Ruth 4:5
Then Boaz said, "On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance."
Then Boaz said
Boaz, a prominent figure in Bethlehem, is a kinsman-redeemer, a role that involves protecting the interests of needy family members. His actions reflect the Levitical law of redemption and the duty to preserve family lineage (Leviticus 25:25-28).

On the day you buy the land from Naomi
Naomi, a widow who returned from Moab, is selling land that belonged to her deceased husband, Elimelech. This transaction is not just a financial matter but a fulfillment of the Levirate law, which aims to keep property within the family (Leviticus 25:23-28).

and also from Ruth the Moabitess
Ruth, a Moabite, is highlighted to emphasize her foreign status, which makes her inclusion in Israelite society significant. Her loyalty to Naomi and conversion to the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16) foreshadow the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan.

you must also acquire the widow of the deceased
This refers to the Levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), where a close relative marries the widow to produce offspring in the deceased's name. This practice ensures the deceased's name and property remain within the family.

in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance
The primary goal is to preserve the deceased's lineage and inheritance. This reflects the importance of family and land in Israelite culture, as well as God's covenant promises tied to land and descendants (Genesis 12:7). This act of redemption is a type of Christ, who redeems and restores what was lost.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Boaz
A prominent and wealthy man from Bethlehem, Boaz is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech. He is a kinsman-redeemer, a role that involves protecting the interests of needy family members.

2. Ruth
A Moabite widow and the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Ruth is known for her loyalty and faithfulness to Naomi and her God.

3. Naomi
The mother-in-law of Ruth, who returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. She plays a crucial role in guiding Ruth.

4. The Kinsman-Redeemer
A close relative who has the responsibility to redeem a family member in distress, which includes marrying the widow of a deceased relative to preserve the family line.

5. The Elders and People at the Gate
The city gate was a place of legal transactions and public gatherings. The elders and people present serve as witnesses to Boaz's actions.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer
Boaz's willingness to act as a kinsman-redeemer reflects God's provision and care for His people. It is a picture of Christ's redemptive work for humanity.

Faithfulness and Loyalty
Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to embrace the God of Israel demonstrate the power of faithfulness and commitment in relationships.

God's Sovereignty and Providence
The events in Ruth's life show God's hand at work, orchestrating circumstances for His purposes. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace in uncertain times.

Community and Accountability
The presence of the elders and people at the gate underscores the importance of community and accountability in making significant life decisions.

Redemption and Restoration
The account of Ruth and Boaz is a powerful account of redemption and restoration, reminding believers of the hope and new beginnings found in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer reflect the character of God, and how can we emulate this in our own lives?

2. In what ways does Ruth's loyalty to Naomi challenge us to be more faithful in our relationships?

3. How can we see God's providence in the account of Ruth, and how does this encourage us to trust Him in our own circumstances?

4. What role does community play in the decision-making process in Ruth 4:5, and how can we apply this principle in our church or family?

5. How does the concept of redemption in Ruth's account point to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, and how can this truth impact our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 25:25-28
This passage outlines the laws of redemption, which provide the background for the role of the kinsman-redeemer. It emphasizes the importance of family and community support in times of need.

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
This scripture details the levirate marriage law, which is relevant to Boaz's role in marrying Ruth to preserve the family line of Elimelech.

Matthew 1:5
This verse connects Ruth to the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting her significance in the lineage of Christ and God's redemptive plan.
Fair Dealing and Good Principle in BoazA. Thomson, D. D.Ruth 4:1-5
Friends in CouncilW. Baxendale.Ruth 4:1-5
Judicious Methods of Attaining Our EndsC. Ness.Ruth 4:1-5
Redemption ProposedS. H. Tyng, D. D.Ruth 4:1-5
The GoelJ.R. Thomson Ruth 4:3-8
Our Own InheritanceW.M. Statham Ruth 4:4, 6
People
Amminadab, Boaz, Chilion, David, Elimelech, Ephratah, Ephrath, Hezron, Jesse, Leah, Mahlon, Nahshon, Naomi, Obed, Perez, Pharez, Rachel, Ruth, Salmon, Tamar
Places
Bethlehem, Ephrathah, Moab
Topics
Acquire, Boaz, Bo'az, Bought, Buy, Buyest, Buying, Dead, Deceased, Field, Hast, Heritage, Inheritance, Maintain, Man's, Moabitess, Naomi, Na'omi, Order, Property, Raise, Restore, Ruth, Widow, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ruth 4:5

     5448   poverty, attitudes to

Ruth 4:1-8

     6721   redemption, in life

Ruth 4:1-10

     5681   family, nature of

Ruth 4:1-11

     5623   witnesses, legal

Ruth 4:1-12

     5671   clan
     7719   elders, as leaders

Ruth 4:1-13

     5117   Ruth
     6714   ransom

Ruth 4:2-5

     5270   court

Ruth 4:2-9

     5477   property, land

Ruth 4:3-5

     8330   receptiveness

Ruth 4:5-6

     5711   marriage, restrictions

Library
The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew's Gospel breaks the long silence that followed the ministry of Malachi the last of the Old Testament prophets. This silence extended for four hundred years, and during that time God was hid from Israel's view. Throughout this period there were no angelic manifestations, no prophet spake for Jehovah, and, though the Chosen People were sorely pressed, yet were there no Divine interpositions on their behalf. For four centuries God shut His people up to His written Word. Again and again had God
Arthur W. Pink—Why Four Gospels?

Christ the Redeemer
Q-xxx: HOW DOES THE SPIRIT APPLY TO US THE REDEMPTION PURCHASED BY CHRIST? A: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling. In this answer there are two things. It is implied that Christ is the glorious purchaser of our redemption, in the words, The redemption purchased by Christ,' and it is declared that the Spirit applies to us this purchased redemption, by working in us faith, &c. The thing implied
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Job's Faith and Expectation
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand in the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. C hristianity, that is, the religion of which MESSIAH is the author and object, the foundation, life, and glory, though not altogether as old as creation, is nearly so. It is coeval [contemporary] with the first promise and intimation of mercy given to fallen man. When Adam, by transgression, had violated the order and law of
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Ruth
Goethe has characterized the book of Ruth as the loveliest little idyll that tradition has transmitted to us. Whatever be its didactic purpose--and some would prefer to think that it had little or none-it is, at any rate, a wonderful prose poem, sweet, artless, and persuasive, touched with the quaintness of an older world and fresh with the scent of the harvest fields. The love--stronger than country--of Ruth for Naomi, the gracious figure of Boaz as he moves about the fields with a word of blessing
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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