Meaning of Ruth 4:4

This verse from Ruth 4:4 records Boaz's formal presentation of the kinsman-redeemer obligation to the nearer kinsman, outlining the legal and familial responsibilities involved in redeeming Naomi's land and, by extension, her deceased husband's lineage. Boaz, acting as a mediator, explicitly states his intention to offer the opportunity to the one who holds the primary right of redemption, emphasizing the procedural correctness and the presence of witnesses, the elders, to ensure the transaction's legitimacy. He clearly articulates the choice before the nearer kinsman: to exercise his right and fulfill the duty of redemption, or to decline, thereby relinquishing his claim and allowing Boaz, as the next in line, to proceed. The immediate affirmation from the nearer kinsman, "I will redeem it," sets in motion the narrative's pivotal moment, highlighting the gravity of the decision and its far-reaching implications.

Context and Background

The narrative unfolds in Bethlehem during a period of famine and hardship, following the deaths of Elimelech, his sons Mahlon and Chilion, and their Moabite wives, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi, having returned to Bethlehem widowed and without male heirs, faces destitution and the potential extinction of her husband's family line. The concept of the "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: go'el) was an integral part of ancient Israelite law, codified in Leviticus 25:25-28 and Deuteronomy 25:5-10. This law mandated that a close relative had the right and obligation to redeem a forfeited family inheritance, marry a childless widow to continue the deceased's name and lineage, and protect the family's land from being permanently alienated. Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech, has shown kindness to Ruth and Naomi and now, upon learning of the situation, steps forward to fulfill this sacred duty.

Key Themes and Messages

• Righteousness and Justice: Boaz's actions exemplify adherence to divine law and communal responsibility. He ensures the process is transparent and legally sound, respecting the established order and the rights of all involved.
• Redemption: The core theme is redemption, not only of land but also of a lineage and a family's future. This foreshadows a greater, divine redemption.
• Obedience and Faith: Naomi's return and Ruth's steadfast loyalty, coupled with Boaz's willingness to act, demonstrate obedience and faith in God's providence even in difficult circumstances.
• Generosity and Compassion: Boaz's generosity extends beyond legal obligation; he acts with compassion for Naomi and Ruth, ensuring their well-being and restoring their honor.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage serves as a powerful typology of Christ's redemptive work. Just as Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, steps in to secure Naomi's future and the continuation of her lineage, Jesus Christ, our kinsman through His humanity, redeems us from the bondage of sin and death. The land represents our spiritual inheritance, and the lineage signifies the spiritual family of God. The nearer kinsman's refusal highlights humanity's inability to redeem itself, necessitating a perfect Redeemer. Boaz's willingness to redeem, despite the personal cost, mirrors Christ's sacrificial love.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Ruth 4:4 is a crucial link in the unfolding story of God's redemptive plan. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His people, even when they are scattered or facing hardship. The lineage established through Ruth and Boaz leads directly to the Davidic line, and ultimately, to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. This chapter underscores the theme that God often works through seemingly ordinary people and unexpected circumstances to fulfill His grander purposes, weaving together the threads of lineage, law, and divine intervention.

Analogies

• A Legal Transaction: Imagine a family business facing bankruptcy. A close relative steps in, not out of obligation but out of love and a desire to preserve the legacy, to purchase the company and keep it afloat, ensuring the employees and the family name are secured.
• A Mortgage: The land can be seen as a property with a mortgage. The original owner is deceased, and the mortgage needs to be paid off to prevent foreclosure. A relative, the "kinsman-redeemer," has the right to pay off the mortgage and reclaim the property for the family.
• A Rescue Operation: Think of a situation where a person is trapped and unable to free themselves. A rescuer, who has the means and the right to intervene, steps forward to bring them to safety and restore them to their rightful place.

Relation to Other Verses

• Leviticus 25:25-28: This law provides the theological and legal basis for the kinsman-redeemer's role, detailing the rights and responsibilities associated with redeeming land and family.
• Deuteronomy 25:5-10: This passage further elaborates on the levirate marriage aspect of the kinsman-redeemer's duty, emphasizing the continuation of the deceased brother's name.
• Hebrews 2:14-16: This New Testament passage speaks of Jesus becoming like His brothers in every way, so that through His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. This directly connects Jesus to the role of a kinsman-redeemer for all humanity.
• Galatians 4:4-5: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." This verse highlights the divinely appointed timing and purpose of Christ's redemptive mission, mirroring the carefully orchestrated events in Ruth.