God’s Chosen Deliverer
August 7, 2011
Lesson: Judges 13:1–8, 24–25
Key Verses: Judges 13:24–25
Introduction:
Samson, the son of Manoah, from the town of Zorah in the tribe of Dan, fulfilled the office of Judge for twenty years. The Lord had chosen Samson as His servant at birth. Manoah bore a son “and called his name Samson; and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him.”
The Philistines, sometimes referred to as “the sea people,” came originally from Caphtor on the island of Crete. They failed in their invasion of Egypt, settling on the coast of Canaan. They invaded the land of Dan and Judah, becoming a thorn in the flesh of Israel even to the David’s reign. The time of Samson was not a pretty sight to behold, with thousands upon thousands being slain, with sin beguiling them without and within. It is not a time foreign to that of today, with its deceit and its wars, reminding us that the battle continues, the principalities and powers of this wicked world moving against God’s people. However, it is Christ, by way of His cross, that “having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Col. 2:14-15).
The Spirit of God, having chosen Samson as a judge of Israel, moves His servant to do battle with the enemy, to win the battle to the glory of God; as when the “Spirit of the Lord” began to move Samson “in the camp of Dan” with might and strength, tearing a young lion “having nothing in his hand” (Judges 14:6); and when Samson slew thirty men at Ashkelon (14:19); and when the Spirit came mightily upon him and the cords that bound him became as wax burnt with fire, his freed hands finding a jawbone of a donkey, he “slew a thousand men” (15:16).
A Son is Given –Judges 13:1-5
And again and again; lessons are hard learn, even for the children of God. The Lord is longsuffering with His people as they continually turn their eyes to the world which brings them to cry out again and again for a Deliverer. However, before they could find hope in a deliverer they had to learn the depth of their transgression: “And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.” The children of God would have to live under the rule of their neighbor. The Philistines were a violent people. For forty years they would be reminded of their transgression, yet without repentance.
However, the Lord had never left His people without a Deliverer. Again the Lord reveals His covenant love for His people, that by His grace they are delivered: “And there was a certain man of Zorah of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and bare not.” As the people of God too were barren without hope, so would this woman be the hope of Israel. For by grace we are saved, not of ourselves but of the love of God in Christ the Son. The Lord is the Deliverer of His people: “And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.”
The son which the Lord would provide through the womb of this woman would be Samson, chosen of the Lord to be a judge of Israel, a deliverer. The angel revealed the divine appointment of her son, saying, “Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing: for, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite (set apart/Amos 2:11) unto God from the womb: for he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.” Matthew Henry made this observation: It is very desirable that our children may be not only devoted entirely to God themselves, but instrumental for the good of others, and the service of their generation - not recluses, candles under a bushel, but on a candlestick. Observe that He shall begin to deliver Israel. This intimated that the oppression of the Philistines should last long, for Israel's deliverance from it should not so much as begin, not one step be taken towards it, till this child, who was now unborn, should have grown up to a capacity of beginning it. And yet he must not complete the deliverance: he shall only begin to deliver Israel, which intimates that the trouble should still be prolonged. God chooses to carry on his work gradually and by several hands. One lays the foundation of a good work, another builds, and perhaps a third brings forth the top stone. Now herein Samson was a type of Christ.”
Discussion: How does God show His love toward His people?
The Angel of the Lord –Judges 13:6-8
The woman tells her husband about the visit of the Angel: “A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told me his name: but he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing, for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.” Manoah “entreated the Lord, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.”
Manoah asked of the Lord, “What is thy name, when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honor? The Angel answered, “Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?” (3:17-18). The Angel declares that Manoah is in the presence of the glorious person of the Lord. The word ‘secret’ means remarkable or wonderful. M. Henry wrote that “The names of angels were not as yet revealed, to prevent the idolizing of them. After the captivity, when the church was cured of idolatry, angels made themselves known to Daniel by their names, Michael and Gabriel; and to Zacharias the angel told his name unasked (“I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings” Luke 1:19). But here it is secret, or it is wonderful, too wonderful for us. One of Christ's names is Wonderful, His name was long a secret, but by the gospel it is brought to light: Jesus a Saviour. We rejoice today in the Savior who was name Joshua (Jesus) for He would save His people from their sins: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).
