman-redeemer.

5.  The child was to be nurtured, reared, and cared for by Naomi. In fact, the child was to be considered the very son of Naomi herself (4:16-17). When the child was finally handed to Naomi, she took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him. Some commentators feel that this act was a legal ritual indicating that Naomi was adopting the child as her own son. However, most scholars feel that this was simply an act of love, not of law. Naomi was simply nourishing and caring for the child as a grandmother. Naomi had a son in the sense that she had a grandson.

(4:17-22) Redemption, Results of— Genealogy, of Obed— David, Genealogy of— Faithfulness, Results— Commitment, Results— Boaz, Genealogy of: the redeemer (the child) was to bear fruit, bless the entire world. The most wonderful thing happened to Boaz and Ruth and their son, Obed: they were appointed by God to be a part of the chosen line of King David. This meant that they were the ancestors of the Promised Seed and Savior, the Messiah and Redeemer of the world.

The wonderful love story that began with Naomi facing crisis after crisis has now come full circle. The story has moved all the way from corruption, famine, distrust, unbelief, apostasy, and death—from compromise and hopelessness—to redemption. The family has been rescued and saved from a life of utter hopelessness and despair. God took the total commitment of Ruth and multiplied it mightily. He used her commitment to give birth to a very special child who became the grandfather of King David himself. God used Ruth's commitment to produce the royal line of the Promised Seed, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His redemption, the Lord Jesus Christ bears fruit and blesses the entire world. His redemption saves all who believe, saves them from the hopelessness of sin and death and from the coming judgment.

Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. draws a very practical application from this genealogy:  The genealogy reminds us that God's hand guides us. David's God is our God too. He sent David's greatest son, Jesus, as our Savior. He drew us to personal faith in Christ. He still fully controls human history. We are still part of his larger plan—the salvation of the world. So we can rely on Him to guide our lives.

Leon Morris questions why the Book of Ruth ends with a genealogy. His question and discussion are worth noting: Why does the book end with a genealogy? It is hard to say. In the Introduction we have noted and rejected the view that the whole was written to lead up to the genealogy, and thus to provide an ancestry for the great King David. It is too obviously an appendix, a mere addition to the main story, for this to be at all plausible. But a genealogy is, to say the least of it, a curious way to end a book. The author does not tell us why he has done this, and we are left to guess. But at any rate we can make this comment. Throughout the book in all its artless simplicity there runs the note that God is supreme. He watches over people like Naomi and Ruth and Boaz and directs their paths. God never forgets His saving purposes. The issue of the marriage of Boaz and Ruth was to lead in due course to the great King David, the man after God's own heart, the man in whom God's purpose was so signally worked out. These events in Moab and Bethlehem played their part in leading up to the birth of David. The Christian will think also of the genealogy at the beginning of the Gospel according to St. Matthew. He will reflect that God's hand is over all history. God works out His purpose, generation after generation. Limited as we are to one lifetime, each of us sees so little of what happens. A genealogy is a striking way of bringing before us the continuity of God's purpose through the ages. The process of history is not haphazard. There is a purpose in it all. And the purpose is the purpose of God.

In closing the Book of Ruth, Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. also gives an excellent summary that challenges us all: But how wonderful that God put the Book of Ruth in our Bible! It reminds us that God uses all, not just some, of His people. He works through people who live faithfully for Him in daily life. All He wants from them is simple, down-to-earth faithfulness. He wants faithfulness in the way they do their jobs, love their families, help their neighbors, and serve their churches. He loves to see our faithfulness right on Main Street.

For years, Admiral Hyman Rickover headed the Navy's nuclear power program. He personally interviewed every officer who applied to serve in it. In his book Why Not the Best? former President Jimmy Carter described his interview with Rickover.

For two hours, the unsmiling admiral grilled Carter on military and nonmilitary subjects. At first confident, Carter soon began to sweat. He realized how little he actually knew. Then, Rickover asked Carter how high he ranked in his class at the Naval Academy. Thinking he could redeem himself, Carter said proudly, "Sir, I stood 59^th in a class of 820!"

Instead of congratulations, the admiral coldly asked, "Did you do your best?" Carter knew there was no sense bluffing Rickover with a hearty, "Yes, sir!" Sheepishly he replied, "No, sir, I didn't always do my best."

