Ruth, Rewarded For Faithfulness
Text: Ruth Chapter 3-4
Focus Chapter 3:1, 2, 4, 9-12; 4:6, 9, 10, 13-17
God places great emphasis on the family in the Bible and the Bible says the family begins with one male and one female. It is this union of male and female that are to produce children. This does not mean that God does not endorse adoption because without adoption not one of us could be saved as every believer is adopted into the family of God.
In this story of Ruth, we have Ruth, a young widow and Boaz a single man. It is from this beautiful story in the Bible that we get a "type" of our redeemer, The Lord Jesus Christ.
Type in the scriptures is a person, or an event, or some thing that resembles the things Christ Jesus did.
The Apostle Paul put it this way:
1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
The Greek word "tupos" is used for the word "ensamples" or "example". This Greek word "tupos" is where we get our English word "type".
The Holy Spirit decided to use the concept of the Kinsman-Redeemer to portray the work of Christ Jesus on this Earth.
This is the Hebrew "Goel".
1.) He had to be related:
OT:
Deu 25:5 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.
NT:
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
2.) He must be able to pay the price:
OT:
Rth 2:1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.
NT:
1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot
3.) He must be willing to redeem:
OT:
Rth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
NT:
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Joh 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Joh 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Let's watch as God prepares the way to Israel's greatest King.
Let's Begin:
*****Rth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek [rest] for thee, that [it may be well] with thee?
Ever since Boaz came into Ruth's life, Naomi has been a different person. Naomi had been full of self-pity but her concern was no more for herself but for this precious daughter-n-law that loved her so much.
It is a fact that we can get great satisfaction from serving others!
We may not think Naomi knew her Bible but we will soon see that she did. Naomi had a plan to get "rest" for Ruth which means, she had a plan to get Ruth a home and as the fairy tales always say "to live happily ever after".
If we pay close attention we will see Jesus Christ's relationship to all those who trust Him!
It may have been possible for Ruth and Naomi to survive since they were back in Bethlehem and among God's people.
BUT, When we have been accepted into the family if God, it is not enough to know He will never forsake us and will provide our needs, "it is in our best interest to seek a closer relationship with our Savior".
We need a personal, one-on-one relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. A "bride" should want to be with her husband.
*****Rth 3:2 And now is not Boaz [of our kindred], with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
Ruth was a beautiful and virtuous woman and we can be sure that she was desired by other men but they could not have redeemed her. Only a kinsman could do that.
The harvest of the barley and the threshing would normally take about six weeks and it is obvious that Ruth had excited the interest of Boaz from the gifts she had received from him during this time.
Let's not forget this story take place during the time of the Judges. The theme of the Book of Judges was that mankind did what they thought was right in their own eyes.
BUT, Here we see that God still had some people that were trying to honor the Word of God presented in the five books of Moses and the Book of Joshua.
We will also see that God gave women certain rights that were not to be taken lightly especially the childless widow.
The threshing floor was not only a place to reap the harvest but it was also a place of feasting and festival at the end of Barley season.
*****Rth 3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
Our lesson did not cover verse three but Naomi explained to Ruth that she needed to wash and anoint herself and change her clothes before she went to the threshing floor.
In Oriental custom Naomi was instructing Ruth to act like a "bride" before presenting herself to Boaz.
To the Bride of Christ it is written:
2Co 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Psa 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ruth went forward to Boaz because of what was written in the Word of God:
Deu 25:5 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.
Any man could have approached Ruth and asked for her hand in marriage but by the Word of God Ruth would have to approach her Kinsman-Redeemer in order for him to take any action toward her.
In our day it would be like a woman proposing to the man. For those that say this not right, then they do not line up with the Word of God. It may not be the norm but this is how Ruth got to be in the line to Jesus Christ.
And Ruth was following the Word of God to the Jews!
Ruth took off the garments of the widow and put on the garments of the Bride.
When we approach the Lord we need to be obedient to the rules laid out for us.
