Ruth 4:13

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And when he had relations with her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

Study Bible

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife.
This phrase marks the culmination of the kinsman-redeemer narrative, where Boaz fulfills his role as the redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. The marriage of Boaz and Ruth is significant as it unites a Moabite woman with an Israelite man, demonstrating God's inclusive plan for all nations. This union also reflects the Levirate marriage custom, where a close relative marries a widow to preserve the family lineage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Boaz's actions are a type of Christ, who redeems His bride, the Church. The marriage takes place in Bethlehem, a town that later becomes significant as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

And when he had relations with her,
This phrase indicates the consummation of the marriage, which was necessary for the continuation of the family line. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, producing offspring was vital for inheritance and maintaining the family name. The physical union between Boaz and Ruth is a fulfillment of God's design for marriage, as seen in Genesis 2:24, where a man and woman become one flesh.

the LORD enabled her to conceive,
This highlights God's sovereignty and active role in the conception of new life. Ruth's ability to conceive is portrayed as a divine blessing, emphasizing that children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3). The mention of the LORD's involvement underscores the theme of divine providence throughout the book of Ruth. It also connects to other biblical narratives where God intervenes in the conception of significant figures, such as Isaac (Genesis 21:1-2) and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-20).

and she gave birth to a son.
The birth of a son is significant for several reasons. It ensures the continuation of Elimelech's family line and provides security for Naomi, who had lost her husband and sons. This son, Obed, becomes the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth and Boaz in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-6). The birth of Obed is a fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:3), and it foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who would be a descendant of David.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Boaz
A wealthy landowner in Bethlehem, a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, and a man of noble character who marries Ruth.

2. Ruth
A Moabite widow who shows loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and becomes the great-grandmother of King David.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who is actively involved in the lives of His people, enabling Ruth to conceive.

4. Bethlehem
The town where the events take place, significant as the birthplace of King David and later Jesus Christ.

5. Conception and Birth
The miraculous provision of a son, Obed, who becomes part of the lineage of David and Jesus.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Family
God is actively involved in the formation of families and the continuation of His covenant promises.

Faithfulness and Reward
Ruth's faithfulness to Naomi and God is rewarded with a place in the lineage of the Messiah, demonstrating that God honors loyalty and righteousness.

Redemption and Restoration
Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer is a type of Christ, who redeems and restores us, pointing to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus.

Divine Providence
The events in Ruth's life show God's providential care and orchestration of events for His purposes, encouraging trust in His plans.

Legacy of Faith
Ruth's account encourages believers to consider the impact of their faith and actions on future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer reflect the work of Christ in our lives?

2. In what ways does Ruth's account encourage us to trust in God's timing and provision?

3. How can we see God's hand in the ordinary events of our lives, as seen in the account of Ruth and Boaz?

4. What lessons can we learn from Ruth's loyalty and faithfulness in our relationships today?

5. How does the inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite, in the lineage of Jesus challenge us to view God's grace and redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 21
The birth of Isaac to Sarah, another instance where God intervenes to enable conception, highlighting God's sovereignty over life.

Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus, where Ruth is mentioned, showing her inclusion in the Messianic line.

1 Samuel 16
The anointing of David, Ruth's great-grandson, as king, fulfilling God's plan through her lineage.

Psalm 127
The acknowledgment that children are a heritage from the LORD, emphasizing God's role in the gift of life.