Chapter 4
Vv. 1-6 Boaz approaches the nameless possible redeemer of Ruth at the gates, which would be like a modern day courthouse/place of business. He brings about ten elders and the pressure of the deal is on! Boaz introduces the land of Naomi’s son which she would turn over to the redeemer. This of course sounds good to any person. Boaz then brings up the fact that if he would redeem the land, he must also take Ruth as his wife. By bringing it up second, almost like an afterthought, Boaz is almost presenting Ruth as a burden for the man. After hearing this, the nameless redeemer asks Boaz to take on redeeming the land and Ruth.
Vv. 7-12 Boaz jumps at the opportunity and Boaz trades his sandal with the other man, a sign that he is taking the duty of redeeming from the other man. The elders bear witness to this act of redemption and they pray a blessing over Ruth. Little did the know that through Ruth the lineage of Jesus would continue.
How does the trading of sandals and the redemptive process remind you of Christ’s act of redemption?
Vv. 13-17 Boaz and Ruth were wed and she bore Boaz a son. So not only was Ruth blessed by being redeemed, but she also had her womb opened as she was considered barren. Naomi, who was once bitter, received joy through the baby Obed. We are given that Obed will be the grandfather of the greatest king of Israel: David.
What about Ruth’s story do you see foreshadowed in the story of David?
How does this chapter reflect the sovereign nature of the Lord?
Vv. 18-22 Following the story of Ruth, we are given the lineage of David.
If Ruth can be not only included but essential in the lineage of David and therefore Jesus, what does it say about God’s desire for redemption?
Pastor’s Answers
The trading of sandals are an ancient tradition that signified the passing of the responsibility of redemption from one member to another. In a much deeper and painful act of passion, Christ will trade his life for ours redeeming us of the debt that we owed. But maybe more directly, Christ trades his own sandals, or his entire heavenly wardrobe, for that of a man’s that he might come to earth and redeem his people. What a rotten deal from our perspective; however it speaks to the value God sees in us and the love he holds for his creation.
There are characteristics in Ruth that we certainly see in that of David. We definitely see humility, courage, boldness, and faithfulness. We also see a reflection of the redemption story. God is seen redeeming Ruth, making her story one from tragic to great. In a greater way we will see that God uses a young and humble shepherd to become the greatest king in Israel. The reason David is so heralded is because through his leadership, Israel finds unity and redemption.
We see the sovereign Lord at work all throughout this story, the final chapter being no different. First, we see the Lord setting into motion Boaz redeeming Ruth. It could have been that the nameless redeemer was willing to take Ruth as his wife, but Boaz was able to work the deal that he would take her as his own. We see God open the womb of Ruth, allowing her to have a child. And that child would not be one of the many generations of Israel, but rather the grandfather of David in the line of Christ!
God brings a Moabite widow into the line of Jesus. This was something unheard of and shows that the Lord is not trying to just save a few, but rather all the earth. And it is through this royal lineage that he puts on display just how wide-reaching this redemption is.