Ruth 4 (2)

Intro

What was written in former times.

Read / Pray

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is why we have the book of Ruth. So that we might have hope in the God of our Redemption. My hope is that we will find hope in God as we look at this last chapter of Ruth.

I don’t really have any specific points. I simply want to walk us through the different scenes of this final chapter of the narrative and pause at a few points along the way to consider what is revealed about about the “characters” in our story, some practical considerations, but most importantly about God. We must remember, especially as we read the stories of the OT and to “find ourselves” in narratives like this (not always bad)—these are all books about God, and how keeps His covenant promises to sinners. What did Jesus do on the road to Emmaus, but start with the Law and all the Prophets…teaching his two companions how they were all about Him!

So,

Brief Recap

Scene 1: Moab - Naomi loses her husband and her sons and is left with her two daughters-in-law. This scene ends with her returning to Moab, worn down by life, but with a recently converted Ruth who has pledged her loyalty to not only Naomi, but to Naomi’s God.

Scene 2: The Field - Ruth goes to the field to glean and encounters Boaz—the owner of the field and a kinsman redeemer. He protects her, provides for her and as an effect, we begin to see Naomi’s faith restored.

Scene 3: The Threshing Floor - Naomi comes up with a plan (motivations no completely clear) to get Ruth a husband. Ruth goes to threshing floor, lies down at the feet of Boaz as an act of commitment and proposal. Despite what could’ve happened that night, in the dark—cooler heads and Godly character prevailed. Boaz agrees to marry Ruth, but only after the first man in the line of redemption is given an opportunity to exercise his right.

All the while we’ve been considering the truth that

This is in the time of the judges...

- The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

God has been governing the steps of the characters in this story, even though He is not consulted or addressed.

Why We Have the Story of Ruth

And, we arrive at chapter 4. This final scene takes place at the city gates.

We have stories like Ruth because we can’t see Gods hand in the midst of our suffering. It’s the full story of Ruth that remind of the God who never sleeps nor slumbers, and is always working everything for our good.

The Courtroom and The No-Name Man

And...Ruth is significant to us, because this story ended up being in the Bible. But, at the time this family was unknown. They were “nobody“. This situation – leaving Bethlehem because of famine losing family members – was probably not uncommon, especially given the times of the judges. Also, we know BethlehemBecause we are on this side of the Scriptures. But, back then Bethlehem was small and relatively unknown to the larger world. How glorious it is to see that God uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the unlikely people of the world to do the most magnificent things.

The gate served as a combined town hall and courthouse Local elders would be present for business transactions and decided cases. (cf. ; ) (; ; ; ; ).

The Deal

Excavations of Ancient Israel have even uncovered gateways with built in benches where elders would sit in judgement.

And so, it can’t be ignored that Boaz—already depicted as a man of integrity—intends that this matter with Ruth be taken care of publicly. He is inviting the community to witness, so that there is no skepticism or questioning as to whether things have been done rightly.

Boaz is doing this publicly. He is inviting the community to witness, so that there is no skepticism or questioning as to whether things have been done rightly.

Clearly, Boaz is not looking to his own interesting first. He maintains his integrity. We are on this side of Ruth and so we must remember that, as far as Boaz, Ruth and Naomi are concerned…there is a possibility that things don’t go the way they’re hoping. That is not a concern for Boaz. His concern is that the right thing be done.

Are we willing to do what pleases the Lord even if it means we do not come out on "the winning" end of things?

As Boaz is at the gate, the text says, “And behold, the redeemer of whom Boaz had spoken came by.”

We’ve seen this phrase before, when Boaz is first introduced (2:4), and we’re reminded that ‘the behold’ is almost as if the writer is saying, “And right on cue...” Not coincidental (cf. 2:4) God is continually at work in the matter.

Boaz address the man.

Not coincidental (cf. 2:4) God is continually at work in the matter.

Ruth 4:1–2 ESV

Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down.

- Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down.

We don't know who this person is. His name is never mentioned. As we've seen, and as is the case with God's word...nothing is written without intention. And, what’s interesting is that when Boaz summons him over he literally says, “Come over here, pel-o-knee, al-mo-knee”. It’s a relatively meaningless phrases that rhymes and is the basic equivalent of saying, “Mr. So-and-So”.

