Topical Encyclopedia Context and Background:The narrative of Boaz speaking to the kinsman-redeemer is found in the Book of Ruth, specifically in Ruth 4:1-10. This event takes place during the time of the judges, a period characterized by social and religious upheaval in Israel. The account of Ruth, a Moabite widow, and her mother-in-law Naomi, highlights themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence. Boaz's Role: Boaz is introduced as a man of standing from the clan of Elimelech, Naomi's deceased husband. He is portrayed as a man of integrity, compassion, and faithfulness to the law of God. Boaz's actions are pivotal in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Ruth and Naomi. The Kinsman-Redeemer: The concept of the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: "go'el") is rooted in the Mosaic Law, which provided a means for preserving family lineage and property within the Israelite community. According to Leviticus 25:25 and Deuteronomy 25:5-10, a close relative had the responsibility to redeem a family member in distress, which could include marrying a widow to produce offspring for a deceased relative. The Encounter at the Gate: In Ruth 4:1-2, Boaz goes to the town gate, a place of legal transactions and public gatherings, to address the matter of redemption. He sits down and waits for the closer kinsman-redeemer to pass by. Boaz then gathers ten elders of the town to serve as witnesses, ensuring that the proceedings are conducted with transparency and legality. The Proposal: Boaz presents the situation to the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth 4:3-4, explaining that Naomi, who has returned from Moab, is selling a piece of land that belonged to their relative Elimelech. Boaz offers the kinsman the first right of redemption, in accordance with the law. Initially, the kinsman agrees to redeem the land, seeing it as an opportunity to expand his estate. The Revelation: In Ruth 4:5, Boaz reveals the full extent of the redemption, stating, "On the day you buy the field from Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the deceased, in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance." This additional obligation involves marrying Ruth to preserve the family line of Elimelech. The Refusal: Faced with the prospect of marrying Ruth and potentially complicating his own inheritance, the kinsman-redeemer declines the offer, saying in Ruth 4:6, "I cannot redeem it for myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it." His refusal clears the way for Boaz to act as the redeemer. The Redemption: In Ruth 4:7-10, the legal transaction is formalized through the symbolic act of the kinsman removing his sandal and giving it to Boaz, a customary practice in Israel to confirm the transfer of redemption rights. Boaz then declares before the elders and all the people, "You are witnesses today that I have bought from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon. Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon's widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his hometown. You are witnesses today." Significance: This event underscores the faithfulness of Boaz to God's law and his willingness to act selflessly for the sake of family and community. It also highlights the providential hand of God in orchestrating the redemption of Ruth and Naomi, ultimately leading to the lineage of King David and, by extension, the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as noted in Matthew 1:5. The account of Boaz and the kinsman-redeemer serves as a powerful illustration of God's redemptive love and the importance of covenant faithfulness. |