In this chapter Boaz converses with the kinsman-redeemer who has first claim on Ruth (and the other property of Naomi’s family). Boaz offers everything to this man who has first right, because it was the right thing to do culturally and morally (this man is a closer relative than Boaz).
“…the redeemer… came by. So Boaz said, ‘Turn aside, friend; sit down here.’ …And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, ‘Sit down here.’… Then he said to the redeemer, ‘Naomi… is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech… If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me… for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.’ And he said, ‘I will redeem it.’ Then Boaz said, ‘The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.’ Then the redeemer said, ‘I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.’ ” (v1-6 abr)
Boaz offers the first right of redemption to the closest living relative which was the legal and traditional thing to do. This man wanted the land, but did not wish to have Ruth as his wife, so he passed the right of redemption to Boaz, the second in line.
Boaz goes to great lengths to do the right thing – locating the heir, bringing reputable witnesses, giving full disclosure, etc. Based on Boaz’s character, if the redeemer had said he would take Ruth as his wife, Boaz would have let him have everything. However, God had other plans and the redemption rights were passed to Boaz.
At the end of this chapter we also learn that Boaz and Ruth are in the lineage of Jesus – they are David’s great grandparents (David is also in the lineage of Christ). So God allows these people of great character to become a far greater part of history than they even realize. Another interesting fact is Ruth is one of the five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, back when women were never mentioned in genealogies.
Boaz and Ruth are obedient followers of God, through and through, and the Lord blesses them greatly – maybe not with physical wealth and prosperity, but with a powerful legacy of (mostly) God-honoring descendants.
My encouragement today is to obey in whatever God calls us to do. No matter what the obstacles (such as a closer living relative). God’s plans will not fail, and His ultimate purpose will prevail. Do not be deterred by the obstacles to God’s calling – they cannot stop our all-powerful God from fulfilling His will.
Father God, our Almighty, Unstoppable Lord, great and holy is Your name. Father thank you for reigning as our Sovereign King, who remains undeterred by any obstacle or circumstance. Thank you for continuing to partner with us, even when we are often disobedient. Thank you for patiently teaching us, and encouraging us to obey You more closely. Thank you for the many God-honoring examples You provide through Your scriptures, and our brothers and sisters in Christ. May we continue to pattern our behavior after those who honor and obey You. Jesus, please help us to do this, for it is through Your redemption that our legacy and righteousness are restored. In Your holy name we pray, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training