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The Kinsman-Redeemer!

Scripture reading for March 16: Ruth 1-4

The story of Ruth is set in the time of Judges between 40-100 years before the time of David (1000 BC).  This simple story unfolds as a famine forces  an Israelite family to leave Israel for Moab.   During the famine, the husband dies. Both sons marry Moabite girls and they die as well.   The wife, Naomi, is left bitter and ready to return to Israel.   Her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah are left with a choice to make.

Naomi tells her daughters-in-law to go on back to their own people.  She is too old to have more sons for them to marry.  Orpah stays in Moab.  Ruth clings to her mother-in-law and makes a beautiful confession of devotion.  (Ruth 1:16-17)  Ruth is ready to follow Naomi and Naomi’s God until death!

Choices have consequences.  In choosing to go to the land of Israel, Ruth would have been an alien and would not have had an inheritance or people to take her in.  There was no welfare or jobless benefits.  The law in Israel left the corners of the fields and the grain that was dropped for the orphan and widow. (Deuteronomy 24:19)  Ruth gleaned fields as she could and got food for her family.  God’s divine providence placed Ruth in the field of Boaz, a close relative of Naomi’s.  Boaz was also a descendant of Rahab, the harlot that hid the spies!

Because of her hard work and humble spirit and her choice to stay with Naomi, Ruth’s good reputation was spread.  Boaz heard about her and showered her with favor. (Ruth 2:11-12)   In Israel, the closest relative to a widow had the right to buy the widow’s property and also to take the widow in order to continue the family line.  Boaz was in that line.  He was a possible “kinsman-redeemer”.  Boaz responded to Ruth’s humble appeal, purchased the field, and took her as his wife!  Both Boaz and Ruth are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ! (Matthew 1:5-6)

Jesus Christ is our “kinsman-redeemer”.  Ruth is a type of Gentile bride for Jesus Christ.  When we closely read this beautiful story, we get a glimpse into the heart of God and Jesus Christ!  Thank the Lord for being our “Kinsman-Redeemer”!

“Who are you?” he asked.  “I am your servant Ruth,” she said.  “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.” (Ruth 3:9)