Overview:

Ruth 4 concludes the story of Ruth, focusing on Boaz’s role as the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz goes to the town gate to resolve the matter of redeeming Elimelek’s property and marrying Ruth. He meets with a closer relative, who ultimately declines the role of redeemer, leaving Boaz free to fulfill his promise to Ruth. Boaz marries Ruth, and they are blessed with a son, Obed. The women of Bethlehem rejoice with Naomi, celebrating the restoration of her family line through Ruth and Boaz. The chapter ends with a genealogy that traces the line from Perez to King David, connecting Ruth’s story to Israel’s future king and ultimately to the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Key themes include redemption, restoration, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes through faithfulness. Ruth 4 demonstrates God’s hand at work in every detail, leading to blessings that extend far beyond Ruth and Naomi’s lives.

Historical and Literary Context:

The resolution of Ruth’s story centers around the concept of the kinsman-redeemer, a legal practice in ancient Israel that allowed family members to care for widows, preserve property, and uphold the family line. The setting at the town gate emphasizes the public and legal nature of Boaz’s actions. The genealogy at the end of the chapter serves a dual purpose: it legitimizes David’s lineage, showing the honor and providence of Ruth’s role in Israel’s history, and foreshadows the Messianic line through which Jesus would come, underscoring the lasting impact of Ruth’s faithfulness.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

Redemption and Restoration:

The role of the kinsman-redeemer highlights Boaz’s commitment to redeem both the land of Elimelek and Ruth, ensuring that Naomi’s family line is preserved. This act of redemption symbolizes restoration and hope, offering Naomi a future and blessing.

“Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, ‘Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion, and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property’” (Ruth 4:9-10).

Boaz’s action mirrors the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who redeems and restores believers to a relationship with God. In the New Testament, Jesus offers redemption through His sacrifice, restoring what was lost and granting believers a secure future (Ephesians 1:7, Galatians 3:13).

God’s Sovereignty and Faithfulness:

The unfolding events reveal God’s sovereignty in every detail, from Ruth’s “chance” meeting with Boaz to the birth of Obed, whose lineage leads to King David. God’s faithfulness to Naomi and Ruth reminds believers that He orchestrates His purposes through the faithfulness of His people.

“Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!” (Ruth 4:14).

God’s provision of a redeemer for Naomi and Ruth illustrates His faithful care, showing that even in hardship, God is present and working. The New Testament calls believers to trust in God’s sovereign will, knowing that He fulfills His promises (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11).

The Inclusion of Gentiles in God’s Plan:

Ruth’s inclusion in the genealogy of David and Jesus highlights God’s redemptive purpose for all nations. As a Moabite, Ruth’s acceptance into the lineage of Israel reflects God’s heart for all people and His intention to bring salvation to all.

“Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, ‘Naomi has a son!’” (Ruth 4:16-17).

Ruth’s role in Israel’s lineage foreshadows the New Testament teaching that salvation is available to all, regardless of background, through Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:13-14).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Ruth 4:1-2:

“Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, ‘Come over here, my friend, and sit down.’ So he went over and sat down. Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, ‘Sit here,’ and they did so” (Ruth 4:1-2).

Boaz’s approach at the town gate reflects his commitment to honor both the law and Ruth. By gathering elders, he ensures the transaction is witnessed, adding accountability and transparency.

Ruth 4:3-5:

“Then he said to the guardian-redeemer, ‘Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimelek’” (Ruth 4:3).

Boaz presents the situation clearly, emphasizing the opportunity for the other relative to redeem the land, as custom required. His honesty and respect for legal process demonstrate his integrity.

Ruth 4:6-8:

“‘Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it’” (Ruth 4:6).

The other relative’s refusal opens the door for Boaz to act as Ruth’s redeemer, showing how God arranges circumstances to accomplish His purposes. The removal of the sandal signifies the formal transfer of responsibility.

Ruth 4:9-10:

“Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, ‘Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion, and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property’” (Ruth 4:9-10).

Boaz’s public declaration affirms his commitment to Ruth and Naomi, demonstrating his willingness to fulfill his responsibilities as kinsman-redeemer. His marriage to Ruth secures Naomi’s family line and their future.

Ruth 4:11-12:

“Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, ‘We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel’” (Ruth 4:11).

The blessing from the elders and people recognizes the significance of Boaz and Ruth’s union, likening it to the foundational marriages of Israel. Their words also underscore the honor of Ruth’s faithfulness and the blessing on her life.

Ruth 4:13-15:

“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: ‘Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!’” (Ruth 4:13-14).

God’s blessing on Ruth and Boaz is evidenced by the birth of Obed. Naomi’s joy and restoration are celebrated, as God brings healing and fulfillment to her life through the birth of her grandson.

Ruth 4:16-17:

“Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, ‘Naomi has a son!’ And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David” (Ruth 4:16-17).

