“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, 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.”– Ruth 4:10 (KJV)
“Furthermore, I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife. This way, she can have a son to carry on the family name of her dead husband and keep the family property alive. You are all witnesses today.”– Ruth 4:10 (NLT)
“And here’s what I’m doing: Ruth, the widow of Mahlon, I’m buying to add her to my family, so we can carry on the name of the dead husband and his property. You’re all witnesses to this.”– Ruth 4:10 (MSG)
What Does Ruth 4:10 Mean?
Ruth 4:10 is a significant verse that wraps up an important moment in the Book of Ruth. In this scene, Boaz makes a public declaration of his intention to marry Ruth, a Moabite widow. This is not just about love; it is also deeply rooted in the customs of the time which involved the concept of levirate marriage. Boaz is stepping in to ensure that Ruth’s deceased husband, Mahlon, is not forgotten, and his lineage continues through a son. This act signifies redemption, not just for Ruth, but for the entire family because it also upholds the inheritance rights. The public declaration at the city gate denotes a formal agreement and community support, which is vital in that culture.
By acquiring Ruth as his wife, Boaz is displaying characteristics of a good guardian-redeemer. This means he takes on the responsibility not only to marry her but to look after her and protect the name of the deceased. This act of kindness and integrity displays the heart of true love and sacrifice. The context in which this occurs reflects the values of loyalty and commitment, which are hallmarks of the narrative throughout the Book of Ruth. It teaches us about the importance of family ties and the societal structures that were in place to protect them.
Ruth 4:10 Explanation and Commentary
When we carefully unpack this verse, we see the richness of its meaning. Boaz’s decision to marry Ruth was influenced by love, loyalty, and obligation. Ruth had already demonstrated her loyalty by sticking with her mother-in-law Naomi, saying, “Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). She embraced Naomi’s life and heritage instead of returning to her own. This commitment made Ruth eligible for redemption.
In that era, widows were particularly vulnerable and often at the mercy of their families or society. This is where Boaz steps in as a redeemer. By marrying Ruth, he not only fulfills a legal requirement but also honors her commitment to Naomi and her late husband. In a way, Ruth becomes part of Boaz’s lineage as well, leading to a future offspring who brings new life and hope to the family.
This act would have been witnessed by others, making it a landmark event in their community. The importance of witnesses emphasizes the legitimacy of Boaz’s decision, providing public validation in a time of patriarchal customs. His actions exhibited nobility and righteousness, setting an example for others to follow in honoring commitments to family and community.
The promise to raise up a son in the name of Mahlon denotes a deep respect for family legacy. This act is also a foreshadowing of Jesus, who came from this lineage, demonstrating how God can bring redemption from the most unexpected circumstances, including a Moabite woman becoming part of the royal line of David.
Context of Ruth 4:10
To fully appreciate the depth of Ruth 4:10, we must understand the context surrounding it. The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges, a period marked by chaos and moral ambiguity in Israel’s history. Amidst this backdrop, the story of Ruth stands out for its faithfulness and kindness. Boaz emerges as a redeemer who protects the vulnerable, while Ruth exemplifies loyalty and commitment.
The narrative begins with a famine that drives Naomi and her family away from Bethlehem to Moab. Tragedy strikes as Naomi loses her husband and two sons. When Naomi hears that the famine in Bethlehem has ended, she decides to return home, urging her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. Ruth’s response is a powerful declaration of loyalty, resonating through generations as a model of commitment.
As the story unfolds, Boaz comes on the scene as a man of good standing, exhibiting qualities such as generosity, respect, and responsibility. When Ruth gleans in the fields, Boaz goes out of his way to ensure her safety and provide for her. Their relationship flourishes amidst the grace and kindness they show to each other.
When Naomi realizes that Boaz is a potential redeemer, she instructs Ruth on how to approach him. Ruth’s request to Boaz at the threshing floor symbolizes her hope and willingness to be redeemed. This scene is pivotal in facilitating the eventual outcome of their union. It is within this context that Boaz publicly declares his intentions, marking the significance of family continuity and redemption in Israelite tradition.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ruth 4:10
This verse has several key parts that require our attention. The phrase “I have purchased” indicates Boaz’s legal and moral obligation to redeem Ruth according to the customs of the time. This act of purchasing is symbolic of commitment and love—the essence of true relationships. By marrying Ruth, he not only redeems her but also redeems the name of Mahlon.
The term “Moabitess” serves as a reminder of Ruth’s background and origins. It signifies that she is an outsider in Israel, yet Boaz chooses to extend grace and love to her. This openly challenges prejudices that existed during that time. It also shows how God’s plans can include everyone, regardless of their past or where they come from.
Another significant aspect of this verse is the concept of raising a son “to carry on the name of the dead.” This demonstrates a strong emphasis on family lineage and inheritance in ancient Israel. It speaks to the honor of maintaining family names and preserving legacies, which were fundamental to their society.
Moreover, the phrase “ye are witnesses this day” highlights the communal aspect of their marriage. It signifies the importance of community involvement in significant life events, fostering a sense of accountability and support among the people. It shows that marriage is not just a private affair but also one that is meant to be celebrated and supported by the community.
Lessons to Learn From Ruth 4:10
Ruth 4:10 teaches us powerful lessons about loyalty, love, and redemption. As we reflect on this verse, we see the value of taking personal responsibility for our commitments, especially when it comes to family and relationships. Boaz acted out of love and duty, demonstrating how important it is to honor our obligations to those we care about.
We also learn that kindness knows no boundaries. Even though Ruth was a Moabite, Boaz chose to love her and treat her with dignity. This invites us to look beyond our own biases and extend grace to those who may seem different from us. It reminds us that in God’s eyes, everyone is valuable and worthy of love and redemption.
Additionally, the importance of community is mirrored in this story. Boaz ensured that his actions were public, seeking the support and approval of the townspeople. This serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our journeys and that the commitments we make affect our entire community.
This narrative also points to the greater story of hope and redemption that ultimately culminates in the lineage of Christ. Ruth’s faithfulness in her circumstances shows that God can bring beauty from ashes. It encourages us to trust in Him, knowing He has a plan for our lives, even when we may find ourselves in difficult situations.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Ruth 4:10 serves as a rich tapestry of love, loyalty, and cultural significance. From Boaz’s act of redemption to Ruth’s steadfastness, we see how these qualities can shape lives and impact future generations. Each of us can learn from their story and reflect upon how our actions influence others in our lives. By choosing to show kindness and loyalty, we create a legacy of love that can last for years to come.
As we explore these themes within the Book of Ruth, we can apply their lessons to our own lives today. If you want to learn more about the heart of God and how these narratives influence our lives, consider diving into other topics like Acts 14:24 or Joshua 10:10. Each story adds layers of understanding as we walk this journey together.