“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.”
Background and Context:The book of Ruth is a beautiful narrative found in the Old Testament, situated in the time of the judges. Ruth, a Moabite widow, exemplifies faithfulness and loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, even after the death of their husbands. In Ruth 4:10, Boaz, a close relative of Naomi’s late husband, speaks to the elders and witnesses of the town, explaining his intention to marry Ruth and redeem the inheritance of her deceased husband, Mahlon.
Redemption and Marriage:In ancient Israelite culture, the practice of redemption played a significant role. If a man died without leaving an heir, it was customary for a close relative, known as a kinsman-redeemer, to step in and marry the widow. This act of redemption ensured that the family line and inheritance would continue. Boaz acknowledges his role as the kinsman-redeemer, expressing his desire to marry Ruth to perpetuate the name of the dead and preserve his inheritance.
Raising Up the Name:By marrying Ruth, Boaz aimed to “raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.” This act held great significance in Hebrew culture. The primary purpose was to ensure that the lineage and name of the deceased continued, and the inheritance stayed within the family. Boaz took on the responsibility of preserving the family’s heritage and securing Mahlon’s place among his brethren.
Witnessed and Validated:Boaz emphasizes the significance of the witnesses present during his declaration. This public declaration and acknowledgment of his intention to redeem and marry Ruth ensured that the transaction would be legally binding. By having witnesses, the matter was made official and could be verified in the future if necessary.
Spiritual Lessons:While Ruth 4:10 addresses a specific cultural practice, there are several spiritual lessons we can draw from this verse:
- Faithfulness and loyalty:Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law serves as a powerful example of faithfulness and loyalty. Her willingness to remain by Naomi’s side and embrace her customs paved the way for God’s providence in her life.
- God’s provision and redemption:Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer, illustrates God’s redemptive plan for His people. In the same way, Jesus Christ became our ultimate Redeemer, providing salvation and restoring our relationship with God.
- The importance of witnesses:Boaz’s call for witnesses highlights the significance of accountability and transparency in our actions. It reminds us to live in a manner that is open and accountable to others, especially in matters of integrity and righteousness.
- Preservation of legacy:Boaz’s desire to preserve the name and inheritance of the deceased demonstrates the importance of heritage and the responsibility we have to honor our family’s legacy. Similarly, as believers, we are called to preserve and pass on the truth of God’s Word to future generations.
In conclusion, Ruth 4:10 showcases Boaz’s intention to redeem Ruth and fulfill the role of kinsman-redeemer. It highlights the importance of preserving family heritage, emphasizes faithfulness, and provides spiritual lessons about God’s redemption and our responsibility to live with integrity.
