Ruth - Chapter 4

Ruth 4.1 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down. Ruth 4.2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. Ruth 4.3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s: Ruth 4.4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it. Ruth 4.5 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. Ruth 4.6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. Ruth 4.7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. Ruth 4.8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe. Ruth 4.9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi. Ruth 4.10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day. Ruth 4.11 And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: Ruth 4.12 And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman. Ruth 4.13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. Ruth 4.14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. Ruth 4.15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. Ruth 4.16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. Ruth 4.17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David. Ruth 4.18 Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, Ruth 4.19 And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, Ruth 4.20 And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, Ruth 4.21 And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, Ruth 4.22 And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

Ruth : Chapter 4

The Redemptive Conclusion of Ruth Chapter 4

Ruth chapter 4 concludes with a story of redemption and transformation. This passage invites us to reflect on the profound connection between love and law in God's plan. The inspiring story of Boaz's rescue of Ruth and Naomi, which culminates in their marriage and the birth of a child, highlights essential themes such as family redemption, divine providence, and the messianic lineage.

In this final chapter, we discover how God works through ordinary circumstances to accomplish extraordinary purposes. We invite you to explore five biblical passages that illustrate the transformative themes of Ruth 4.

Revelation of the Law of Levirate Marriage

Deuteronomy 25:5-6: "If two brothers live together and one of them dies without leaving children, the widow shall not marry outside the family. The deceased's brother shall marry her and fulfill the duties of a brother-in-law." This law, known as the law of levirate marriage, is the basis for Boaz's actions to save Ruth, illustrating the importance of family ties and the responsibilities that come with them.

Divine Protection

Psalm 68:5: "A father of orphans and a defender of widows, God is in his holy habitation." This verse reflects how God cared for Ruth and Naomi through Boaz, highlighting God's faithfulness to the most vulnerable.

The Promise of Deliverance

Isaiah 43:1: "Do not be afraid, for I have delivered you; I have called him by name; you are mine." This promise echoes Boaz's act of salvation, foreshadowing the divine salvation we find in Christ.

Messianic Lineage

Matthew 1:5-6: "Salmon begat Boaz, whose mother was Rahab; Boaz begat Obed, whose mother was Ruth; Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat King David." This passage shows how Ruth's story is intimately connected to the lineage of Jesus, reminding us that even the simplest stories can have an eternal impact.

Divine Providence

Romans 8:28: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, to those who have been called according to his purpose." This verse summarizes God's providence at work in the circumstances of Ruth and Naomi's lives, encouraging us to trust in his plan even when the paths seem uncertain.

Meditating on these passages, we are invited to recognize God's hand in our own lives and celebrate how he works for our good through challenges and trials.