“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.”– Ruth 4:13 (KJV)
“So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son.”– Ruth 4:13 (NLT)
“Boaz married Ruth. She became his wife. Boaz slept with her, and by God’s gracious gift she conceived and had a son.”– Ruth 4:13 (MSG)
What Does Ruth 4:13 Mean?
Ruth 4:13 serves as a powerful conclusion to the love story of Ruth and Boaz. In this verse, we witness a significant moment where Boaz marries Ruth, taking her from a position of widowhood and vulnerability into a place of security and honor. This marriage was not merely a romantic union; it was also a divine appointment that was layered with God’s blessings.
The verse encapsulates Ruth’s journey from being a Moabite widow who lost everything to becoming part of the lineage of King David and eventually a pivotal ancestor of Jesus. The transition is marked by multiple themes including love, redemption, and God’s providence. We see how Ruth’s loyalty and faithfulness led her to a place where not only her life was restored but also her family line. This speaks volumes about how God rewards faithfulness and brings blessings to those who trust Him.
Ruth 4:13 Explanation and Commentary
When we look deeper into Ruth 4:13, we realize that it signifies much more than a simple marriage ceremony. The act of Boaz taking Ruth as his wife was a fulfillment of the role of a kinsman-redeemer. This was a legal and moral obligation in ancient Israel where a relative could marry a widow to preserve the family line. In Ruth’s case, Boaz, being a close relative of Naomi, fulfills this obligation beautifully, restoring hope and dignity to Ruth and her family, thus bringing God’s plan into action.
The verse also highlights God’s involvement. When it states, “the Lord gave her conception,” it indicates that God was actively participating in the unfolding of Ruth’s story. This phrase is not merely an afterthought; it reinforces the belief that children are blessings from God. Ruth did not just find a husband but was blessed with the ability to conceive, which solidified her and Boaz’s union in a Jewish context. The birth of a son was a culmination of hope, a sign of blessing, and a point of joy.
Furthermore, we can reflect on what it means to have faith in God’s promises. Ruth’s journey is a powerful testimony to believing in what cannot yet be seen. Even when she was a foreigner in Bethlehem, she knew God had a plan for her life. Her loyalty to Naomi and her bold move to glean in the fields of Boaz illustrate how faith and action go hand-in-hand. In essence, this verse encourages us that no matter how dire our situation may seem, God can turn it around and fill our lives with blessings.
This verse also invites us to think about the family. The child that Ruth bore held significant implications for Naomi, for Ruth herself, and for Israel at large. Naomi’s family line was preserved, and Ruth became a vital part of God’s story of redemption for His people. It’s noteworthy to see that every individual can play a role in God’s larger narrative. Our experiences, challenges, and triumphs can weave together to fulfill God’s purpose, a reminder that we are all part of something far greater than ourselves.
Context of Ruth 4:13
To appreciate Ruth 4:13 fully, we need to understand the context surrounding it. The Book of Ruth, which is a beautiful narrative, starts with a family facing famine in Israel. Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, takes his family to Moab. Tragedy strikes as Elimelech and his two sons die, leaving Naomi and her Moabite daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, in a precarious situation. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. However, Ruth’s declaration, “Where you go, I will go” (Ruth 1:16), displays her loyalty to Naomi and her newfound faith in God.
Upon returning to Bethlehem, Ruth seeks to provide for Naomi by gleaning in the fields. This is where she meets Boaz, a man of standing, who recognizes Ruth’s kindness toward Naomi. Their relationship develops, leading to Boaz’s act of kindness and commitment. He respects Ruth’s character, not seeing her as just a Moabite widow but as a woman of noble character. This kind of relational integrity is exemplary and reminds us of the moral standards we must uphold in our interactions with others.