Discussion: What is important about the message delivered by the Angel?
The Spirit of the Lord –Judges 13:24-25
It is the Spirit of the Lord who gives strength and authority to His chosen servants. Under-shepherds who serve the King and Head of the Church (His congregation, gathering of people redeemed by the precious blood of Christ), serve by the authority and purpose of the Spirit. Without the Spirit there is no service. Christ by the Spirit abides with us; and it is the Spirit who leads us in all truth which He has recorded in His marvelous Word.
Samson is born, and he “grew, and the Lord blessed him.” The prophets and apostles were also chosen to serve their Lord; and this appointment must be seen as given when they were still in the womb of their mother. Thus it is confirmed that the Lord blessed them as they grew. Those who are chosen as Under-shepherds, as elders, etc, in the Church, the Congregation of Christ, not only realize their calling is “’til death do we part’, but that the Lord has been with them to direct their path that led to the day of ordination (that day when they were set apart in the Spirit to that chosen task).
Samson came to the age when the tasks were undertaken, that would deliver God’s people. A time when the Lord God Almighty would be glorified: “The Spirit of God moved Samson in the camp of Dan, that is, in the general muster of the trained bands of that tribe, who probably had formed a camp between Zorah and Eshtaol, near the place where he lived, to oppose the incursions of the Philistines; there Samson, when a child, appeared among them, and signalized himself by some very brave actions, excelling them all in manly exercises and trials of strength: and probably he showed himself more than ordinarily zealous against the enemies of his country, and discovered more of a public spirit than could be expected in a child. The Spirit moved him at times, not at all times, but as the wind blows, when he listed, to show that what he did was not from himself, for then he could have done it at any time. Strong men think themselves greatly animated by wine Psa. 78:65), but Samson drank no wine, and yet excelled in strength and courage, and every thing that was bold and brave, for he had the Spirit of God moving him; therefore be not drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit, who will come to those that are sober and temperate” (M. Henry).
Discussion: What does it mean that the servants of the Congregation are chosen by God?
Your God is My God
August 14, 2011
Lesson: Ruth 1:1-22
Key Verse: Ruth 1:16
Introduction
The book of Ruth begins, “Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled.” Judges were raised to administer the laws of God (Judges 2:16-19). However, how quickly the people of God would they turn “out of the way their fathers walked in.” The Scriptures admonish us to teach our children with our hearts upon the Word of God and our eyes upon the generations to come: “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go possess it. That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments; which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged” (Deut. 6:1-2). Failure to teach without taking in view the generations to come could easily lead us to be lax in teaching the full truth and mercy found in Christ our Lord and Savior. We are to hear Him who alone is our Lord: “The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. …and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (6:4-7).
Contrasted with the picture of the continued disobedience by the people of God, we have wonderful picture of the family of Elimelech and Naomi. They were from Bethlehem that glorious city where David the King would be born (Ruth 4:22); and city where the King of kings would be born (Matt. 1:1, 2:6). It was in this city that Elimelech and Naomi would bring their children up in the teachings of the Lord. Ruth, a Moabite woman, finds honor both in being known in a book which bears her name, and in an ordained place in the covenant of God. In God’s redemptive plan He chose Ruth to become an ancestress of David, of the royal house of Judah. Her words to Naomi have echoed down through the ages, “for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
Migration to Moab –Ruth 1:1-5
There was a great famine in the land. Elimelech and Naomi journeyed to the country of Moab, with their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, from Bethlehem of Ephrata. It was here that Elimelech died. While living in the country of Moab the two sons took for them “wives of the women of Moab.” The name of one was Orpah, and the other Ruth. Ruth became the wife of the eldest son, Mahlon (Ruth 4:10). They dwelt in Moab for about ten years.
