“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.”
Historical Context:Ruth 4:1 is a pivotal moment in the book of Ruth. The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges, a period of Israel’s history characterised by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Ruth, a Moabite woman, had followed her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem after her husband’s death. Naomi’s relative, Boaz, had shown kindness and protection towards Ruth, leading to their growing relationship.
The Gate:In ancient times, the city gate was a central location where legal matters and important transactions took place. It was a public space where people gathered, and elders would sit to administer justice or make important decisions. Boaz went to the gate, not only because it was a public place but also because he intended to resolve the matter of Ruth’s redemption and marry her.
The Kinsman-Redeemer:The “kinsman of whom Boaz spake” refers to a closer relative of Naomi’s deceased husband who had the right to redeem the family’s property and marry Ruth. In the previous chapter, Boaz had informed Ruth that he would speak to this relative before pursuing marriage with her. Boaz was determined to fulfil his role as a kinsman-redeemer, a cultural practice in Israel where a near relative had the responsibility to protect and provide for family members in need.
Boaz’s Initiative:Boaz took the initiative to approach the kinsman at the gate. By calling him to “turn aside” and “sit down,” Boaz created an opportunity for a conversation. This shows Boaz’s commitment to resolving the matter in accordance with the cultural customs and legal requirements of the time.
Application:Ruth 4:1 highlights several important principles we can apply to our lives today:
- Faithfulness and Commitment:Boaz demonstrated faithfulness and commitment by following through on his promise to Ruth and Naomi. Similarly, as believers, we should be faithful in our relationships and commitments, honouring our word and fulfilling our responsibilities.
- Respectful Resolution:Boaz approached the situation with respect and humility. He engaged the kinsman in a courteous manner, allowing for a fair discussion. When faced with conflicts or challenging situations, we should strive for peaceful resolutions, treating others with respect and kindness.
- Taking Initiative:Boaz did not wait for the situation to resolve itself. Instead, he took the initiative to address the matter head-on. In our lives, we should be proactive and take responsibility for resolving issues rather than waiting for others to take action.
- Trusting in God’s Guidance:Throughout the book of Ruth, God’s providential hand is evident. Boaz trusted God’s leading and sought to honour Him in his actions. We can learn from Boaz’s example by trusting in God’s guidance and seeking to follow His will in our own lives.
In conclusion, Ruth 4:1 marks an important turning point in the story of Ruth as Boaz takes the initiative to resolve the matter of redemption and marriage. This verse teaches us valuable lessons about faithfulness, respect, taking initiative, and trusting in God’s guidance.
