Meaning of Ruth 4:1

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Ruth, signifying the initiation of the legal process for redemption and remarriage. Boaz, having previously encountered Ruth and recognized his kinship and her worthy character, now formally seeks to fulfill his role as a go'el (guardian-redeemer). The town gate was not merely a physical entrance but also the civic and legal center of the community, where important transactions and judgments took place. Boaz strategically positions himself there, ensuring the presence of both the nearest kinsman-redeemer and witnesses for the formal proceedings. This act demonstrates Boaz's commitment to upholding both the law and his familial responsibilities, setting the stage for the resolution of Ruth's precarious situation and the continuation of Elimelech's lineage.

Context and Background

The story of Ruth unfolds during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by moral and social instability in Israel. Elimelech, Ruth's father-in-law, had moved his family from Bethlehem to Moab due to famine. Tragically, his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion (Ruth's husband), died, leaving Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah as widows. Upon Naomi's return to Bethlehem, Ruth, a Moabite woman, pledges her loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law and her people, famously declaring, "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16). Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, encounters Ruth gleaning in his fields and is impressed by her kindness and devotion. He learns of her situation and the potential for a go'el to redeem Elimelech's land and marry Ruth to raise up an heir for the deceased.

Key Themes and Messages

• Redemption: The primary theme is redemption, both in the legal and spiritual sense. Boaz is acting as a kinsman-redeemer to secure the family's inheritance and to provide a lineage. This foreshadows the ultimate redemption offered through Christ.
• Loyalty and Faithfulness: Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi and her adoption of Israel's God are central. Boaz's faithfulness to his duty as a redeemer also exemplifies this theme.
• Divine Providence: The seemingly coincidental meeting of Boaz and the intended redeemer at the gate highlights God's subtle yet powerful hand guiding events to bring about His purposes.
• Justice and Law: The setting at the town gate emphasizes the importance of legal processes and justice within the community. Boaz adheres to the established customs and laws.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage serves as a powerful illustration of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Boaz, as the go'el, acts as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, our ultimate Redeemer. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth and her family's inheritance, Christ redeems believers from sin and its consequences, securing our spiritual inheritance in God's kingdom. The act of redemption requires a willing redeemer, a debt to be paid, and a recipient to be brought into a new relationship, all of which are mirrored in Christ's sacrifice. Believers are called to demonstrate faithfulness and loyalty, not only to God but also to one another, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The Book of Ruth, with its focus on lineage and redemption, is a crucial bridge between the period of the Judges and the establishment of the Davidic monarchy. The lineage traced through Boaz and Ruth culminates in King David, and ultimately, in Jesus Christ, who is presented as the Son of David. This verse, therefore, is a vital link in the messianic genealogy, demonstrating how God works through seemingly ordinary individuals and circumstances to fulfill His grand redemptive purposes. It underscores the continuity of God's covenant faithfulness across generations and even across ethnic lines, as Ruth, a Moabite, becomes an ancestor of the Messiah.

Analogies

• A Lawyer Initiating a Lawsuit: Boaz, like a skilled lawyer, initiates the legal process by bringing the case before the appropriate authority (the town gate) and gathering the necessary parties (the redeemer, witnesses).
• A Guardian Securing an Inheritance: Imagine a guardian who steps in to ensure a vulnerable child's inheritance is protected from exploitation, ensuring it remains within the family line. Boaz does this for Ruth and Elimelech's legacy.
• A Bridge Builder: Boaz acts as a bridge, connecting Ruth's future to the past of Elimelech's family, ensuring continuity and restoration.

Relation to Other Verses

• Leviticus 25:25-28: This passage outlines the laws concerning the kinsman-redeemer, which are directly being applied in Ruth 4:1-12. The go'el had the right and responsibility to redeem land sold by a relative and to marry a widow if she had no sons to continue the family name.
• Deuteronomy 25:5-10: This passage discusses the law of the levirate marriage, where a brother was obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow if she was childless, to raise up an heir for the deceased. While Boaz is not a brother, the principle of perpetuating a family name through marriage is related.
• Matthew 1:1-17: The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew explicitly includes Ruth and Boaz, demonstrating the fulfillment of the promises and the lineage established in the Book of Ruth.
• Hebrews 9:12-15: This New Testament passage speaks of Christ as the mediator of a new covenant, whose blood provides eternal redemption. This echoes the redemptive work of Boaz on a much grander, spiritual scale.