As you check your map, you will see that Bethlehem is located west of the Dead Sea and Moab is to the east. God, in His providential care for those whom He loves, directs Elimelech and his family to Moab during the time of famine. They find blessing in the midst of the pagan Moabites. Remember that it was the Lord who directed the life of Joseph that he might be a blessing to his people during the time famine. What God records in His word are not chance meeting of events, but His acts in history that His covenant would be kept by Him and known by His people. The family of Elimelech was sent to Moab for God had a chosen child through which David would be born; for Boaz and Ruth had Obed, and “Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David” (Ruth 4:22). Then through the line of David came Jesus. Both Mahlon and Chilion died and Naomi was left alone with her two daughters-in-law (1:5).
Discussion: Why did Elimelech and his family move to Moab? What blessings did they receive?
Naomi’s Advice –Ruth 1:6-13
After ten years Naomi went to her daughters-in-law and told them that she would return to Bethlehem for she had heard that the “Lord had visited his people in giving them bread.” Naomi began her journey with Orpah and Ruth: “They went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.”
It is here that we begin to see Naomi’s love for her Lord, which is in turn expressed to her daughters-in-law. First we see that Naomi has been waiting for that day when the Lord would bring the famine to an end, to give His people bread. Then there is that love for her daughters-in-law, and their love for her. They are willing to leave with Naomi for Bethlehem. However, Naomi says to these women, “Go, return each to her mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.” Naomi asks the Lord’s blessing on each one.
Naomi knows the burden that her daughters-in-law carried how they showed their love for her sons and her. Her blessing for them was, “Go, return each to her mother’s house; the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead and with me.” She then kissed them as Orpah and Ruth wept. They both questioned Naomi, saying, “Surely we will return with thee unto they people.” Naomi answered, “Why will ye go with me? Are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?” She could not offer Orpah and Ruth sons for husbands, and if they were to wait for her to bear sons, it would be a foolish wait.
Naomi felt the grief that she had received when her husband and sons died. Her grief is not selfish. It is for her daughters-in-law as well. It is a grief that rests upon her Lord. Naomi testifies, “For it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me.” Here is a real test of faith. Naomi believes that what has taken place is a result of the hand of the Lord. If our sorrow is not in the hands of the Lord, then the victory and joy which follow cannot be assured.
Our Lord is the Potter and we are the clay. All things work together for His glory, for His good pleasure and eternal purpose, and for our good. God is in full control of evil, and certainly is not moved by evil, directing it to the end which He so desires. Therefore, we put our faith in the King of kings, in the Lord Jesus our Savior, who carries us in His hand. We know, even when He brings sorrow into our lives, that He is able to deliver us and give us rest.
Discussion: How would you describe the love of Naomi for her Lord and daughters-in-law?
Return to Bethlehem –Ruth 1:14-22
Orpah and Ruth wept, and Orpah kissed Naomi, “but Ruth cleaved to her.” Naomi told Ruth to look to her sister-in-law who is returning to her people, “and to her god: return thou after thy sister-in-law.” The Holy Spirit gives to Ruth a grace by which she is able to grasp the opportunity to decide either to follow after the gods of her people or the God of Naomi. Ruth has learned of the Lord God of Israel through Naomi during those ten years. Therefore Ruth said, “Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”
What did Ruth see in Naomi that she would make such a statement of faith? Ruth’s pleading for Naomi not to send her back to Moab commends the love of Naomi for her Lord, her people, and for Ruth. Our Lord’s covenant promises that He will be our God and we will be His people. This is the covenant which says that the people of God are to love Him with all their hearts and each other as they so love themselves. “Thus God blessed the faithful Naomi who so showed the presence of God in her life that a pagan girl was drawn to that God by Naomi’s life. God provided for Ruth a godly husband and together they raised a godly family which terminated in the person, Jesus Christ. All was not lost in this sinful godless age because God is gracious and would not let the light go out in Israel” (John Scott).