The climax unfolds as Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, signifying her willingness to marry him under the kinsman-redeemer obligation. This is where we see the themes of honor and respect amplified. Boaz doesn’t simply take Ruth; he seeks to do things the right way, ensuring all legal customs are followed. This act of decency leads us to the final act within the story—the marriage between Ruth and Boaz, setting the stage for Ruth 4:13.
Finally, Boaz’s marriage to Ruth not only restores her place in society but also carries on the family name and legacy, which is crucial in the context of Israel’s history. Their son, Obed, becomes the grandfather of King David, showcasing how God can turn individual stories into a larger narrative of redemption.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ruth 4:13
As we dissect Ruth 4:13, several elements stand out. The act of Boaz taking Ruth as his wife signifies the beginning of a new chapter. This was a decision rooted in love, respect, and divine purpose. It is crucial to recognize that this union was born out of mutual respect and not merely obligation. Boaz admired Ruth’s loyalty, and she respected Boaz’s integrity.
The phrase “when he went in unto her” acknowledges the intimate nature of their relationship. This consent and sacred union signify not just personal love but God’s blessing upon their marriage. It reminds us that our relationships should be honored and rooted in faith.
More importantly, the mention of God’s role through the phrase “the Lord gave her conception” suggests that life itself is a divine gift. The fact that Ruth, a foreigner, became part of a special lineage speaks volumes about God’s inclusivity and willingness to extend grace beyond boundaries.
Lastly, the birth of their son brings joy not just to Ruth and Boaz but also to Naomi. The child carries a legacy that binds together not just the families involved but the entire nation of Israel, linking them to God’s promises. This divine orchestration of events reminds us that we each have a role in fulfilling God’s plans, bringing light and renewal to our lives and the lives of others.
Lessons to Learn From Ruth 4:13
The experiences reflected in Ruth 4:13 offer invaluable lessons for us. One major lesson is the importance of loyalty and commitment. Ruth’s steadfast loyalty to Naomi led her on an extraordinary journey filled with struggles and triumphs. This teaches us that our relationships matter; the people we stand by can lead us to divine appointments and life-changing experiences. It emphasizes that loyalty is not just a reaction to favorable circumstances but a conscious decision reflecting our values and beliefs.
Another lesson lies in embracing hope amidst negatives. Ruth was a Moabite who faced hardship, yet she chose to embrace the hope that came with God. Her faith encouraged her, and we too should hold onto our faith, no matter how bleak things may seem. Just as God turned Ruth’s situation around, He can do the same for us, showcasing the transformative power embedded in faith and action.
Furthermore, this story illustrates the beauty of God’s providence. When we look back at Ruth’s journey, we see how each step she took set her up for an incredible destiny. God had a plan for Ruth, and so He has a plan for each of us. Our stories may have twists and turns, revealing struggles and uncertainties, but we can trust that our lives are not merely a series of random events but are woven into a bigger picture. Like Ruth, we should be courageous enough to step out in faith.
Lastly, Ruth 4:13 teaches us about the sanctity of marriage and family. The act of Boaz marrying Ruth highlights the foundation of family as a critical aspect of society. The child born out of love and faith became a vital link in God’s plan for His people. This reminds us of the importance of building strong, loving family units that honor God and reflect His values in our communities.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Ruth 4:13 offers us an inspiring snapshot of faith, loyalty, and redemption. Ruth’s transformation from a foreigner to becoming part of the ancestry of King David is a testament that God can change our circumstances for good. We can draw hope from Ruth’s narrative, knowing that no matter where we start, what we face, or how insurmountable our challenges may seem, God has a plan for us. He can weave our stories into a tapestry of His grace and purpose. Let us remember that when we stand firm in our faith, God can do incredible things in our lives, just as He did for Ruth and Boaz.
We invite you to explore more topics that can enrich your faith and understanding. Discover more about God’s miracles in Acts 14:24, or learn about the strength found in Joshua 10:10. Each of these scriptures can act as a guiding light as we navigate our spiritual journeys and grow in our relationship with God.