Jesus said:
Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
By the way that time is now in the Church Age!
Ruth was not familiar with the Word of God so Naomi was her instructor and Ruth was obedient to what she was taught.
*****Rth 3:9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth [thine handmaid]: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; [for thou art a near kinsman].
Boaz might have been caught a little off guard but he understood exactly what Ruth was trying to accomplish.
That word "handmaid" meant that Ruth was ready to be a slave to Boaz.
Notice Ruth was no longer the Ruth from Moab, she was Ruth searching for a new beginning.
Ruth knew she needed to be "born again".
And she went to ask Boaz if he would honor the Word of God and become her Kinsman-Redeemer.
When Boaz spread his mantle(skirt) he was laying claim to Ruth as his own.
The word "skirt" actually means "wing".
The Bible teaches us:
Eze 16:8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.
Not just anyone could be the kinsman-redeemer. They first had to be the near kin.
When we think back to Jesus Christ me must remember He had to first be our kinsman to be our redeemer. God became flesh and blood so He could fulfill His written Word.
Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
There was no other way for God to redeem His people.
This is the stumble-stone the world refuses to believe, but it is still the truth!
*****Rth 3:10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
There is no doubt that Boaz was flattered by Ruth's offer of marriage. Boaz responded with a positive answer but also according to Oriental customs.
Ruth was wanting to show the world around her that she wanted to remain a part of Elimelech's family and that of her dead husband. She wanted to keep her new name.
Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Boaz already knew Ruth was a virtuous woman and this just made Ruth more so in his eyes. This was the same devotion we all owe to the Lord.
Since Boaz was a near kinsman, he must next be able to redeem. Ruth and Naomi were much to poor to redeem themselves but Boaz had the resources to set them free.
The Bible teaches the Bride:
1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
*****Rth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
We can see that there was nothing immoral in all these proceedings. Boaz recognized the request of Ruth, he knew her devotion to Naomi, and he was seeing her devotion to the covenant keeping God of Israel.
This is the exact same thing each of us do when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. We realize that Our Savior is also Our Creator, is also the Covenant keeping God of Israel and Our Redeemer.
Boaz considered it a blessing to do this thing.
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; [who for the joy that was set before him] endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
*****Rth 3:12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
It is obvious that Boaz had already given this much thought.
The Bible says:
Joh 17:24 Father, [I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory], which thou hast given me: [for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world].
We can also see Our God has given this much thought!
Here we see the willingness of Boaz to do whatever it took to take Ruth for his "bride".
Then Naomi comforted Ruth.
Rth 3:18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.
When we have been obedient in the things of God, we must have patience enough to wait for God to do what He promises.
***** Rth 4:3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:
Rth 4:4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my
people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there
is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
Boaz and Ruth had come to a personal decision and we must all make a personal decision to accept the Lord
but now comes the legal side.
The approach of Boaz was direct and according to the covenant of God and the traditions of that time.
The gate of the city was the same as the courthouse of our time. Boaz made this nearer kinsman aware of this
parcel of land but at this time he did not mention Ruth.
Boaz had assembled the elders of this community to witness this transaction by the Levirate law. Any action that took place on this day would be legal and would be binding to all parties.
God had everything in place in this part of His plan.
You know if we believe the Word of God we know that "Salvation" is the free gift of God but in the eyes of God "Redemption" was a very costly thing!
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, [which he hath purchased with his own blood].
*****Rth 4:5 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.
Rth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
That other kinsman was willing to buy the land until he learned that Ruth was part of the transaction. The only way to understand this is to realize that if he married Ruth and they had a son then not only would that son be heir to the land of Elimelech and Naomi but that son would be heir to all his possessions.
He was not willing to place his own things into the hand of any unborn son of Ruth!
This man was not willing to make any change in property rights. It had nothing to do with Ruth.
This man was not willing to preserve the name of the dead.