A great love had reached into the heart of Ruth that would commit all to the God and people of Naomi. Ruth goes on to say, “Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me.” This is the love of which the beloved apostle spoke: “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God …Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:7-11).
Naomi saw that Ruth was steadfast in her determination to go with her to Bethlehem. Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem and “and all the city was moved about them.” Is this really Naomi, the greeters asked? Naomi said, “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?”
Naomi reveals her total dependence upon the Lord. She had left Bethlehem with a husband and two sons. Now she returns empty. Though her friends are excited about seeing her again, Naomi tells them to call her the bitter one. Even though she knows that the Lord is her Lord, she still feels the bitterness of having lost her loved ones. She doesn’t question the work of the Lord. She knows that what has come from the Lord is a very bitter pill to take. However, the Lord had given her Ruth, and Naomi would have the balm of healing from the same Lord who had taken her husband and sons. Naomi and Ruth the Moabitess returns to “Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.”
Discussion: How does Ruth show her love for Naomi?
A Place of Refuge
August 21, 2011
Lesson: Ruth 2:1-23
Key Verse: Ruth 2:12
Introduction
Elimelech and his two sons had died in Moab. Naomi had remained in Moab for ten years after her husband Elimelech’s death, along with her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Orpah had remained in Moab while Ruth went to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, with this upon her heart: “for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
At Bethlehem Ruth was sent to the field to glean during the harvest. Boaz, who owned the field and was a near kinsman of Elimelech, gave Ruth permission to glean throughout the harvest season. Ruth lived with her mother-in-law and helped provide for the household. Boaz was pleased with the conduct of Ruth and let her glean from the fields with his maidens. “So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest” (Ruth 2:23). Naomi would find Ruth a husband in the person of Boaz. Boaz found Ruth to be a kind and virtuous woman (Ruth 3:10-11). She would perform the part of a kinsman to both Ruth and Naomi. He would be the redeemer-kinsman who would restore a household to Naomi, to purchase back the inheritance she had lost.
Boaz testifies to the people that they are witnesses that he has bought all that was Elimelech’s, “Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance” (Ruth 4:10). Boaz marries Ruth and they had a son. The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman” (Ruth 4:14).
We have not been left without a kinsman. Our Lord is our Redeemer-Kinsman. He has purchased us from the wrath of the Father through His own precious blood. He has given us an inheritance reserved in heaven for the children of God: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were …redeemed …with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot …being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:18-23).
The Kinsman –Ruth 2:1-7
Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, “a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.” Ruth came to the field of Boaz in order to find help for herself and Naomi. She found more in Boaz, for he was a kind man who gave her food and drink and the protection of his reapers throughout the day.
Ruth asked for the blessing of Naomi that she might glean the field of Boaz: “Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace.” Naomi said, “Go, my daughter.” The loving relationship between Naomi and Ruth grew as they saw each other as mother and daughter.
Ruth began to glean in the field, following after the reapers. What the reapers had left behind she was allowed to take. She then happened to come to the field belonging to Boaz; a happening which belongs to the hand of God and not to the hand of chance. Boaz comes out to this field from his home in Bethlehem, saying to the reapers, “The Lord be with you.” And they answered, “The Lord bless thee.” This exchange between Boaz and his reapers carries a sincere desire for the Lord’s benevolent presence, as well as a word of greeting. The intent of the heart comes from the measure of grace that one receives from Christ. May Christians, when they ask God’s blessing upon another, ask with much feeling and expectation.