This is a book of names and those names reveal something about the person's character:

When Boaz summons him over he literally says, “Come over here, peloni ’almoni,” a rhyming but meaningless phrase that is roughly equivalent to our “Mr. So-and-So”. Some commentators believe, because this is a book of names and those names reveal something about the person's character, this man's name is left out because...as we'll see...his moral character is difficult to find.

Naomi (pleasant) later rejects her name and its meaning, assuming an opposite name and identity: Mara (bitterness). In contrast to this “no-name” man, Boaz is introduced in Chapter 2 as a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech whose name was Boaz. Boaz is introduced as a man of character…with a name.

Some commentators believe that this man's name is left out because...as we'll see...his moral character is, at best, called into question and, depending on his motives, may not be present at all.

The Deal

Now, onto the deal on the table...It's important to understand a few things: 1) They're about to do a business transaction. So, the people involved have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the deal that's on the table. 2) Land is in play. Land is was everything in an agricultural-based society. The negotiation is about Naomi, not Ruth. Na'omi represents Elimelech and his name/people/clan. Elimelech was the owner of the land in question. Some scholars believe that the land had been sold at some earlier point and now it was necessary to get it back into the family and clan by means of redeeming it. It could be that when Elimelech was leaving Judah for Moab that he sold the land (or better, the use of the land) to someone outside of his family and/or clan.

Na’omi has returned from Moab as childless widow and now pushes the issue of how to get the land returned to the clan, and if at all possible, to her (technically Elimelech’s) family. The community of Bethlehem and the elders at the gate fully realize how important this matter is, and they understand the predicament that Naomi is in.

It's important to understand a few things: 1) They're about to do a business transaction. So, the people involved have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the deal that's on the table. 2) Land is in play. Land is was everything in an agricultural-based society. The negotiation is about Naomi, not Ruth. Na'omi represents Elimelech and his name/people/clan. Elimelech was the owner of the land in question. Some scholars believe that the land had been sold at some earlier point and now it was necessary to get it back into the family and clan by means of redeeming it. It could be that when Elimelech was leaving Judah for Moab that he sold the land (or better, the use of the land) to someone outside of his family and/or clan.

Remember also, last week, I put forth that there is no specific commandment of God that either Boaz or Mr. No-Name would find themselves breaking if one or the other did not marry Ruth, and give her an heir. The Levirate command for marriage in was for a brother to marry his brother’s widow, so that his name might live on in Israel—Ruth’s husband, Mahon, has far as we know…has no brother in law.

So...something has to win out---We already know that Boaz is a man who realizes that the “spirit” of the law is what God intends for his people to live out. Case and point: The law of gleaning is not really about ‘just leave a little for the poor’…it’s about generosity and sacrifice and the fact that no one in Israel actually owned anything! God gave them the Land…the promised land. They were just using what God had given them. I do think that’s important to keep in view.

Questions, Thoughts?

Part 1 of the deal is great for Mr. So-and-so; Boaz is basically saying, "This widow, Naomi, has this field that she needs to sell so that she can live. If you buy the field, you can keep it in the family (Elimelech has no heir, remember?!)...and basically you get to keep it as part of your own inheritance."

Part 1 of the deal is great; Boaz is basically saying, "This widow, Naomi, has this field that she needs to sell so that she can live. If you buy the field, you can keep it in the family (Elimelech has no heir, remember?!)...and basically you get to keep it as part of your own inheritance."

What a great deal…of course he’ll do that. I get land. For me and for mine.

But, as Pastor Frank would say, “That’s not all...” Doing this publicly obviously puts this man…on the spot.

Part 2 And on the spot, Boaz reads him the fine print: if he is going to be the family redeemder, Mr. So and So would have to marry Ruth.

And from Ruth would come an heir for her dead husband, Mahlon, son of Elimelech. And because there is now an heir Mr. So and So would be obligated to GIVE the land that he paid money for to Ruth’s son.

He’d be out the money, and out the land, and this of course hurts his own wealth (inheritance). Bottom line: The no-name man would pay redemption money for land he’d soon have to give away to Ruth’s son. And so, most commentators would argue that he was concerned that any son born to him and Ruth would share the inheritance already planned for his present children.

he was concerned that any son born to him and Ruth would share the inheritance already planned for his present children.

It would appear that he doesn’t want the land to belong to another son. The irony, I think, is in the fact that it would belong to another Son. Ruth's son...and the eventual SON whom all things belong to! I mean…can the LORD tell a story...