The child Obed is celebrated as a blessing to Naomi, who is restored to a place of honor and joy. The genealogy establishes Obed as the grandfather of David, connecting Ruth’s story to the royal line and ultimately to the coming Messiah.

Ruth 4:18-22:

“This, then, is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron… Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David” (Ruth 4:18-22).

The genealogy not only connects Ruth to David but also places her within the Messianic line, underscoring God’s sovereign plan in bringing Ruth, a Moabite, into His redemptive story.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Ruth 4 culminates in the redemptive work of Boaz, who redeems Ruth and secures a future for Naomi’s family line. Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer, who brings salvation and restores all who come to Him. Through His sacrificial love, Jesus redeems humanity from sin, offering eternal life and an inheritance in God’s family.

The genealogy in Ruth 4 connects Ruth and Boaz to King David and ultimately to Jesus, the Messiah. This lineage demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises and His desire to include people from all backgrounds in His redemptive plan (Matthew 1:1-16, Galatians 3:26-29).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: The Fulfillment of God’s Redemption
   • Set the context of Ruth 4, introducing Boaz’s role as redeemer and the joy that follows his marriage to Ruth.
   • Introduce themes of redemption, restoration, and God’s sovereignty in fulfilling His purposes.
2. Point 1: Redemption and Restoration Through Boaz
   • Discuss Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer and his commitment to restoring Naomi’s family line.
   • Application: How does understanding Jesus as our Redeemer bring hope and restoration in believers’ lives?
3. Point 2: God’s Sovereignty and Faithfulness
   • Explore the events leading to Ruth’s redemption and the birth of Obed, highlighting God’s unseen hand at work.
   • Application: How can believers trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing He works through every circumstance?
4. Point 3: The Inclusion of Gentiles in God’s Plan
   • Reflect on Ruth’s inclusion in Israel’s lineage, connecting her story to God’s redemptive plan for all nations.
   • Application: How can believers embrace God’s heart for all people, demonstrating His love and grace to others?
5. Conclusion: Jesus as the Ultimate Redeemer and Fulfillment of God’s Promises
   • Emphasize that Jesus, like Boaz, brings redemption and restoration, fulfilling God’s plan and securing believers’ future.
   • Call to Action: How can believers live in the assurance of Jesus’ redemption, reflecting His love to the world?

Illustrations and Examples:

• Example of a Redeemer: Share a story of someone who selflessly helped another out of difficulty, reflecting the heart of a redeemer.
• Metaphor of “Inheritance”: Use the imagery of an inheritance to illustrate how Jesus’ redemption grants believers a secure future in God’s family.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Ruth 4 invites believers to rejoice in God’s redemption, trusting that He brings restoration and purpose to those who seek Him. Through Boaz’s commitment to Ruth and Naomi, believers see a picture of Jesus’ unwavering love and willingness to redeem. The story also calls believers to reflect God’s heart for all people, understanding that His salvation extends to everyone.

Through Jesus, believers experience the fullness of God’s redemption, finding a secure inheritance and a place in God’s family. Like Boaz, who took Ruth as his own, Jesus welcomes all who trust in Him, providing a future filled with hope and purpose (1 Peter 1:3-4, Romans 8:15-17).

Connection to the Father in Ruth 4:

God the Father’s faithfulness is revealed in the culmination of Ruth’s story, as He fulfills His promise to redeem and restore. Through Boaz, God provides a future for Ruth and Naomi, showing His compassionate care and sovereignty in every detail.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Ruth 4:

Jesus embodies the ultimate Redeemer, securing an eternal inheritance for all who believe. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth and Naomi, Jesus redeems humanity, offering forgiveness and restoration. His lineage, traced through Ruth, reveals God’s plan to bring salvation to the world through the Messiah (2 Corinthians 5:17, John 3:16).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Ruth 4:

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in the assurance of God’s redemption and to share His love with others. Through the Spirit’s presence, believers are reminded of their identity as children of God and are equipped to extend His grace to others (Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 5:22-23).

Connection to God’s Love in Ruth 4:

God’s love is evident in the restoration of Naomi’s family and Ruth’s inclusion in His redemptive story. The birth of Obed brings joy and hope, symbolizing God’s desire to bless and restore. Through Jesus, believers experience God’s unfailing love, called to trust in His care and share His love with others (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9-10).

Reflection Questions:

1. How does understanding Jesus as your Redeemer impact your relationship with God?
2. In what ways can you trust in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances?
3. How does Ruth’s inclusion in God’s plan inspire you to share His love with all people?
4. How can you reflect the heart of a redeemer, showing kindness and support to those in need?
5. What does the story of Ruth teach you about God’s love and commitment to His people?

Ruth 4 illustrates the beauty of redemption, restoration, and God’s faithfulness. Through Jesus, believers are called to embrace His love, live as redeemed people, and share the hope of His redemption with the world.