Redemption Secured, Part 4
Ruth 4:1-18
The stage is set. Fueled by Ruth’s request to make her his own, Boaz arrives early at the City Gate where the elders gather to hear and judge legal cases. There is a closer relative than he who has first right to redeem Naomi’s debt and gain her deceased husbands’ property. Second in line, Boaz longs for the other kinsman to forfeit so he can redeem Elimelech’s property himself and win Ruth for his bride.
Boaz plays his cards close to his chest and lays out Naomi’s case before the elders and near kinsman. The near kinsman is willing to redeem the property until Boaz points out that purchasing Naomi’s estate includes taking Ruth as wife. Ruth’s marriage to him would likely result in a son obligating him to give the property to the boy in order to preserve Elimelech’s family name. (Deut. 25:5-6)
Ruth 4:6 – And the close relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I ruin my own inheritance. You redeem my right of redemption for yourself, for I cannot redeem it.” (NKJ)
Seeing where Boaz was headed, the not-so near kinsman backed away from the arrangement choosing to tarnish his reputation rather than lose equity in the deal. Boaz, cool as a cucumber could not have been happier.
In contrast, Boaz was motivated by his deep love and compassion for Ruth the Moabitess. Boaz was willing to give all he had to redeem this extraordinary young woman who sought refuge under the wing of the living God.
Ruth marries Boaz and is adopted into the house of “Bread and Praise.” After receiving the covering of her knight in shining armor, Ruth is never again referred to as a Moabitess.