Redemption and Legacy: Boaz's Benevolence and the Lineage of King David

Ruth 4 provides a profound conclusion to an incredible tale of loyalty, faith, and divine providence. It shows God’s hand in the ordinary and extraordinary events of life, orchestrating redemption in ways that can have far-reaching effects beyond what we can foresee. It also underscores the value of virtuous and noble character, showing how Ruth and Boaz's integrity led not only to their personal redemption but also the establishment of the lineage of King David.

1. Verses 1-2: At the Town Gate Boaz goes to the town gate, the place where legal matters were traditionally settled, and sits down. He then invites the unnamed closer relative and ten elders of the city to sit with him.

2. Verses 3-6: The Proposal Boaz tells the unnamed relative about Naomi's intention to sell the land that belonged to Elimelech. The relative initially agrees to redeem the land but retracts when he learns he must also take Ruth the Moabitess as his wife to maintain the name of the deceased on his property.

3. Verses 7-8: The Transfer The closer relative confirms he can't redeem the land and allows Boaz to do so instead. The deal is sealed in a customary way, by the closer relative removing his sandal and giving it to Boaz.

4. Verses 9-12: Blessings from the Elders Boaz announces to the elders and all the people his intention to purchase all that belonged to Elimelech and take Ruth as his wife. The elders bless Boaz and Ruth, praying for their prosperity and invoking the names of Rachel, Leah, and Tamar.

5. Verses 13-17: Birth of Obed Boaz and Ruth get married, and Ruth gives birth to a son, Obed. The women of the town rejoice and bless Naomi, who is given a new lease on life through her grandson. They declare that Ruth, who loves Naomi and bore this child, is better to Naomi than seven sons.

6. Verses 18-22: Lineage of David The chapter concludes with a genealogy that traces the line from Perez, through Boaz and Obed, to David, establishing the royal lineage of Israel’s greatest king.

Ruth 4 is the final chapter in the Book of Ruth and it carries significant historical and theological implications. This chapter centers on the resolution of a complex social and religious dilemma: the redemption of the deceased Elimelech's estate and Ruth's future through a form of ancient Israelite marriage called Levirate Marriage. The chapter also establishes the lineage of King David, linking him to Boaz and Ruth, and indirectly to Naomi.

1. Redemption and Resurrection
2. Marriage and Kinship
3. Legacy and Lineage
4. Virtue and Nobility
5. God’s Providence1. Levirate Marriage
2. Ruth's loyalty
3. Boaz's righteousness
4. Genealogy of King David
5. Social and religious laws of ancient Israel1. Ruth
2. Boaz
3. Naomi
4. Unnamed Relative ("closer kinsman")
5. The elders
6. Perez
7. King David1. Bethlehem
2. The town gate

1. How does the concept of redemption play out in Ruth 4?

2. How is the virtue and character of Boaz displayed in his interactions with Ruth and the closer relative?

3. How does the theme of God's providence unfold throughout the book of Ruth, culminating in chapter 4?

4. How does the resolution of Ruth's story reflect on the social and religious norms of the time?

5. Can you draw parallels between the Levirate Marriage practiced in Ruth 4 and any modern practices or laws?

6. What significance does the lineage of King David hold in the larger biblical narrative?

7. How does the town's perception of Ruth change from the beginning of the book to the end?

8. How does Naomi's life change throughout the story, and what role does Ruth play in this transformation?

9. What can we learn from the character of the unnamed relative who refused to redeem Ruth?

10. In what ways do Ruth and Boaz embody the qualities of loyalty and integrity?

11. What significance does the genealogy in Ruth 4:18-22 hold, and how does it connect to the broader biblical narrative?

12. In your opinion, why does the story emphasize that Ruth is a Moabite woman?

13. What can modern readers learn about dealing with loss and adversity from the story of Ruth?

14. If you were in Boaz's shoes, would you have acted in the same way? Why or why not?

15. How does the story of Ruth and Boaz challenge or confirm your ideas about romantic relationships?

16. How does Ruth's story speak to the role of women in society and in the household?

17. Can you identify a time when, like Naomi, you've felt blessed because of someone else's loyalty?

18. How would you handle a situation where adhering to a custom or tradition conflicted with your personal feelings or beliefs?

19. How does Ruth 4 teach us about humility, sacrifice, and the importance of family?

20. In the context of today's society, how can the principles illustrated in Ruth 4 guide our decisions and relationships?