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 4:10 (KJV)
Context
The book of Ruth is set in the time of the judges, a period of instability in Israel. Ruth, a Moabite widow, showed remarkable loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by leaving her own country and embracing Naomi’s people and God. By Ruth 4:10, Boaz, a close relative of Naomi’s late husband, stands at the city gate before the elders and the gathered townspeople. He has just announced his decision to redeem the land that belonged to Elimelech and his sons, and now he declares his intention to marry Ruth, the widow of Mahlon. This public setting makes the transaction legal and binding, as the elders serve as official witnesses.
Meaning
Boaz says, “Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife.” The word “purchased” shows that this marriage was part of a legal redemption. In ancient Israel, when a man died without an heir, a close relative, called a kinsman-redeemer, could step in to marry the widow and raise up a son in the dead man’s name. This act preserved the family line and kept the inheritance within the tribe. Boaz’s purpose was “to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance,” meaning that any child born to Ruth and Boaz would legally carry on Mahlon’s name and inherit the family property. The phrase “that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place” emphasizes the importance of a lasting name and a secure place in the community. The gate was where legal matters were settled, so having the name remembered there meant the family would not be forgotten.
Biblical connections
This act of redemption points forward to a greater redemption. Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer, foreshadows Jesus Christ, who redeems His people from sin and death. Just as Boaz willingly took on the cost of redeeming Ruth and the land, Christ willingly gave Himself to purchase our salvation. The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabitess, into the lineage of Israel shows that God’s plan of redemption reaches beyond ethnic boundaries. This is seen in the genealogy in Matthew 1:5, where Ruth is named as an ancestor of David and ultimately of Jesus. God worked through ordinary legal customs to accomplish His redemptive purpose, demonstrating that He is sovereign over human affairs.
Application
Boaz’s example teaches believers to act with integrity and to honor their commitments. He did not take advantage of his position but followed the law and made his intentions public. This reminds us that our actions are observed by others and should be conducted with transparency and accountability. The witnesses at the gate serve as a reminder that we are accountable to our community. Furthermore, Boaz’s care for Ruth, a vulnerable widow, challenges us to care for the marginalized and to protect those who have no one to defend them. His willingness to sacrifice his own rights for the sake of another is a model of selfless love.
Reflection
Ruth’s story shows that God sees and rewards faithfulness. Ruth, a foreigner, became part of the covenant community and an ancestor of the Messiah. Her loyalty to Naomi and her trust in God opened the way for His providence. This verse encourages believers to trust that God works through ordinary circumstances to fulfill His promises. It also calls us to consider how we can preserve the legacy of faith for future generations. Just as Boaz raised up a name for the dead, we are called to pass on the truth of God’s Word and to ensure that His name is remembered and honored in our families and communities.