For a long moment, the admiral stared at Carter. Then he turned his chair around to end the interview. Finally, he asked one last, unforgettable question: "Why not?"

That is the challenge which confronts all of us. Faced with this book's faithful ancestors, why not live faithfully ourselves? As the Book of Ruth teaches, when people are faithful, God uses them to do great things. By faithfulness in life's ordinary daily tasks, you sow the seeds of a great harvest for God's glory. Though just an ordinary Christian, God can use you! Why not?

In closing the Book of Ruth, Arthur Lewis says this: The gracious act of Boaz to receive Ruth and provide for her is the first and finest example of the Hebrew meaning of "redeemer" in all the Scriptures. From the beautiful union of Ruth and Boaz comes a deeper understanding of the relationship between Christ and the church. Finally, as the fruit of that union, we have the king "after God's own heart," the shepherd of Israel. To David God promised a royal lineage that would never end, and in David's son, the Messiah, our Lord, all the promises of the Bible come true.

Interlude: Reflections on Ruth

The main purpose of the Book of Ruth is historical. It explains the ancestry of David and builds a bridge between the time of the Judges and the period when God gave Israel a king.

But the Bible is more than a history book. There are many practical lessons to be learned from these events—lessons that can encourage us in our spiritual walk. The Book of Ruth is no exception.

This little book certainly reveals the providence of God in the way He guided Ruth and Naomi. It encourages me to know that God still cares for us even when we’re bitter toward Him, as Naomi was. God directed Ruth, a “new believer,” and used her faith and obedience to transform defeat into victory. God is concerned about the details of our lives, and this fact should give us courage and joy as we seek to live each day to please Him.

The Book of Ruth beautifully illustrates God’s work of salvation. The story opens with Ruth as an outsider, a stranger, but it ends with Ruth as a member of the covenant community because she has married Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. He paid the price for her to be redeemed.

But the book also illustrates the believer’s deepening relationship with the Lord. In chapter 1, Ruth doesn’t even know that Boaz exists. In chapter 2, Ruth is a poor laborer, gleaning in the field of Boaz and receiving his gifts. To her, Boaz is only a mighty man of wealth who shows kindness to her. The turning point is in chapter 3 where Ruth yields herself at the feet of Boaz and believes his promises. The result is recorded in chapter 4: Ruth is no longer a poor gleaner, for now she has Boaz, and everything he owns belongs to her.

Too many of God’s people are content to live in chapter 2, picking up the leftovers and doing the best they can in their difficult situation. They want God’s gifts, but they don’t want a deeper communion with God. What a difference it would make if they would only surrender themselves to the Lord and focus on the Giver instead of the gifts! Ponder John 14:21-24.

The Book of Ruth reminds us that God is at work in our world, seeking a bride and reaping a harvest; and we must find our place in His program of winning the lost. The events in the Book of Ruth occurred during the period of the Judges, a time not much different from our own day. If you focus only on the evils of our day, you’ll become pessimistic and cynical; but, if you ask God what field He wants you to work in and faithfully serve Him, you’ll experience His grace, love, and joy.

Judges is the book of “no king” (17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). First Samuel is the book of “man’s king,” when God gave Saul to Israel because they asked for him. Things will get so bad in our world that the nations will one day cry out for a king to feed them and protect them. That king will appear; and we call him the Antichrist.

But 1 Samuel isn’t the end of the story, for 2 Samuel is the book of God’s king! David did appear on the scene, and he did establish the kingdom in the name of the Lord. Likewise, when man’s king has done his worst, God’s King will appear, judge this evil world, put away ungodliness, and then establish His glorious kingdom.

Meanwhile, even though we must live in an evil time like the age of the Judges when there was no king in Israel, we can still seek first the kingdom of God and be loyal subjects of the King of kings (Matt. 6:33). The name Elimelech means “my God is king,” but Elimelech didn’t live up to his name, for he doubted God and disobeyed Him. Even though there is no king in Israel and all around us everything seems to be falling apart, there can be a King in our lives, reigning in our hearts.

It was Ruth’s commitment that made the difference in her life and in the lives of the people she loved.

Have you put yourself at the feet of the Lord of the harvest? Until you do, God can never be to you all that He wants to be.