“Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe”
Historical Context:Ruth is a book found in the Old Testament of the Bible and tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth and her journey of faith and loyalty. In Ruth 4:8, we find ourselves at the climax of the story, where a legal transaction is about to take place.
The Levirate Law:To understand the significance of Ruth 4:8, it is essential to consider the Levirate law, which was a cultural practice during ancient times. According to this law, if a man died without leaving an heir, it was the responsibility of the closest relative to marry the widow and provide an heir for the deceased.
The Context of the Verse:In Ruth 4:1-10, we read about a legal situation that arises regarding the inheritance of Ruth’s deceased husband, Mahlon. Boaz, who had shown kindness to Ruth and had the right to redeem the land and marry Ruth, enters into a conversation with the closest relative (known as the kinsman-redeemer). Boaz informs the kinsman about the opportunity to redeem the land and marry Ruth.
The Kinsman’s Response:In verse 8, the kinsman acknowledges his position and acknowledges Boaz’s rightful claim. He agrees to relinquish his right to redeem the land and marry Ruth. The symbolic act of taking off his shoe was a public declaration of his renouncement of his duty.
Boaz Becomes the Kinsman-Redeemer:With the kinsman’s refusal, Boaz becomes the rightful kinsman-redeemer. He is now free to redeem the land, which includes marrying Ruth and continuing the family line of Ruth’s deceased husband.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Faithfulness and Loyalty:Ruth’s faithfulness and loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, are remarkable. Her story illustrates the beauty of commitment and demonstrates how God honours those who remain faithful.
- God’s Providence:Throughout the book of Ruth, we witness God’s hand at work, orchestrating events to bring about His purposes. He uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, reminding us that God is in control, even in difficult circumstances.
- Redemption:The concept of redemption is central to the book of Ruth. Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer, is a foreshadowing of Christ, who later becomes our ultimate Redeemer, paying the price for our sins through His death on the cross.
Application:
- Faithfulness and Commitment:Ruth’s unwavering commitment to Naomi challenges us to remain faithful to our commitments and relationships, even when faced with challenges.
- Trusting in God’s Providence:The story of Ruth reminds us to trust in God’s providential care, knowing that He is working behind the scenes, even when we cannot see it.
- Redemption through Christ:The ultimate redemption is found in Jesus Christ. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth and her family line, Jesus Christ offers redemption to all who believe in Him, forgiving their sins and restoring their relationship with God.
In conclusion, Ruth 4:8 portrays the pivotal moment when the kinsman acknowledges Boaz’s rightful claim and relinquishes his own rights. This act paves the way for Boaz to become the kinsman-redeemer and points to the greater redemption we find in Jesus Christ. The story of Ruth teaches us valuable lessons about faithfulness, God’s providence, and the ultimate redemption through Christ.
