Ruth 4:1-12

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Boaz is Able to be the Kinsman Redeemer

Printed Version

BACKGROUND NOTES

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

The law cannot redeem anyone.

Christ can redeem everyone

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Remember the women in the genealogy of Christ.

QUESTIONS

Naomi’s plan for getting Ruth and Boaz worked, but there was one problem to be resolved. What was it?

Describe the gate scene and its significance.

What was the outcome?

The other kinsman took off his sandal. What did this mean?

Who does the other kinsman represent in this story?

Why did God give the law?

Apart from Boaz, there was no hope for redemption or marriage. How does this relate to the church?

ANSWERS

Another kinsman redeemer was a closer relative. He must first decline his responsibility before Boaz could claim Ruth as his wife.

In ancient days, the city gate was like the town hall, where official transactions were carried out. This is where Boaz took the matter of redeeming Elimelech’s property and taking Ruth to be his wife. Boaz stated his intentions officially before the elders of the city.

The other kinsman redeemer said that he would buy back the land, but he changed his mind when he realized that Ruth was in the picture. He not only would lose the land, but the money he paid out for it. He deferred to Boaz and the elders gave their blessing.

According to custom, he relinquished his right to walk on Elimelech’s land or to own it. Thus the door was open for Boaz to buy the land and to marry Ruth.

The law. The ten elders administering the legal transaction enhance the picture. God’s moral law is focused in the ten commandments. The law cannot be by-passed in redemption, but the law in itself cannot redeem. (Galatians 3:11).

The law is like a mirror, showing that your face is dirty, but the mirror cannot wash your face. In the same way, the law can show you that you are a sinner and need to be redeemed. No one is justified by the law, but it brings knowledge of sin and becomes our tutor to bring us to Christ. See Romans 3:20 and Galatians 3:24.

Apart from Christ, there is no hope for mankind. His atoning work was sufficient, unlimited and universal. We are Christ’s purchased possession (Ephesians 1:14); the church was purchased by His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

Do you know someone trying to get to heaven by keeping the ten commandments? How would you speak to him? How could you use this story?

Review the history of the women named in the genealogy of Christ: Tamar, Ruth, Rahab and Bathsheba. Think of God’s grace by including them in His Son’s genealogy.

CHALLENGE

Does God’s longsuffering and grace encourage you? Does it encourage you to encourage other believers?

KEY VERSES

“I cannot redeem it…you redeem it.” Ruth 4:6

“He took off his sandal…you are witnesses this day…we are witnesses.” Ruth 4:8-11