Boaz approaches the reapers and asks about this girl who is following them. Boaz’ servant answers, saying, “It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab.” Ruth speaks: “I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.” Ruth had asked the foreman of the reapers for permission to glean throughout the day that she might support Naomi and herself. Boaz welcomed the poor to his fields that they may glean after his reapers, so he would approve of this permission. Also, his concern for whom this woman was reveals his kindness toward those around him. The kinsman that the Lord had for Naomi and Ruth was one who had compassion.
Discussion: How would you describe Boaz?
Grace is Found –Ruth 2:8-16
Surely Boaz had already known about Ruth. He was a kinsman of the husband of Naomi and most likely had welcomed her back. It would seem that he had already developed a feeling toward Ruth. Boaz responds to Ruth in the field, saying, “Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.” He calls her to glean only from his field. There he can keep watch over her. He further admonishes her to follow after his reapers, claiming that he has already charged the young men not to harm her. He further encourages her in telling her that she may freely drink of his vessels.
Ruth falls on her face, bowing herself to the ground, saying to Boaz, “Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” Ruth had received an unexpected kindness. Boaz answers, “It hath fully been shown me, all thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thine husband and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.” Boaz and Naomi must have had quite a talk about their sojourn to Moab. Ruth’s love for Naomi was shown in her help toward her, and in the giving up of her own people to embrace the people of God. The Character of Ruth as a true child of the Lord comes out in her actions, toward both her new found mother and the people with whom she now dwells.
Therefore, the response of Boaz can be nothing less than this: “The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” Ruth was now a child of God who could claim with the Lord’s people. “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings” (Psa. 36:7). Ruth would learn more of this kindness from Boaz.
Ruth replies to Boaz, “Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.” The Christian can learn from the response. First, that kindness must be shown to the new child of God, with no thought of the place where one comes from. Second, that the new Christian receives the grace of God and His people with much thanksgiving. There must be in the congregation a desire to love one another as Christ has loved us.
Boaz continues to bless Ruth with kindness asking her to come to eat with his people. She did so and was satisfied. As she was about to leave Boaz commanded his young men to let “glean even among the sheaves.” Boaz further instructed them to let some fall from their hands purposefully, leaving them on the ground for Ruth to glean. This reveals his kindness toward Ruth, and his kindness toward the poor of Bethlehem, or the sojourner among them. His kindness toward Ruth grew for he saw in her the love she had for Naomi and her people.
Discussion: How would you describe Ruth and her relationship with Boaz?
Blessed is He –Ruth 2:17-23
Ruth continued to glean from the field and took what she had to Naomi. Naomi asked Ruth where she had gleaned, saying, “Blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee.” The quality and quantity of the food which was brought home revealed a kindly benefactor. Ruth revealed the man’s name as Boaz.
Naomi said to Ruth, “Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead.” Naomi was without a husband, and, therefore, without an inheritance. A kinsman had responded to their need. Naomi tells Ruth of Boaz, “The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.” Boaz is one who stands close to Naomi and Ruth as a possible redeemer-kinsman. Naomi rejoices in that Boaz has responded as a true kinsman.
Ruth further tells Naomi that the blessings will continue through the harvest, saying, “He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.” Naomi responds, “It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.” So Ruth “kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest; and dwelt with her mother-in-law.”
Naomi and Ruth were provided for by their kinsman, Boaz. Soon Boaz and Ruth would marry and Naomi would have her inheritance. The inheritance which is eternal is also present. For Boaz and Ruth would have a child. The child’s name was Obed. Obed’s son was Jesse, and Jesse begat David. Through David Bethlehem was chosen as a worthy place for the Son of God to take on our flesh, as He was born of Mary. Christ is our Redeemer-Kinsman, “In whom we redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7).
Discussion: Why did Naomi rejoice over what Ruth had gleaned from the field?