We can see that we have a Father in Heaven who sent His Own Son that is willing to preserve the dead:
1Pe 4:6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
The world stays blind to the fact that our Redeemer could not be a man, could not be an angel and could certainly not be any demon. Our Redeemer had to be God who is our true Owner. This world was lost because of the sin of man and man cannot redeem himself.
Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Our Redeemer had to be sent from God:
Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
And that Lamb of God was Jesus Christ Our Lord:
Joh 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
*****Rth 4:9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.
Rth 4:10 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.
There are many things that could be said about the giving of that shoe but it suffices to say that this nearer kinsman was saying he was giving up the rights to ever walk on that land as the owner.
Remember what God told Abraham:
Gen 13:17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
All these things were witnessed by the elders and everything was made legal and more important "Binding".
When we accept the truth of the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ and are accepted into the family of God it is a legal and "Binding" agreement the God makes to each believer and God will honor every such agreement.
Thank You Jesus for being willing to pay the price for our souls!
The Bible says:
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even [as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it];
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and [cleanse it with the washing of water by the word],
Eph 5:27 [That he might present it to himself a glorious church], not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
It is the Church that is the "Bride of Christ"!
*****Rth 4:13 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.
Where do we see God's "Grace"?
1.) God had given to Ruth an opportunity to become one of His children.(Holy Ghost Conviction)
2.) God had met her physical needs in the fields of Boaz. (Met her savior)
3.) God had allowed Boaz of Judah, to be her Kinsman Redeemer. (Redeemed by The Lord Jesus Christ)
4.) God had allowed Ruth to be bought for a great price. (The Blood of Jesus)
5.) God blessed Ruth with a son. (Place her in line to Jesus Christ)
6.) Obed means "servant"!(Jesus came the first time to serve and to save)
7.) Obed was a blessing to all his family. (God used His Only Son Jesus to bring a blessing unto the world we live in)
*****Rth 4:14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
Rth 4:15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
It was Obed who was a blessing to Naomi.
It was Obed who was a "restorer" of life to Naomi.
It would be Obed who would care for his grandmother, Naomi.
Obed would be famous because he would be grandfather to David but more important in the line of Jesus Christ!
Every baby born into this world is a step for our future. How many of these precious things have been the victims of abortion and will not be around to lead this nation of America and this world into the future.
*****Rth 4:16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
Rth 4:17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Naomi was no longer Mara the bitter woman but she was back to her own sweet self.
If Ruth is a "type" of the Church we can see that it should be the Church, the Bride of Christ, that should be bringing some joy and peace into this world.
Satan had lost another battle in trying to stop the plan of God.
Noah found "Grace".
Jacob found "Grace".
Joseph found "Grace".
Moses found "Grace" and we have seen that Ruth found "Grace".
Why?
The Bible says:
Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
God has given us this time of "Grace" known as the Church Age.
"Grace is the unmerited favor of God to all mankind".
To everyone God provides sunshine, rainfall, food, and clothing, BUT to the Believer God will with-hold judgment and forgive sin,(true Grace).
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
We will begin a good study in the Book of Acts next week. We will see the formation of the early church.
That word "Grace" is seen 131 times in the New Testament and it is the theme of the Word of God during this Church Age.
We have seen the "Grace" of God in this Book of Ruth so it is a good time to study the Book of Acts.
The Bible says:
Tit 2:11 For [the grace of God that bringeth salvation] hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing [of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ];
Jesus is coming soon!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
Text: Ruth Chapter 3-4
Focus Chapter 3:1, 2, 4, 9-12; 4:6, 9, 10, 13-17
God places great emphasis on the family in the Bible and the Bible says the family begins with one male and one female. It is this union of male and female that are to produce children. This does not mean that God does not endorse adoption because without adoption not one of us could be saved as every believer is adopted into the family of God.
In this story of Ruth, we have Ruth, a young widow and Boaz a single man. It is from this beautiful story in the Bible that we get a "type" of our redeemer, The Lord Jesus Christ.
Type in the scriptures is a person, or an event, or some thing that resembles the things Christ Jesus did.
