Dei Time

The Kinsman-Redeemer

Dei Break

Ruth 3:1 - 4:22

Naomi had a plan for Boaz and Ruth, and it would appear that Boaz was not without his own thoughts about Ruth. When she showed up lying near the foot of his bedding, he seems to have already had a plan to provide for both Ruth and Naomi.

Some commentators suggest that Ruth was offering sexual favors to Boaz, but the language of the passage along with Boaz's repeated statement of Ruth's honor makes this scenario unlikely.

Boaz met with a closer relative of Naomi the next day, calling on ten other men to act as witnesses.

The closer relative ultimately chose not to act as kinsman-redeemer for the women, probably for a couple of reasons. If Naomi had been alone, no sons would have come into question since she was beyond childbearing age. But Ruth was another story. Hearing that she was part of the deal, the relative realized that the firstborn son of Ruth would be considered the grandson and son of Elimelech's line, because one job of the kinsman was to raise a child of his own as though he had been born to the deceased. That way, the name and the family of the deceased would go on. This first son, legally (though not physically) the son of the deceased, would inherit the property that was about to be purchased by the kinsman-redeemer. This custom kept the property in the same family. Not only would the kinsman-redeemer lose the property that he had purchased, he would probably lose some of his existing land as an additional inheritance to Ruth's firstborn. In addition, he would have the added expense of caring for Ruth and Naomi. At this realization, the closer relative backed off and allowed Boaz to take on the task of the kinsman-redeemer for the women.

The story of Ruth and Naomi was probably very popular because it told the story of King David's ancestors. Not only would Ruth of Moab be an ancestor of the king of Israel, her descendants would include Jesus, King of all creation!

Next time: Giving a Son to God

Ruth and Israeli Custom

Dei Break

Ruth 1:1 - 2:23

The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges, perhaps Gideon, but was probably written down during the reign of King David. Some scholars think that David's prophet, Nathan, may have been the author, or a scribe in Solomon's reign; a few suggest that it may have been written by a woman, but no one knows for sure.

In times of famine national lines and cultural differences, however important, seemed to have been set aside—at least in the case of Elimelech. He took his family to the land of Moab, (descendants of Lot excluded from the tribes of Israel). Contrary to the law, the sons of Elimelech married Naomi and Orpah, Moabite women. When all of the men of the family died, Naomi was in trouble. Women could not go out and get a job, nor was there much of a welfare system. She was destitute, so she urged her daughters-in-law to return to their families. Naomi prayed for God's blessing on the two women, perhaps understanding God's recurring statement that all people should be brought into His family. Ruth insisted on staying. (interestingly, many are familiar with her statement of loyalty to her mother-in-law, but believe it relates to a bride's statement of devotion to her groom. [1:16])

According to Levitical law, farmers were to leave the field corners unharvested. This was to be left for the poor to collect (2:2). Boaz (an owner of the fields) was impressed by Ruth and made special arrangements with his servants to assist her in her task. His assistance was gracious and also protected her from going to other fields where she might have been abused by the ruffians so prevalent in the time of the judges in Israel.

Boaz was not only related to Naomi and Ruth (2:20), he was a "kinsman-redeemer." In Jewish law if a close family member had to sell his land or his person to pay a debt, the kinsman-redeemer stepped in to buy back the land or person. That law will complicate Boaz' new interest in Ruth.

Next Time: The Kinsman Redeemer