Ruth 4
Meaning of Ruth 4
Ruth 4 is the final chapter of the Book of Ruth in the Bible. In this chapter, we see the story of Ruth’s redemption by Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband, in accordance with Jewish law and custom.
In the start of the chapter, Boaz goes to the town gate (which is an important place where legal matters are settled) and convenes a meeting with the “guardian-redeemer” or “kinsman-redeemer”, the man who had the first right to marry Ruth according to the local custom. Boaz informs this man about the availability of Naomi’s land (Naomi is Ruth’s mother in law) and also his opportunity to marry Ruth.
The guardian-redeemer initially agrees to redeem the land until he learns that it includes marrying Ruth, the Moabite. Because of potential conflicts with his own estate, he declines the option. Therefore, Boaz takes the opportunity to declare his intention to redeem the land and marry Ruth.
The elders and all at the gate bless Boaz’s decision and pray that his marriage with Ruth would be blessed by God. Boaz marries Ruth and they have a son named Obed. Obed becomes the grandfather of King David, hence Ruth and Boaz become the ancestors of King David and, considered in the Christian tradition, also Jesus.
The final verses describe the genealogy from Perez, the son of Judah, to David, emphasizing God’s serious and longterm commitment to his people.
In essence, Ruth 4 beautifully portrays the theme of redemption, faithfulness and God’s providence. Through her loyalty to Naomi and to God, Ruth, a foreigner, is integrated into Israel and becomes part of the ancestral line of King David and ultimately, in Christian theology, Jesus Christ.
Ruth 4 kjv
“Ruth 4” is the final chapter from the Book of Ruth in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. Here’s a brief explanation of the content:
This chapter recounts how Boaz went up to the gate of the city, a public meeting place, where he encounters the unidentified relative (“kinsman-redeemer”) who holds the first right to buy Naomi’s land and marry Ruth, the Moabite widow, to carry on her deceased husband Mahlon’s family line. Boaz mentions this matter to the kinsman, and he initially agrees to redeem the land, but when Boaz mentions Ruth and the duty to marry her and raise children to carry on the deceased’s family’s namesake, this close relative chooses not to exercise his right due to potential harm to his own estate.
He handed over his right to Boaz by the custom of the time, which was to remove his sandal and give it to Boaz. This action publicly confirmed that Boaz could now proceed as the next-of-kin.
Boaz then declares to the elders and all people present that he is buying all the property of Elimelek, Mahlon, and Kilion and also taking Ruth to be his wife. They blessed his decision and pray for Ruth to be like Rachel and Leah who built the house of Israel.
Ruth then bears Boaz a son, whose name was Obed. Obed popularly became recognized as the grandfather of King David – connecting Ruth and Boaz to the genealogical line of Jesus Christ.
By the end of the chapter, Ruth’s story is shown as one of faithfulness and loyalty, and it represents the virtues of loving-kindness and steadfastness. It embeds in its narrative themes of redemption, levirate marriage, and genealogy, which tie into broader biblical themes. The author also impresses the reader that God’s has an unsurpassed way to blessing those who seek refuge in Him, just like Ruth did.
Ruth 4 nkjv
Ruth 4 is the final chapter of the book of Ruth in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. This chapter covers the resolution of the story and has two significant events: Boaz’s negotiation to marry Ruth and the birth of Obed.
At the beginning of the chapter, Boaz is at the city gate where he meets the close relative who had the first right of redemption over Elimelech’s (Naomi’s husband) property and Ruth the Moabitess, who was the widow of Elimelech’s son, Mahlon. Boaz presents the opportunity for the relative to redeem the property, which he initially accepts, but once Boaz clarifies that the redemption of land requires him to take Ruth as his wife, the man declines. This is because he cares more about his own inheritance which could potentially be tarnished if he takes Ruth as his wife.
Boaz acts as the kinsman-redeemer (one who has the right to redeem), marrying Ruth, and thereby providing protection and security for her and Naomi. The elders and those present at the city gate confirm and bless his decision. This leads to their marriage which results in the birth of a son who they name Obed.
Obed plays an integral part in the story as he is the father of Jesse, who is the father of David, indicating that Ruth and Boaz are direct ancestors of King David. This connection also leads to the lineage of Jesus Christ. The chapter concludes with a genealogy that traces from Perez (the son of Judah) to David.
In summary, the chapter is about redemption, love, and loyalty, which results in the preservation of a family line that eventually leads to Jesus Christ. It also beautifully illustrates the concept of the kinsman-redeemer, which in Christian understanding, foreshadows Jesus Christ’s redemption of believers.
Ruth 4 niv
The Book of Ruth, Chapter 4 in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible concludes the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi.
