“Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.”
Context:The book of Ruth tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who, after the death of her husband, chooses to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi. In chapter 4, Naomi’s relative, Boaz, is taking steps to redeem the property of Naomi’s deceased husband and continue his family line.
Boaz’s Responsibility:In this verse, Boaz is addressing a closer relative of Naomi’s late husband, who has the right to redeem the property. Boaz informs him that if he chooses to buy the field, he must also take responsibility for Ruth, who was the wife of the deceased. This obligation includes fulfilling the levirate marriage custom, which involved marrying the widow to raise up offspring for the deceased husband.
Redemption and Inheritance:In the Old Testament, the concept of redemption was closely tied to the responsibility of protecting the family’s inheritance. The land was considered a vital possession because it represented the family’s heritage and God’s promised blessings. By redeeming the land, Boaz ensured the continuation of the deceased’s lineage and inheritance.
Ruth’s Role:Ruth, as a Moabite woman, was not originally a part of the Israelite community. However, through her loyalty and devotion to Naomi, she became an integral part of God’s plan for the lineage of King David and ultimately the lineage of Jesus Christ. Ruth’s inclusion in this transaction signifies God’s willingness to incorporate outsiders and shows His faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
Symbolism:The actions and events in the book of Ruth often hold symbolic significance. Boaz, as a foreshadowing of Christ, serves as a kinsman-redeemer, just as Jesus redeems and rescues humanity from sin and its consequences. Ruth, as a Gentile who finds acceptance and blessing in the community of God’s people, symbolizes the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan.
Application:Ruth’s story teaches us important lessons about loyalty, faithfulness, and God’s providence. We see how God can use unlikely individuals and circumstances to bring about His purposes. It also reminds us of the importance of caring for widows, showing kindness to foreigners, and reflecting God’s love and compassion in our relationships.
