The Verse
King James Version (KJV): “Then said Boaz, 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.”
New International Version (NIV): “Then Boaz said, ‘On the day you buy the land from Naomi and from Ruth the Moabitess, you acquire the dead man’s widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property.'”
English Standard Version (ESV): “Then Boaz said, ‘The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.'”
Introduction
This verse from the book of Ruth, a narrative filled with love, loyalty, and redemption, sets a beautiful stage for the unfolding story of God’s providence. In the midst of a situation marked by death and loss, we find hope and restoration in these words from Boaz, a man who stands out for his integrity and godliness.
Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, is willing to take on the cost and responsibility of Ruth, not just for her well-being but to uphold the name of her deceased husband, a fellow kinsman. This selfless act embodies the nature of God Himself – a Redeemer who sees value in each of us, even when the world might not.
Historical Context
The book of Ruth is a historical narrative set during the time of the Judges, a period of social and moral chaos in Israel. Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi after the death of her husband. They return to Bethlehem, where Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi’s late husband, takes on the role of kinsman-redeemer, a person who would redeem a relative in difficulty.
Key Word Analysis
Buy – This is a transaction, a legal agreement. It signifies Boaz’s willingness to pay the price for Ruth’s redemption.
Maintain/Raise up – Here the Hebrew word is ‘quwm’ which carries the sense of establishing or fulfilling an obligation. Boaz seeks to uphold the name and lineage of the deceased.
Name of the Dead – In these times, a person’s name represented their presence and honor. Maintaining one’s name was equivalent to preserving their memory and dignity.
Spiritual Insight
This verse highlights the redeeming nature of God. Just as Boaz was willing to pay the price to redeem Ruth and maintain the name of the deceased, Jesus paid the price to redeem us from sin and death. The act of Boaz mirrors God’s redemption plan for humanity through Jesus.
Life Application
As modern believers, we can apply this verse by acknowledging and appreciating the ultimate redemption through Jesus. It calls us to honor the legacy of those who have gone before us and to act with integrity and kindness towards others, irrespective of their status or background.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
“My child, as Boaz stepped in to redeem Ruth, I have stepped in to redeem you. I paid the price so that your name, too, could be maintained in the family of God. You are valued, loved, and have an irreplaceable place in My kingdom.”
Prayer Prompt
Lord, thank you for your redemption and for the price you paid. Help us to value others and uphold their dignity, just as Boaz did for Ruth. Teach us to walk in love and integrity, reflecting your redeeming nature to those around us. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Who is Boaz?
Ans: Boaz is a man from Bethlehem, a relative of Naomi’s late husband, who acts as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth.
Ques: What does it mean to ‘maintain the name of the dead’?
Ans: This refers to upholding the memory, dignity, and lineage of the deceased, something of great significance in ancient Hebrew culture.
Ques: What is the significance of this verse?
Ans: This verse highlights the redeeming love of God mirrored in the actions of Boaz. It sheds light on God’s nature and His plan for humanity’s redemption.
Ques: How can I apply this verse to my life?
Ans: You can apply this verse by appreciating Jesus’ redemption, acting with love and integrity towards others, and honoring the legacy of those who have gone before you.
Related Verses
Leviticus 25:25: “If one of your fellow Israelites becomes poor and sells some of their property, their nearest relative is to come and redeem what they have sold.” – This verse gives the background of the kinsman-redeemer’s role, similar to Boaz’s role in Ruth’s story.
Ruth 1:16: “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'” – This verse shows Ruth’s loyalty and decision to stay with Naomi paving the way for her encounter with Boaz.
Ruth 4:13: “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.” – This verse shows the fulfilment of Boaz’s redemption commitment, which eventually leads to the lineage of David and Christ.
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