“Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.”– Ruth 4:8 (KJV)
“So the guy said to Boaz, ‘You buy it.’ And he took off his sandal.”– Ruth 4:8 (NLT)
“Then the relative said to Boaz, ‘Go ahead and buy it.’ And he took off his sandal.”– Ruth 4:8 (MSG)
What Does Ruth 4:8 Mean?
In this scripture, the scene is set in the ancient town of Bethlehem. Boaz is a man of standing, who has shown kindness to Ruth, a widow from Moab. The verse captures a significant moment in this love story and also in the lineage of David. Here, we witness what could be seen as a legal transaction. A kinsman redeemer had the responsibility to provide for the family of a deceased relative. In this case, Boaz steps forward to do the honorable thing. When the kinsman, who had the right of redemption for Ruth and her deceased husband’s property, ultimately steps back and relinquishes his right by taking off his sandal, it symbolizes the acceptance of Boaz’s role in redeeming Ruth and her family’s land.
This act might seem small, yet it is a powerful symbol of commitment and responsibility. Boaz’s act of purchasing the land and marrying Ruth not only ensures that her family line continues but also fulfills God’s plan for redemption. The taking off of the sandal signifies the transfer of rights and responsibilities. In the ancient culture, this gesture holds great weight in setting up the events that will lead to the birth of a significant lineage, particularly that of King David, and eventually, Jesus Christ.
Ruth 4:8 Explanation and Commentary
The book of Ruth is an amazing narrative that reveals God’s providence in the lives of people who seem to be hopeless. Ruth, originally a Gentile, comes to faith in the God of Israel through her devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Over the course of the story, we see her loyalty rewarded in remarkable ways. Boaz embodies a model of godly character and responsibility. He respects Ruth and seeks to protect her, not just as a kinsman but also as a redemptive figure.
In Ruth 4:8, we see the culmination of a series of events leading to this moment. The earlier chapters unveil the journey of Ruth and Naomi as widows, experiencing loss and heartache. Still, through faithfulness and hard work, Ruth gleaned in the fields of Boaz, who became her protector and provider. The Kinsman Redeemer role holds significant importance. It speaks of the law of Moses wherein relatives have the duty to marry a widow in order to preserve the family name. Here, Boaz is willing to honor that role, but only when the closer relative refuses it.
This refusal is crucial, as it paves the way for Boaz’s acceptance of Ruth. Herein lies the beauty of God’s plan: what may seem like human choices are intermingled with divine purpose. The man who had the first right of refusal recognizes the implications of marrying Ruth, which might hinder his own inheritance. It is not known whether he feared losing his wealth or if he sensed God’s hand in the situation, but he chooses not to proceed.
Boaz’s character shines through here. We may wonder why he wanted to marry a Moabite woman, but his love for Ruth transcended cultural boundaries. He was willing to follow God’s mandate for redemption, and that is incredibly significant. His declaration to buy the land and marry Ruth was fulfilling God’s intention to bring healing not just to Ruth but to the entire family line. In this way, Ruth becomes part of the ancestry of Jesus, demonstrating even more that God’s plans can often use the seemingly weak and vulnerable to accomplish His will.
The act of removing the sandal was an act of finality. It legally accepted Boaz’s right to redeem Ruth, and it symbolized the authority to provide for the family’s future. By doing this, Boaz steps into a greater role, assuming the responsibilities that come with being a husband, a protector, and a redeemer. Throughout the story, God’s providence is clear as Ruth’s faithfulness is rewarded and Boaz’s integrity is highlighted. Their union is a beautiful expression of God’s redemptive love.
Context of Ruth 4:8
To gain a deeper understanding of Ruth 4:8, it helps to explore the context surrounding this chapter in the broader narrative of Ruth. The book itself is a story that reflects themes of loyalty, faith, and God’s provision. It opens in a time of famine, showing how Naomi and Ruth faced tremendous struggles, including the death of their loved ones. Ruth’s desire to remain loyal to Naomi led her to forsake her own people and embrace the God of Israel.
As readers, we should be reminded of Ruth’s vow to Naomi: “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” This commitment sets the tone for Ruth’s character—a woman of steadfast faith. The setting, culturally and historically, emphasizes the hardships they faced as women and as widows. Understanding this context allows us to appreciate the depth of Ruth’s character as well as the significance of her actions.
As the narrative progresses, we see that God’s hand is at work weaving together lives, circumstances, and divine purposes. When Ruth’s faithfulness leads her to glean in Boaz’s field, things start to change. Boaz’s generosity and kindness toward Ruth reveal the grace of God at work. They shine a light on the customs of the time, where men had the privilege and power, but Boaz steps outside the norm to honor, protect, and ultimately redeem Ruth.
