Take Two: Ruth 4, Proverbs 2

As we come to the conclusion of the book of Ruth, we see the scene which takes place the morning after Ruth lies at Boaz's feet. Boaz goes to the city gates, where all of the official business of the city was conducted (Ru 4:1-3). Boaz proposes to his close relative, possible a brother (Ru 4:3), that he is first in line to purchase Elimelech's land from Naomi.

Land was supposed to stay within a family as an ongoing inheritance. This encounter and statement is a bit unusual since it introduces new information to us about the land. Since Elimelech and Naomi moved to Moab a decade before, it seemed that there was no property that belonged to them. Either way, the land is secondary...as well as the information about the brother who is never identified.

The close relative was happy to redeem the land. This would have been the equivalent of buying "distressed" properties in our culture today. He likely thought that the addition to his holdings would strengthen his financial position (Ru 4:4).

Boaz then states that it is morally right to also redeem the widow of the dead, a Moabitess named Ruth (and to care for Naomi.) If this man was tuned in to what was happening in the city, he would have known that to get Ruth was to get Naomi (See Ru 2:11).

The close relative makes an unusual statement at this point that has been variously interpreted. He states that to do so would cost him his inheritance (Ru 4:6). It is unclear what is meant, but I believe that he is saying, "Man! Two women go with this deal? At my age, I may have what...one son with this Ruth? No way...then if I have anything left, it will all be left to Elimelech's descendents rather than my own." Of course he could mean, "No way. My wife would kill me if I came home with two widows!"

Either way...the man passes on his right and responsibility as a redeemer and the right passes to Boaz who accepts gladly. The deal is consumated by the exchanging of sandals, and witnessed by all of the men in the city gates. The people in the gates offer a statement of blessing on the consumation of the transaction (Ru 4:11-12).

The next movement in the book is the detail of how the offspring of Boaz and Ruth the Moabitess is the grandfather of King David. God's plan for the redeemer bears testimony of His goodness. Because of the faithfulness of these people to God's covenant...a king will be born.

One last thing. The story begins with the trials of Naomi. She has concluded that God has dealt unfavorably with her (Ru 1:20-21). Within only a short time, God demonstrates and Naomi recognizes that all things work TOGETHER for good, for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

If you find yourself in a dark place and wonder why God is against you...you may only be days away from seeing His unfolding plan. Stay faithful to the Covenant-maker. He is good and always acts as such.

Proverbs 2:4-5 is the takeaway today. For those who pursue God's wisdom as though it were valuable, they will gain it and profit from it. A shoe store I went into in NY was called "Shoe Carnival." One of their gimics was a money machine. If you were picked as the customer to go in...you had a few seeconds in this machine to gather the money which was flying around you. Whenever someone went in, they scurried frantically to gather in as much money as possible. It was quite a sight to see. Never did I see anyone just hold out their hand waiting on money to fall in it. They sought after it. Why? Because it was valuable. If we seek after the wisdom of God with the same zeal, we too will find it. If we are passive or resistant...we will miss it every time.

Tomorrow we return to the NT with the book of...Galatians. See you there!