“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.”
Context:The book of Ruth tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who shows great loyalty and faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of their husbands. In chapter 4, Naomi’s deceased husband’s relative, Boaz, takes the initiative to redeem Naomi’s family land and marry Ruth, thus providing for their welfare and continuing their family lineage.
The role of the kinsman-redeemer:In ancient Israel, the kinsman-redeemer was a male relative who had the responsibility to redeem or buy back the family property if it was in danger of being lost. This was a provision in the Mosaic Law to protect the inheritance of the Israelites and ensure the welfare of the family. In this verse, Boaz is addressing another relative who has the first right to redeem the land.
Boaz’s proposal:Boaz approaches the nearer kinsman and informs him about the availability of the land for redemption. Boaz exercises integrity by following the proper procedures and involving the elders of the city as witnesses. He presents the opportunity to the relative, giving him the option to redeem the land and fulfill his responsibility as the kinsman-redeemer.
Boaz’s commitment:Boaz emphasizes to the relative that if he chooses not to redeem the land, Boaz himself will take on the responsibility. He mentions that there is no other relative closer than him who can redeem the land. Boaz expresses his willingness to fulfill his duty as the kinsman-redeemer, ensuring that the family’s property remains within their lineage.
The relative’s response:In this verse, the relative agrees to redeem the land, indicating his initial willingness to fulfill his responsibility. However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that the relative is unable or unwilling to fulfill his commitment, which ultimately paves the way for Boaz to become Ruth’s husband and the kinsman-redeemer.
Application:This passage showcases the virtue of integrity and responsibility demonstrated by Boaz. He adheres to the cultural and legal expectations of his time, ensuring fairness and justice in the redemption process. Boaz’s actions provide a glimpse into the character of an honorable individual who upholds his commitments and cares for the welfare of others.
In summary, Ruth 4:4 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of Ruth where Boaz approaches the nearer kinsman to offer him the opportunity to redeem the land belonging to Naomi’s family. Boaz exhibits integrity and responsibility as he follows the proper procedures, demonstrating his commitment to fulfilling the role of the kinsman-redeemer.
