Boaz is willing to marry Ruth. But there is a nearer relative, who has prior claim. When the nearer relation realizes that taking over the land of the deceased will also mean marrying Ruth, he surrenders his claim to Boaz. This transaction, witnessed by the city elders, is concluded by taking off a sandal and passing it to Boaz. Archaeology has corroborated this way of concluding a contract.
Boaz immediately announces his intention to take Ruth as his wife and guard the land for her offspring. The first son of Ruth and Boaz, Obed, is raised by Naomi as her own. He becomes the grandfather of David, Israel’s greatest king.
And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. 17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David. 18 Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, 19 And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, 20 And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, [3] 21 And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, 22 And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David. Ruth 4:16-21
[Study]
How do the values seen in Ruth and Boaz contrast with the values of others in their society? What can you learn about living a quiet and godly life today in your own community, from this picture of faith in a time of apostasy and decline?
[My thoughts]
Each of the actors in this story didn’t have any idea about God’s plan. God weaved Ruth, the faithful one and a Moabite, into his plan for our redemption and salvation.