In the beginning of this chapter, Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi’s deceased husband, goes to the city gate (a common place for public affairs) and meets with the closer relative who has the first right to redeem the land Naomi had sold and marry Ruth, Naomi’s widowed daughter-in-law. However, this anonymous relative declines to do so when he learns that it would also require him to marry Ruth, the Moabite. The unnamed relative takes off his sandal and gives it to Boaz, a gesture that formalizes his renunciation of his redemption rights, leading the way for Boaz to marry Ruth.
Boaz takes on the responsibility of being a kinsman redeemer and marries Ruth, in the presence of ten elders of the city. They affirm the validity of the transaction and ask God’s blessings on Boaz and Ruth’s union. The elders and all the people at the gate bless Boaz and Ruth, praying that the Lord makes Ruth fruitful and that their family becomes as prosperous as those of the patriarchs Perez and Rachel.
Ruth and Boaz have a son named Obed, who is celebrated as a gift from God. Naomi is blessed with a grandchild who would be an heir and a sustainer in her old age, fulfilling God’s promise of restoration. Obed would be the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth in the lineage of Jesus, as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew.
In summary, Ruth Chapter 4 tells the story of redemption, covenant-keeping love, faithfulness and the providence of God. Through Boaz’s selfless act of love, Ruth, a foreign widow, becomes an ancestor of Jesus Christ, indicating God’s inclusive love for all people.
What is Ruth 4 all about?
Ruth 4 is the final chapter of the Book of Ruth in the Bible and it concludes the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
At the beginning of the chapter, Boaz, who is a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband Elimelech, goes to the town gate (which is where legal matters are settled) to speak with the closer kinsman-redeemer about Naomi’s land. Boaz offers him the chance to buy the land which belonged to Elimelech. The kinsman-redeemer initially agrees to purchase the land, but Boaz then explains that whoever purchases the land also must marry Ruth, the Moabite widow of Naomi’s son, to maintain the name of the deceased with his property. The kinsman-redeemer, unwilling to jeopardize his own inheritance, declines the offer.
Consequently, Boaz marries Ruth, rescuing her and Naomi from a life of poverty, and honoring his responsibility as a kinsman-redeemer. Ruth and Boaz later have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, thus continuing the lineage of Jesus Christ.
The chapter underlines the themes of loyalty, love, kindness, and God’s providence. It portrays Boaz as an exemplary man who is guided by respect for the law and desire to protect those less fortunate. Ruth and Naomi’s story ends on a happy note demonstrating that God often works in our lives through the kindness and courage of others.
What does Ruth 4 teaches?
Ruth 4 is the final chapter of the Book of Ruth in the Bible. This chapter focuses on themes of redemption, loyalty, and the importance of family lineage.
The chapter starts with Boaz negotiating with the nearer kinsman-redeemer who has the first right to marry Ruth. The unnamed kinsman declines to marry Ruth because it may jeopardize his own inheritance, which demonstrates the selflessness of Boaz’s love for Ruth compared to the selfishness of the kinsman.
Boaz takes Ruth as his wife and she gives birth to a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of David and ancestor of Jesus Christ. This lineage establishes the significance of Ruth and Boaz within the genealogy of David and ultimately Jesus.
Ruth 4 teaches important lessons on love, faithfulness, responsibility, grace, and redemption. It highlights the importance of acting with integrity and care for others. In the narrative, Boaz’s noble behavior is motivated by respect for Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and her people.
Above all, this chapter underscores how God works in the lives of ordinary people, even in their difficult times, to bring about his extraordinary plan. It reveals that God’s providential care can bring unexpected blessings out of bitterness, loss, and hardship.
A Sermon on Ruth 4
In Ruth 4, we see the conclusion of Ruth and Naomi’s story, which is colored with themes of loss, dedication, loyalty, love, and redemption.
The chapter starts with Boaz taking the matter of Ruth’s future to the city gate – the locale where legal matters are settled. He presented the opportunity for the closest relative (the kinsman redeemer) of Naomi’s late husband to purchase and redeem the land of Naomi and marry Ruth. This was following the levirate law in Israel wherein a family member would ensure the continuity of the deceased’s family line and property.
However, when the nearer kinsman learns that he would have to marry Ruth, the Moabite widow, he declines for fear of jeopardizing inheritance rights amongst his own descendants, enabling Boaz to step in and become the kinsman redeemer.
Boaz marries Ruth, which depicts the theme of redemption beautifully. Their marriage is one of love and mutual respect. It not only provides Ruth and Naomi a secure future but also brings joy as Ruth becomes a mother.
