Ruth 4

1

Review

• ~1143 BC (during time of the judges, before the monarchy)
• Famine occurs
• Elimelech and his family leave Bethlehem for Moab
• Elimelech and his two sons die; Naomi and her daughter-in-laws survive
• God provides food for His people
• Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem at beginning of barley harvest
• Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi, who is kind to her
• At night, Ruth goes to Boaz and asks that he marry her
• Boaz says that he will first check with the closer relative

2

“Kinsman-Redeemer”

• Hebrew: gâ'al - gaw-al' - גָּאַל
• Requirements:
• A close living relative; the nearest living male blood relative
• Must be able to pay the price to redeem land/kinsman
• Must be willing to pay the price to redeem land/kinsman
• Responsibilities:
• Must buy back (ransom) any property that might have been sold/lost due to poverty
• Must buy back (ransom) any kinsman who might have sold him- or herself into slavery
• Must act as a go-between in family reconciliations
• Must act as a blood avenger for the family
• Must fulfil the “Law of the Levirate” (i.e., marry a brother’s wisdom)

The Plot Twist

Read Ruth 4:1-12

1. Thinking back to last week, what obligation does Boaz have to Ruth? What about the man he talks to here at the city gate?
1. Note: The city gate was a kind of outdoor court, the place where judicial matters were resolved by the elders and those who had earned the confidence and respect of the people, a place for business and as a kind of forum or public meeting place.
2. Why did the unnamed kinsman-redeemer decide not to fulfill his responsibilities?
• Note: The Hebrew here literally translates as “Mr. So-and-so.” The author may have left the redeemer unnamed as a sign of contempt for his failure to fulfill his duty.
3. When the elders witness the transaction between Boaz and the unnamed redeemer, why might they invoke Rachel and Leah?
• Hint: Read Ruth 1:4-5, then read Genesis 29:31-32; 30:22-23.

The Denouement

Read Ruth 4:13-22

1. In verse 14, several Israelite women talk to Naomi and praise the Lord for giving her a kinsman-redeemer. Who is that redeemer?
1. Note: It’s a trap! Make sure to read verse 15 again before answering.

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2. How can Obed, the baby, be the “kinsman-redeemer?!” Hint: reread verse 22, then read 2 Samuel 7:13, 16, then read Matthew 1:5-6, 16.
3. In what ways does Christ serve, in both requirements and responsibilities, as our “kinsman-redeemer?”
1. Hint: Read Hebrews 2:11-12; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Matthew 26:39

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