This chapter marks both a climax and a resolution. As Boaz steps up to be Ruth’s kinsman redeemer, he helps to preserve the family line of Ruth’s deceased husband, Mahlon, while simultaneously moving forward with God’s plan. Ruth and Boaz’s story teaches us about new beginnings and God’s faithfulness even in tough seasons of life. When things seem most hopeless, we can trust that God is intricately involved in our lives.
Understanding the cultural and relational dynamics gives us a holistic perspective on this moment. The kinsman redeemer role isn’t just an obligation; it’s a profound responsibility that reflects God’s heart for His people. Boaz’s actions would have had significant implications for both Ruth and Naomi, ensuring their well-being and marking a new chapter for their family. It shows how God works through us in relationships, reminding us that our choices matter in His plan.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ruth 4:8
Going back to our focus verse, let’s break down key components of Ruth 4:8 that help us appreciate its depth.
The phrase “the kinsman said unto Boaz” refers to a relative with the right to redeem Ruth. This shows the significance of kinship in ancient Israel. The law required that a kinsman redeemer carry on the family name, ensuring that family lines were preserved. This highlights God’s desire for relationship and community.
When he says, “Buy it for thee,” he expresses his choice to let Boaz take that role. This is a major moment, as relinquishing this right allowed God’s plan to unfold. The fact that he did not want to risk his inheritance opens up our understanding of self-interest versus altruism. He made a choice that, while it might have seemed wise to him, allowed Boaz to fulfill the role God had intended for him. This part of the verse teaches us about surrendering our rights for a greater cause.
Next, when the kinsman drew off his shoe, this act was significant in that culture. Taking off a sandal represented the transfer of rights and responsibilities. In many ways, it symbolized that the weight of that obligation was now placed squarely on Boaz’s shoulders. This historical practice teaches us about the way God desires to redeem us, taking on the burden for us, just as Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world.
The act of removing the sandal was ceremonial in nature. It emphasized and formalized the agreement made before the witnesses present. This level of accountability is vital, and it underlines God’s purpose in this union between Ruth and Boaz. Such practices leave a lasting legacy that draws people closer to one another and to God.
Lastly, this event is crucial not just for Ruth and Boaz but for Israel’s history as it would lead to the lineage of King David and, subsequently, Jesus Christ. This verse encapsulates not just a moment of decision but a link in the redemptive history of humanity. It reminds us that our lives are woven into God’s broader storyline; our choices echo through the generations.
Lessons to Learn From Ruth 4:8
As we reflect on Ruth 4:8, several lessons come to mind that resonate with our lives today. Firstly, the theme of loyalty shines through. Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi culminated in her finding favor in the eyes of Boaz. Loyalty in our relationships, whether family, friends, or community, can lead to blessings in unexpected ways. It reminds us that being there for one another can produce lasting impacts.
Secondly, this verse teaches us about taking risks for love. Boaz’s willingness to step forward as a redeemer required him to take significant risks. Loving someone often involves stepping out of our comfort zones and making sacrifices. Just as Boaz put Ruth and Naomi’s needs before his own, we can learn to choose love and service over self-interest.
We also learn about God’s providential care. This scripture shows that even in difficult or uncertain times, God is still at work behind the scenes. Ruth and Naomi had no idea how God was orchestrating events. Similarly, we might not see the full picture, but trusting that God will lead us through is crucial. He is always working on our behalf, even when we cannot clearly see it.
The removal of the sandal symbolizes the importance of honoring our commitments. One of the key points in this story is the heartfelt commitment both Boaz and Ruth had to fulfill God’s will for them. As modern believers, we encourage ourselves to honor our commitments in our relationships, as they reflect our dedication to God and to one another.
Lastly, we see that obedience to God can lead to incredible blessings. Ruth followed Naomi’s advice, and her willingness to work and glean led her to Boaz. Similarly, obedience to God’s Word and promptings in our own lives can lead to divine opportunities and blessings we had not imagined.
Final Thoughts
Ruth 4:8 captures a transformative moment where love, commitment, and redemption converge. It shows us God’s meticulous plan for restoration and legacy. As we reflect on this scripture, let’s remember that God works through our lives and choices, no matter how small, to accomplish His divine purpose. Each decision we make carries weight in the grand narrative of our lives and the lives of those around us.
This passage challenges us to cultivate loyalty, embrace risks for love, and trust in God’s plan. As we walk in our everyday lives, let’s be encouraged that we are part of something bigger, intertwined in a beautiful tapestry of relationships and divine providence. In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we can take hope in knowing that God is actively working on our behalf, guiding us through our own journeys of redemption and love.
If you’re interested in further exploring themes of faith, redemption, and God’s incredible plan for our lives, feel free to check out these related topics: Acts 14:24, Joshua 10:19, and Acts 14:15. Let’s continue to learn together about God’s word and its power in our lives!