An Inheritance
August 28, 2011
Lesson: Ruth 4:1-10
Key Verse: Ruth 4:5
Introduction
Boaz was chosen as the Naomi’s kinsman. Job was easily condemned by his so called friends: “How long will ye torment my soul, and break me in pieces with words?” (Job 19:1). They were playing ‘god’ with the life of Job: “Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me. Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?” (19:21-22). There is neither pity nor hope of redemption in the actions of men, whether without or within the congregations of believers. Job knew that only a Redeemer-Kinsman could save his life: “For I know that my redeemer (kinsman) liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (19:25-26). Job would know the truth of the words of his Redeemer-Kinsman, Christ Jesus: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). Boaz, as the kinsman elect of Naomi, is a revelation of the Kinsman elect of God the Father, Christ Jesus.
Leviticus 25:25 gives us the understanding of what a kinsman is: “If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem (‘gaal’-kinsman; i.e., to ransom, to redeem) it, then shall he redeem (‘gaal’) that which his brother sold.” Naomi speaks to Ruth of Boaz as a kinsman: “Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. …The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen” (Ruth 2:20). Christ is our Kinsman: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Gal. 3:13). For God the Father “hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor. 5:21). Our Kinsman paid the ransom price!
The closer kinsman –Ruth 4:1-5
Naomi knew that Boaz would see that she would receive a kinsman; saying to Ruth, “Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day” (3:18). Boaz went to one who was a closer kinsman than he; and spoke to him, “Ho, such a one! Turn aside, sit down here.” He also called together “ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here.” The kinsman and the witnesses of the elders sat with Boaz. Boaz stated the case to the kinsman, “Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s: and I thought to advertise thee, saying, But it before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee.” The kinsman replied, “I will redeem it.”
Though the land would add to his own estate the kinsman takes a second thought about marrying Ruth. It seems that Naomi desires that the inheritance which she lost would be more than returned if the redemption included the blessing of Ruth becoming the wife of the Kinsman. We see the providential purpose and work of the Lord whereby Christ Jesus would be the true Kinsman-Redeemer of His people. Thus Boaz includes Ruth in the redemption of Naomi: “What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.” For whatever reason the kinsman without a name thought it better not to have a wife attached to the inheritance. Boaz, by the witness of the elders, revealed his compassion for Naomi and Ruth, and his desire to do things honestly and open, with regard to that which is right.
Discussion: Why did Boaz call the kinsman and elders together?
The name of Elimelech –Ruth 4:6-10
The kinsman replies to Boaz, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.” The kinsman rightly made his decision on the truth that he thought it would hurt his own inheritance. Therefore, according to the “manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and give it to his neighbor; and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.” Thus those who were there witnessed that the kinsman gave to Boaz the right to purchase the land which included the marriage to Ruth.
Boaz said to the elders and to the people, “Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand Naomi. Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place; ye are witnesses this day.”
By the providential grace, and the keeping of His covenant, Ruth became part of that promise, the people saying, “We are witnesses, The Lord make the woman that is come into thing house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel; and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem” (4:11). Ruth’s lineage could be traced back to Abraham, and was abiding in Moab.
The blessings of the Lord were shown in that He gave Ruth a son 4:13). Ruth bore a son, who, being in the lineal ancestor of Christ, becomes a witness to those of every nation, that there is a true Savior. These words of Matthew Henry remind us that we should more than value that life in the womb of a mother: “Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality!” The women of Bethlehem rejoiced, “Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman (one who redeems), that his name may be famous in Israel” (4:14). The name given to the child was ‘Obed,’ meaning, ‘to serve.’
The glorious mystery of the eternal Kinsman would come many years later. For Obed would father, Jesse, who would father David. From the line of David, Christ would come, to be born in Bethlehem. He would be the Redeemer-Kinsman of all those whom the Father would give Him. The time would come when another mother would rejoice in the coming of the Redeemer, saying, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation” (Mary, Luke 1:46-50). Come to Christ, who is our Redeemer-Kinsman. For in Him alone “we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7).
Discussion: What is the true joy of Boaz taking Ruth as his wife?
