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Ruth 4

22 verses

TL;DR

Boaz purchases Naomi’s inherited land, marries Ruth the Moabite, and they have a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of David.

Summary

At the city gate, Boaz meets the kinsman who intends to redeem Naomi’s inherited land. He declares that if the kinsman will not redeem it, he will do so, ensuring the name of the deceased is preserved. Boaz publicly announces the purchase and his marriage to Ruth, with the community witnessing. The Lord blesses Ruth’s conception, and she gives birth to Obed, a son who becomes the father of Jesse. The chapter concludes with a genealogy tracing from Pharez down to David, highlighting the lineage that leads to the Davidic line.

Outline
  1. Boaz and the kinsman negotiate the redemption of Naomi’s land.
  2. Public declaration of purchase and marriage to Ruth.
  3. Birth of Obed and the genealogy to David.
Themes
redemption and inheritancefaithful kindnesscontinuity of family and covenant
Keywords
redeemkinsmaninheritanceBoazRuthNaomiObedgenealogyname of the dead
People
BoazNaomiRuthElimelechChilionMahlonkinsmanTamarJudahRachelLeahPharezHezronRamAmminadabNahshonSalmonObedJesseDavidthe Lord
Places
Bethlehemthe city gateMoabEphratah
Things
parcel of land (inheritance)shoe (symbolic of redemption)marriageson (Obed)genealogyredemption
Key Verses
  • Ruth 4:5: Boaz’s declaration to redeem Ruth and keep the name of the dead.
  • Ruth 4:9: Public announcement of the purchase and marriage witnessed by the community.
  • Ruth 4:13: Birth of Obed, linking Naomi’s line to the future king.
  • Ruth 4:18: Beginning of the genealogy that establishes the Davidic lineage.
Questions
  • How does the act of redemption in this chapter reflect God’s care for the poor and the marginalized?
  • What significance does Boaz’s marriage to Ruth hold for the covenantal promise of God to Israel?
  • In what ways does the genealogy presented here prepare readers for the upcoming narrative of David?
  • How might the community’s witnessing of the purchase and marriage affect the social legitimacy of the union?
  • What lessons can contemporary readers draw from the concept of preserving the name of the dead?
Sentiment

positive
Hopeful restoration, generosity, and divine providence.