Ruth 4

Ruth 4

Just as Boaz had promised, he found the man that was the closest Redeemer to Ruth and Naomi. In the presence of a group of elders, Boaz brought the matter to the man. He explained how he was the closest relative to Naomi and was thus in line first to acquire her land and her inheritance, which also included Ruth. When the man thought that he was only going to acquire the land, he was more than willing to take it, but when he was told Ruth was in the deal as well, he decided against it. The text does not say why he changed his mind, and it really does not matter. Whether he already had a wife, did not want a wife, or felt burdened by the deal, the man did not want to redeem Naomi’s inheritance, which left it up to Boaz. Since Boaz had promised Ruth earlier that day that he would be their Redeemer, he immediately jumped on the opportunity.


Before the elders, Boaz proclaimed that he would redeem Naomi’s inheritance, and it became official. The elders and officials then blessed Boaz and Ruth, saying that they wished their marriage to be like that of Jacob with Leah and Rachel. Knowing the story of Jacob, we know that he was the father of Israel, and he had 12 sons that became the 12 tribes. Furthermore, his line was the promised line through Abraham. This continued through the tribe of Judah and on down to Boaz. They not only blessed Boaz by wishing him a happy marriage, but they also blessed the family Boaz and Ruth would have. None of the men sitting there that day knew what God was about to do. They did not know that it would be through Boaz and Ruth that the great King David would come. They certainly did not know that Jesus would also be born out of their line of descendants. God was at work in the lives of these men.

Ruth did have a son some time later, and the women of the city named him Obed. Naomi, who probably never thought that she would ever have a family again after her tragedies in Ruth 1 now had a grandson. Because of her change of heart and love for Ruth, because of Ruth’s sacrifice for Naomi, and because of Boaz’s sacrifice for and willingness to help both Ruth and Naomi, they were all blessed with the birth of Obed. Of course, this was God’s plan all along, but it is amazing that he was able to use a young Moabite woman (not someone of Israel), a bitter woman (who learned to trust God again), and almost a random man (who had been placed in their lives for a reason) to fulfill His purposes. God can use anything in order to accomplish His purposes. He can even use us, but we have to be willing to let Him use us. Sometimes that requires sacrifice, and we must always remain obedient to His commands. When we are willing to let God have control of our lives, He can accomplish great things through us for His glory.

Furthermore we should never think that we are too insignificant to be used by God. Think of the people God used in Scripture. He chose Moses who had a speaking problem, Rahab who was a prostitute, Ruth who was a Moabite, and eventually Paul who persecuted His children. Anyone who is willing to give God control and alter their lives to be in accordance with His commands can be used by God. God is in the process of redeeming men and women from every nation, every people group. He uses people all across the world, and if we are willing to give Him control, He can use us as well.

Matt