In an exciting twist, Ruth and Boaz’ son, Obed, becomes the grandfather of David, making Ruth an ancestor of King David and eventually Jesus Christ (as outlined in Matthew’s genealogy). Therefore, this story, in essence, points forward to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.
This sermon on Ruth 4 might emphasize the providence of God working out His grand narratives in the everyday faithfulness of ordinary people. It also highlights the concept of redemption, love, and kindness mirrored in Boaz’s actions toward Ruth and Naomi, which parallels to the redemptive love God shows to us.
Key people in Ruth 4
Ruth 4 features several key characters:
1. Ruth: A Moabite woman who became a widow when her husband, a man from Bethlehem, died. Ruth is loyal, diligent, and faithful. She chooses to return to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after both their husbands die. Ruth eventually marries Boaz, a well-respected man from Bethlehem and relative of her father-in-law.
2. Boaz: An older, honorable, and wealthy relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech. He is defined by his generosity, respect for Ruth, and honor of Jewish laws. He agrees to marry Ruth to carry on her deceased husband’s name and redeem the family’s lost property.
3. Naomi: Ruth’s mother-in-law, who also loses her husband. Naomi is a key character because of her relationship to Ruth and as the one who prompts the idea of Ruth remarrying to provide for them. She guides Ruth to Boaz as a potential husband due to their relation as a “kinsman-redeemer” (someone who could redeem the family’s lost property).
4. The “Near Kinsman” or “Unnamed Relative”: Before Boaz, this man is actually the next in line as the “kinsman-redeemer.” Boaz negotiates with this relative who has first rights to act as redeemer. The man is willing to redeem the land of Naomi’s family but turns down the opportunity when he learns he must also marry Ruth, thus indirectly allowing Boaz to marry Ruth.
5. Obed: He is the son of Ruth and Boaz, who is significant due to his lineage. He is the grandfather of King David, which places Ruth and Boaz in the genealogical line of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).
Real world examples on Ruth 4
The Book of Ruth in the Bible is a beautiful story of love, loyalty, and redemption. In Ruth 4, we see Boaz, a relative of Ruth’s deceased husband, step forward to marry Ruth and take care of her and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Now, let’s look at some real-world examples that could parallel Ruth 4:
1. A woman who is a widow with children marries a man who not only loves her, but also willingly accepts the responsibilities of being a stepfather to her children. This reflects Boaz’s willingness to take on the responsibilities of marrying Ruth and taking care of Naomi.
2. In many cultures, there is still the tradition of marrying within the family – that is, if a man dies without having children, his brother or closest relative marries the widow to carry on the family line. This is a real-world example of the levirate marriage custom practiced in Ruth’s time.
3. In legal terms, the scene of Boaz at the city gate negotiating for the right to redeem Ruth’s property and marry her might parallel today’s legal procedures, where settlements are made, and legal bindings are established publicly.
4. Lastly, the act of Boaz taking off his sandal and giving it to the other close relative signifies the transfer of authority or property rights. Similar customs can be found in various cultures or you can relate it to signing of legal documents in today’s time to transfer property and rights.
5. Boaz’s immediate willingness to marry Ruth could be likened to instances where people step up to help and support others in their time of need, accepting them fully out of love, kindness, and responsibility.
6. This chapter also signifies the importance of strong communities that support and care for its individuals during tough times. Many times we see communities coming together to support each other in crisis.
These are few examples to illustrate the events of Ruth 4 in the context of the real-world scenarios.
Brief Explanation of Ruth 4
Ruth 4 is the final chapter in the Book of Ruth from the Bible. This section depicts the culmination of the virtuous love story between Ruth, a Moabitess, and Boaz, a wealthy Israelite landowner.
At the start of the chapter, Boaz approaches the city gate to meet the other potential kinsman-redeemer (Ruth’s late husband’s closer relative), to discuss Ruth’s situation. He invites him and ten elders of the city as witnesses and provides the closer kinsman the opportunity to exercise his right to redeem Elimelech’s (Naomi’s late husband’s) land, which Naomi had sold due to her husband and sons’ deaths.
The nearer kinsman is initially interested in acquiring the land until Boaz mentions that he would also need to marry Ruth to maintain her late husband’s lineage. The kinsman refuses the proposal, as it might jeopardize his own inheritance. He takes off his sandal and gives it to Boaz, completing a traditional Israelite custom indicating the transfer of property rights.
Boaz then announces before the elders that he is purchasing all of Elimelech’s, Naomi’s, and her sons’ possessions and marrying Ruth. The city elders and all the people celebrate this announcement, praying for Ruth’s fertility and prosperity.
