College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Ruth 4 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 4
The near kinsman approached. Boaz went to the gate of the city and waited for the approach of the man who was a kinsman nearer than he. When he came by, Boaz approached him. The kinsman was ready to redeem the land which had belonged to Elimelech; but when he was reminded of Ruth being Mahlon's widow and his responsibility to marry her, he declined to accept his obligations.
Boaz married to Ruth. When the kinsman nearer to Elimelech than Boaz refused to take Ruth as his wife, Boaz called the elders of the city to witness the man's refusal. Boaz then purchased the property himself and stated his intention of marrying Ruth. The men of the city gave Boaz their blessing, praying for Ruth to be like Rachel and Leah, the two wives of Jacob to whom were born the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The birth of Obed. The women of the city rejoiced, especially on behalf of Naomi because she was not left without descendants. Even though she had lost her husband and her two sons in Moab, she lived to have the pleasure of nursing a grandchild. The genealogy of Ruth and Boaz is carried down to David, the second king of Israel. Since it goes no further, we assume it was written in the days of David before the birth of Solomon.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Be not slothful in business (Romans 12:11). Boaz lived up to the reputation he enjoyed in Naomi's eyes. He went immediately to the gate of the city where the men met to discuss the affairs of the day. Before long he met the man who had the priority in redeeming Elimelech's land. In the presence of ten men of the city, Boaz called to him to get his decision concerning the matter. God's people should ever be as full of alacrity and concern as they go about the work entrusted to them.
2.
They buy the poor for a pair of shoes (Amos 8:6). The man who was nearer of kin than Boaz seemed quite anxious to have the land which had once belonged to Elimelech, but he was not interested in performing the right of a near kinsman in the matter of raising up children to bear the name of Mahlon. As in the days of Amos, a man was considered of little value; but the people were very much interested in possessions of every other kind.
3.
Good tidings of great joy (Luke 2:10). The women of Bethlehem-judah rejoiced when a son was born to Boaz and Ruth. Their joy was enhanced since Naomi was not left without an heir. From this marriage of Boaz and Ruth came the family of David, the king of Israel who was a man after God's own heart. Every Christian mother and father rejoice at the birth of a child; for they see in their children the prospect of God's work being done among men. Man's greatest joy came when the Son of God was born.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 4
1.
Where did Boaz go to meet the near kinsman?
2.
How many men did Boaz call to witness the transaction?
3.
In whose name was the property in question?
4.
Why did the kinsman refuse to enter into the transaction?
5.
What article of clothing was exchanged to witness the transaction?
6.
Whose wife had Ruth been?
7.
Whom did the people wish Ruth to be like?
8.
To whose house did they wish the house of Boaz to be like?
9.
What was the name of the son born to Boaz and Ruth?
10. In whom did the genealogy of Boaz culminate?