The Family Redeemer

The story of Ruth is immediately known for its great love story. Like many great romances, it contains two people who marry during a time of hardship and trial. What makes this romance stand out from any of the other stories? Well, this story points to a greater redemptive purpose. A story of Christ’s love for all people. In that, we see how even in the normality of our own lives, God is in the midst of all of it. Throughout this story we will see God’s plan and provision fulfilled in the three main characters, Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz.

Chapter 1

Immediately the story starts in the midst of a great famine in Bethlehem. Naomi and her husband are unable to take care of their family because of this dark famine. Naturally, when there is a famine in one place you move to find where there is food. So that is exactly what they did. They packed up their bags and moved to the land of Moab. During their time there, Naomi’s sons marry two Moabite women Orpah and Ruth. While it seems like the story is leading to a large happily married family, it actually starts with a tragic death. Or deaths. All of the men in the family pass away leaving only Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth.

Naomi decides she is to go back to her hometown in Bethlehem and encourage the other Moabite women to return back to their old lives as well. There is a very specific reason that we do not see a direct invitation for Ruth and Orpah to travel to Israel with Naomi. Naomi understands that the life of a foreign, unmarried women in her land will be treated poorly. More than this, it was not just as simple as Ruth being an immigrant but, because she was a Moabite, she was actually considered to be an enemy. Great hatred was the only emotion that the Israelites had towards the Moabites. Innately, Orpah agrees and leaves to go her separate way. Yet, Ruth immediately shows loyalty and refuses to leave Naomi’s side. Instantly we see great significance in Ruth being a Moabite and choosing to go to Israel (1:4, 4:10).[1] She knew that by making this choice to follow Naomi, she was choosing to be despised, hated, and insignificant to people whom she did not even know.

Chapter 2

The story continues to unfold and shows that God still has one agenda despite the Israelites’ prejudice claims. God shows that he will use anyone for His purpose of restoration. What may be seen as chaos and brokenness is actually God’s meticulous and providential hand.

Together Naomi and Ruth go on a journey with one another back into Naomi’s stomping grounds. The journey begins by Ruth’s expression to not just embrace Naomi’s people as her own but to go further and call Naomi’s God as her God as well (1:16). This decision that was made by Ruth was so significant because it marked the day that Ruth decides to follow the one and only God, the God of Israel. Beautifully, God uses this bond with Ruth and her mother-in-law to draw Ruth to Himself. Spoken plainly, God will use whatever He can, to reveal to you who He is.

Chapter 3

As the next chapter starts, Naomi and Ruth are back in Israel and they are in need of food. Ruth goes and finds favor harvesting grain from man named Boaz’ Farm. Boaz is actually related to Naomi and this is an important piece to the story. Additionally, Boaz was a man of noble character as stated in Ruth 2:11. Boaz notices Ruth. He is so amazed by her story that he actually prays that God would reward her for her devotion and bravery to take care of Naomi. In Ruth 2:10, Ruth asks the great question that all of us have been wondering, “Why have I found favor with you, so that you notice me, even though I am a foreigner?” He knows that she is a Moabite woman and instead of looking at her with judgement he looks to know her character. He learns her story and comes to know her not just as a Moabite but as someone who is loyal. Boaz’ purpose was to be God’s provision for Ruth.[2] Similarly, this story continues to show that Jesus is used in the same way for us. He is our provision.

Ruth, excited by this encounter, as all would be, returns home, and expresses to Naomi the whole account. Naomi is ecstatic. She proceeds to tell Ruth that Boaz is actually related to Naomi. In their culture, that meant that Boaz was their Kinsman (otherward, family) redeemer.

To know that Boaz was their family’s redeemer was huge. Originally, this role is seen in Leviticus 25 and it meant that a kinsman was responsible to help in times if a family was in need. For Naomi and Ruth, this meant that Boaz was responsible to marry Ruth and take care of the family line as their redeemer. However, this was the first time that a kinsman-redeemer was seen as a human paying the cost. In fact, it is the first and only time that it is seen in the Old Testament.[3] This shows great prophetic significance. The overall redemption that is brought is ultimately so that the helpless can be fully restored.[4] In the same way, we see how this replicates how Christ came to save those who were destitute.[5] Therefore, Boaz would show a smaller picture of how God would eventually redeem His people through His son Jesus Christ.

After Naomi and Ruth recognize the significance that Boaz could play. They come up with a plan that would make Boaz notice Ruth as something more. Ruth changes out of her mourning clothes to show him she is ready to be wed once again. While Boaz is asleep, Ruth goes to him and uncovers his feet and boldly asks to marry her. Once again, Boaz recognizes the bravery and boldness that she took to approach him. Again, he tells her that she is a woman of noble character and agrees to marry her. Interestingly, this statement is in direct reference to the term used in Proverbs 31 which shows the character that Ruth truly holds.[6]

Chapter 4

In chapter four we see that Boaz fulfills the role of the kinsman-redeemer. Everything comes full circle. Though everything was taken away from Naomi and Ruth, the Lord brings complete renewal. Ruth gives birth to a son and Naomi is joyful once again. From their story we can tangibly see how God is in the midst of everything. Though this story was simple we see how God had such a greater purpose in mind.

The greater purpose of this story ends in its narrative which is the genealogy of Ruth 4:13-22. Remarkably we see how this is the only book in the Old Testament that contains a genealogy.[7] Arguably, playing the most important role in this book. In the genealogy we witness how Ruth’s son Obed is the grandfather of King David. From King David comes the direct line of Jesus the Messiah which affirms in itself several truths. One aspect that we see fulfilled is the life of a Moabite, rejected and shamed in Israel now welcomed entirely as a child of God. Ultimately, showing that the Gospel is for all people. Salvation is not limited to a specific group. Lastly, it shows that God is going can use anyone to fulfill His story.[8]

Final Thoughts

Overall, God is loyal to us. He is specific in His plan and will use all things for His purpose and His glory. All of this is accomplished for the pure reason that He loves what He created, us. He desires to be in relationship with us even to the point of sacrificing His own son. Ruth showed a small picture of this story, and its genealogy shows the completeness of it. Our God is in the details and is still sovereign over everything.

[1] Mitchell L. Chase, “A True and Greater Boaz: Typology and Jesus in the Book of Ruth,” Southern Equip, September 11, 2017, https://equip.sbts.edu/publications/journals/journal-of-theology/sbjt-211-spring-2017/true-greater-boaz-typology-jesus-book-ruth/. [2] She Reads Truth Placeholder Bible Study Book (Lifeway Christian Resources, 2016). [3] “Learn the Bible for Free Online: BibleProject™,” accessed February 7, 2021, https://bibleproject.com/. [4] Victor P. Hamilton, Handbook on the Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008). 208. [5] Ibid. 208. [6] Mitchell L. Chase, “A True and Greater Boaz: Typology and Jesus in the Book of Ruth,” Southern Equip, September 11, 2017, https://equip.sbts.edu/publications/journals/journal-of-theology/sbjt-211-spring-2017/true-greater-boaz-typology-jesus-book-ruth/. [7] Victor P. Hamilton, Handbook on the Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008). [8] Ibid.