Ruth, Day 4
RUTH and The Kinsman Redeemer
Ruth Chapter 4
We come to the end of the story of Ruth, the Moabite. She has endured much after departing from her home. If not already mentioned, this book explains the providential ancestry of David, who would become such a great king.
On of the “key themes” of Ruth is redemption. “Redeem” in Hebrew is ga a,“redeemer” (Hebrew: go el, and “redemption” [Hebrew: ge ullah], appear 23 times in Ruth).
What is a kinsman redeemer?
The kinsman-redeemer is a male relative who, according to various laws of the Pentateuch, had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need.
There are four scenes in Ruth:
- Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth (Ruth 1:6 – 22)
- Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:1 – 23)
- Ruth, at the threshing floor, asks Boaz to marry her (Ruth 3:1 – 18)
- Boaz arranges redemption at the gate (Ruth 4:13 – 17)
Finally, in Chapter 4, we find Boaz going to the gate, where he meets the redeemer. In front of the elders of the city, he explains the story of Naomi and Ruth. Remember, Boaz is a wealthy relative of Naomi to whom they — through a series of divinely appointed circumstances — appeal as their “go el.”
Boaz states the case to the redeemer to “Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people” (Verse. 4). Boaz further details the circumstance, explaining all that needs to be done. After hearing what Boaz says, the redeemer refuses his offer. In Verse 6, the redeemer says, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
Moving on, we find Boaz marries Ruth, and eventually has a son. There is much joy after the birth of their son. The women share with Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel.” Then the women of the neighborhood named the boy; “They named him Obed.”
God was in control of these events. For those like me who didn’t know, Obed was the father of Jesse, the father of David. Amazing, of course!
Yahweh is Israel’s Redeemer, the One Who promises to defend and vindicate them. In the New Testament, Christ is often regarded as an example of a kinsman-redeemer because, as our brother (Hebrews 2:11), He also redeems us because of our great need, one that only He can satisfy. He is the true kinsman-redeemer of all who call on Him in faith (Romans 10:9 – 10).
“Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!”
Got Question Ministries (gotquestions.org) was used.
Tom Dye