It’s likely that this man is not interested in marrying a Moabite woman because of the impact that that would have on him socially. Remember, these Moabites were enemies of Israel.

Ruth's son...and the eventual SON whom all things belong to!

The Wedding

The Wedding

So…this man, whoever he is, appears to be interested in helping poor Naomi as long it helps him and his family in the long run and doesn’t cost him his reputation. As long as it’s not costly to him...

Is your "sacrifice" really sacrifice? If it doesn't feel like sacrifice...that's because it's not. What is in it for me? Will it fulfill me? Will I enjoy it? What will it cost me?

Is your "sacrifice" really sacrifice? If it doesn't feel like sacrifice...that's because it's not.

What is in it for me? Will it fulfill me? Will I enjoy it? What will it cost me?

Duguid, I. M. (2005). Esther and Ruth. (R. D. Phillips & P. G. Ryken, Eds.) (p. 183). Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing.

Commentator Ian Duguid reminds us, “Indeed, part of the message of the Book of Ruth is that God’s kingdom operates on a different kind of calculus, a “new math” in which the way to fullness runs through emptiness.”

And isn't ironic that this "no-name" remains a "no-name" because he is more interested in self than someone else's good. So...he misses a place in God's plan of salvation. Mr. So-and-So leaves God out of his decision making—does what is right in his own eyes (time of the judges) and because he did, he remains unamed in this story of redemption.

sn't ironic that this "no-name" remains a "no-name" because he is more interested in self than someone else's good. So...he misses a place in God's plan of salvation. Mr. So-and-So leaves God out of his decision making--the time of the judges.

Indeed, part of the message of the Book of Ruth is that God’s kingdom operates on a different kind of calculus, a “new math” in which the way to fullness runs through emptiness.

Boaz is not ashamed or put off at the thought of marrying "an enemy" of Israel. Look...he even intentionally refers to her...in front of everybody, as "Ruth the Moabite" (v.10) He is willing to take on the risk, so that someone else can benefit Christ-like! Beloved, you must know that you have a greater Boaz...Christ, your redeemer is not ashamed to call you His own! Anthony, the selfish, loud, belittling, lustful greedy God-hating sinner...I've bought with my blood. He is mine. He will come back publicly to gather His bride...and His bride of Christ is full of enemies made friends.

,) I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the LORD, 63that you may remember and be confounded, and never open your mouth again because of your shame, when I atone for you for all that you have done, declares the Lord GOD.”

And so, by God’s providence, Boaz becomes Ruth’s redeemer. There is a custom involving the taking of…more shoes…as a way of sealing the agreement publicly. There is a similar custom mentioned in the law of Levirate marriage, in Deuteronomy, but the circumstances are different. So, most commentators believe that this was a custom that had been taken on later and was recognized by the community as a sign of agreement.

, - Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.”

Ruth 4:11–12 ESV

Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.”

English Standard Version Chapter 4

Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. 10 Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.”

English Standard Version Chapter 4

Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. 10 Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.”

Deal-sealed. Boaz is the kinsman redeemer.

Then, the people at the the gate make a proclamation and a prayer over the marriage.

- Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.”

What’s significant about Rachel and Leah is that both women were barren, until the LORD gave them children. Leah was the mother of Judah--the line of the King! And so, this is a prayer that through this marriage, God would continue his covenant promise.

And, God answers that prayer in v.13. — and the LORD gave her conception...

In the days when people did what was right in their own eyes...The LORD still accomplishes his purposes. For ten years, Ruth went without children in Moab. God had other plans that didn't involve Moab.

and the LORD gave her conception...

This is also the only the second time the LORD is mentioned as directly impacting someone in the story for their good (cf. 1:6)...every time He's mentioned...He's doing the work of restoring.

Ruth has now found rest (see notes on 1:8–9; 3:1; cf. ).

AND...God's promise to further His kingdom is kept through the redemption of a Moabite, Gentile woman who will give birth to the grandfather of King David--the forerunner to Jesus, the True and Better Redeemer!

Question. Thoughts?

And so, by God’s providence, Boaz becomes Ruth’s redeemer. There is a custom involving the taking of…more shoes…as a way of sealing the agreement publicly. There is a similar custom mentioned in the law of Levirate marriage, in Deuteronomy, but the circumstances are different. So, most commentators believe that this was a custom that had been taken on later and was recognized by the community as a sign of agreement. Deal-sealed.