Ruth and Boaz get married and have a son named Obed who becomes grandfather to King David, establishing the lineage of David and, consequently, of Jesus Christ. The Book of Ruth ends as Naomi’s friends celebrate the birth of Ruth’s baby and Naomi’s joy at being a grandmother, bringing a beautiful narrative of love, faith, loyalty, and redemption to a happy end.
Frequently asked questions for Ruth 4
1. Who was the closer relative mentioned in Ruth 4?
The closer relative mentioned in Ruth 4 is a man who is not named but was a closer kin to Naomi’s husband Elimelech than Boaz was. However, he forfeited his right to act as kinsman-redeemer because he didn’t want to jeopardize his own estate.
2. What is a kinsman-redeemer?
A kinsman-redeemer in biblical times was a male relative who had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or in need. The kinsman-redeemer had specific responsibilities such as buying family members out of slavery, redeeming property, marrying a childless widow to preserve the family line etc.
3. What was the significance of the sandal exchange in Ruth 4?
In Ruth 4, the sandal exchange symbolized the transfer of responsibility. This practice is noted in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where the removal of a shoe was a testimony of a kinsman-redeemer’s refusal to perform his duty. In this chapter, the sandal exchange confirmed the transfer of redemption rights from the unnamed relative to Boaz.
4. What was Boaz’s relationship with Ruth and Naomi?
Boaz is a close relative of Naomi’s husband Elimelech. After meeting Ruth, who is the widowed daughter-in-law of Naomi, Boaz expressed his willingness to be her kinsman-redeemer, and they eventually get married.
5. How does chapter 4 tie up the story of Ruth?
In Ruth 4, Boaz marries Ruth and they have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of David, thereby continuing the line to the Messiah. This chapter ties up the book by showing how God worked through the faithfulness of Ruth and Boaz to bring about His plans and purposes. It’s a remarkable demonstration of God’s providence and the importance of ordinary human decisions cooperating with God’s design.
6. How does Ruth 4 point forward to Jesus?
Ruth 4 points forward to Jesus by linking Ruth and Boaz to the genealogy of King David. Jesus is often called the “Son of David,” and so the Book of Ruth positions Ruth and Boaz as part of the lineage of Jesus, illustrating God’s redemptive plan.
Possible References for Ruth 4
“Ruth 4” refers to the fourth chapter in the Book of Ruth in the Bible. Here are some potential references or themes you might examine in Ruth 4:
– Boaz Redeems Ruth: Much of Ruth 4 revolves around Boaz’s redemption of Ruth. This is a legal act under Jewish law at the time, where a close relative (in this case, Boaz) marries a widowed woman to carry on her late husband’s name and estate. This is seen as a selfless act and a show of loyalty and respect for family ties.
– Final Resolution: Ruth 4 typically represents the final solution to the problems presented in the previous chapters of Ruth. Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi, both widows without a male supporter, are now assured of protection and livelihood.
– Lineage of David: Ruth 4:18-22 presents the genealogy connecting Perez to the King David, via Boaz and Ruth’s son, Obed. This is significant as it traces the lineage of Jesus Christ as per Christian belief.
– Theme of “Go’el”: The Hebrew term ‘Go’el’ is often used in Ruth 4, and it is translated into English as ‘kinsman redeemer’. It’s someone who delivers or rescues (redeems), or purchases property or one’s freedom.
– Kindness and Loyalty: These themes which started from the first chapter of the book are seen as being rewarded in this chapter. Boaz’s kindness to Ruth and Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi lead to their marriage and the birth of Obed, the grandfather of David.
– God’s Providence: This chapter ties up Ruth’s story revealing God’s hand in guiding the lives of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz to accomplish His divine plan.
These references might vary slightly depending on different interpretations related to faith, culture, and personal beliefs.
Conclusion on Ruth 4
Ruth 4 is the final chapter of the Book of Ruth in the Bible, and its conclusion brings a satisfying resolution to the story.
In this chapter, the main character Boaz goes to the city gates (the local place for legal transactions) where he holds a conversation with the “kinsman redeemer,” a relative who, by Mosaic law, had the first right to marry Ruth, since her husband had passed away. Boaz presents this man with the opportunity to marry Ruth and acquire the land that belonged to Naomi’s late husband, Elimelech. However, the anonymous relative is unable to do so fearing it might endanger his own inheritance and therefore renounces his right of redemption.
Thus, Boaz is legally free to marry Ruth, and he does so. They have a son named Obed who later becomes the grandfather of King David, thus continuing the line of inheritance through which Jesus Christ is eventually born.
The conclusion of the story in Ruth 4 demonstrates the provision and kindness of God towards His faithful servants like Ruth and Boaz. It also highlights the themes of redemption and lineage, connecting the life of a seemingly ordinary woman to the Messianic line.