Naomi Restored

What of Naomi? Isn’t so fitting that each chapter ends with a scene that turns the lens of the story on Naomi. In this final

Here we see her completely restored and encouraged and surrounded by the community. These are the same women from 1:19-21, who saw Naomi come back to Bethlehem a bitter and grieving widow. Isn't it also interesting that in the first chapter, Naomi speaks a word of sadness to them and here, they finally speak back to her a word of God's steadfast love and faithfulness!

The LORD is the one who has done all of this Naomi! Don't you see...He's not abandoned you! He is a restorer of life. “he who causes life to return. God has reversed Naomi’s complaint before the women of Bethlehem. And evidence for his love is seen in Ruth’s love for Naomi --- steadfast throughout the book (cf. 1:16–17). The number seven is a reference to completion, or fullness: this is the answer to Naomi’s complaint

Restorer of life. Lit., “he who causes life to return [Hb. shub],” which reverses Naomi’s complaint before the women of Bethlehem: “the LORD … brought me back [Hb. shub] empty” (1:21). loves. Ruth’s love for Naomi has been steadfast throughout the book (cf. 1:16–17). The number seven expresses completion, or fullness: this is the answer to Naomi’s complaint

Ruth’s love for Naomi has been steadfast throughout the book (cf. 1:16–17). The number seven expresses completion, or fullness: this is the answer to Naomi’s complaint

What a beautiful picture of what God's family ought to look like.

When we say, "God is against me?" The people of God say back, "He's not left you without a redeemer! He is your restorer and your provider. He is good! And…this happens through suffering. For Naomi it had to happen through suffering.

As one commentator puts it, If she had not first lost everything, we would never have known about her, and she would never have come to appreciate Ruth’s true worth, or to grow in her own understanding of the Lord. She had to lose her two sons to appreciate the one who was better than seven sons (). The crucible of suffering, painful though it was for her, was necessary for her spiritual growth and her place in God’s plan.

Naomi Blessed with a New Family. The conclusion serves as the reversal of the introduction, showing how the Lord, through Ruth’s love (v. 15), restored Naomi’s life.

Naomi begins the story empty, but ends the story a full and happy recipient of God's grace.

The Genealogy / Why We Have the Story of Ruth

English Standard Version Chapter 4

Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, 19 Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, 20 Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 21 Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, 22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

- Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

This is why we never skip over the genealogies. This is why there's joy to be found in them.

They are a constant reminder, all throughout the OT that God keeps the promise of His covenant. Genealogies reveal...for one...that God is always up to something that is not--at the moment--obvious to people as they are experiencing it. The genealogy is NOT THERE for Ruth and Naomi and Boaz to see. It's there for the reader to see. Look at God---God had bigger plans than what these three people thought were possible. And...his plans were not to get you a bigger house, a better job or a more expensive car. His plan...has always been, will always be, to bring about the exaltation and glorification of the Son, Jesus Christ! This is the story God is telling (Genesis--tradgedy-->redemption).

Jesus will come through this line.

What's crazy is that the sinless Son of God has enemies in his familial line...as relatives--Moabites were often loathed by the Jews, but God is no respecter of persons. Jesus does not count it robbery to be preceded by "an enemy"...that's Who Jesus died for! We're all enemies of God unless Jesus makes us friends.

And so...it's no accident that in , in the genealogy of Jesus, Ruth is mentioned. Not just Ruth, but four other women. Why is this important? Because decent was usually traced through the man. Rahab and Ruth were Gentiles, and Tamar, Rahab, and Bathsheba were women of questionable character. The lineage is comprised of men, women, adulterers, prostitutes, heroes, and Gentiles—and Jesus will be Savior of all.

Lion of Judah...our excellent king! Root of Jesse. Root of David. So...what is God doing? In redeeming Ruth, restoring Naomi, He is putting roots in the ground that will...one day...when the fullness of time comes, produce the Savior--the Redeemer and Restorer of all who would come to Him.

Question? Thoughts?

Final Considerations

Do not lose sight of God's larger goal---that Jesus Christ be glorified in your life.

Do not lose sight of the narrow and hard way. Joy must come through suffering or it is not joy.

God has not abandoned you--he can't break His covenant.