The Apostle Paul put it this way:
1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
The Greek word "tupos" is used for the word "ensamples" or "example". This Greek word "tupos" is where we get our English word "type".
The Holy Spirit decided to use the concept of the Kinsman-Redeemer to portray the work of Christ Jesus on this Earth.
This is the Hebrew "Goel".
1.) He had to be related:
OT:
Deu 25:5 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.
NT:
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
2.) He must be able to pay the price:
OT:
Rth 2:1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.
NT:
1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot
3.) He must be willing to redeem:
OT:
Rth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
NT:
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Joh 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Joh 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Let's watch as God prepares the way to Israel's greatest King.
Let's Begin:
*****Rth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek [rest] for thee, that [it may be well] with thee?
Ever since Boaz came into Ruth's life, Naomi has been a different person. Naomi had been full of self-pity but her concern was no more for herself but for this precious daughter-n-law that loved her so much.
It is a fact that we can get great satisfaction from serving others!
We may not think Naomi knew her Bible but we will soon see that she did. Naomi had a plan to get "rest" for Ruth which means, she had a plan to get Ruth a home and as the fairy tales always say "to live happily ever after".
If we pay close attention we will see Jesus Christ's relationship to all those who trust Him!
It may have been possible for Ruth and Naomi to survive since they were back in Bethlehem and among God's people.
BUT, When we have been accepted into the family if God, it is not enough to know He will never forsake us and will provide our needs, "it is in our best interest to seek a closer relationship with our Savior".
We need a personal, one-on-one relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. A "bride" should want to be with her husband.
*****Rth 3:2 And now is not Boaz [of our kindred], with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
Ruth was a beautiful and virtuous woman and we can be sure that she was desired by other men but they could not have redeemed her. Only a kinsman could do that.
The harvest of the barley and the threshing would normally take about six weeks and it is obvious that Ruth had excited the interest of Boaz from the gifts she had received from him during this time.
Let's not forget this story take place during the time of the Judges. The theme of the Book of Judges was that mankind did what they thought was right in their own eyes.
BUT, Here we see that God still had some people that were trying to honor the Word of God presented in the five books of Moses and the Book of Joshua.
We will also see that God gave women certain rights that were not to be taken lightly especially the childless widow.
The threshing floor was not only a place to reap the harvest but it was also a place of feasting and festival at the end of Barley season.
*****Rth 3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
Our lesson did not cover verse three but Naomi explained to Ruth that she needed to wash and anoint herself and change her clothes before she went to the threshing floor.
In Oriental custom Naomi was instructing Ruth to act like a "bride" before presenting herself to Boaz.
To the Bride of Christ it is written:
2Co 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Psa 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ruth went forward to Boaz because of what was written in the Word of God:
Deu 25:5 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.
Any man could have approached Ruth and asked for her hand in marriage but by the Word of God Ruth would have to approach her Kinsman-Redeemer in order for him to take any action toward her.
In our day it would be like a woman proposing to the man. For those that say this not right, then they do not line up with the Word of God. It may not be the norm but this is how Ruth got to be in the line to Jesus Christ.
And Ruth was following the Word of God to the Jews!
Ruth took off the garments of the widow and put on the garments of the Bride.
When we approach the Lord we need to be obedient to the rules laid out for us.
Jesus said:
Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
By the way that time is now in the Church Age!
Ruth was not familiar with the Word of God so Naomi was her instructor and Ruth was obedient to what she was taught.
*****Rth 3:9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth [thine handmaid]: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; [for thou art a near kinsman].
Boaz might have been caught a little off guard but he understood exactly what Ruth was trying to accomplish.
That word "handmaid" meant that Ruth was ready to be a slave to Boaz.
Notice Ruth was no longer the Ruth from Moab, she was Ruth searching for a new beginning.
Ruth knew she needed to be "born again".
And she went to ask Boaz if he would honor the Word of God and become her Kinsman-Redeemer.
When Boaz spread his mantle(skirt) he was laying claim to Ruth as his own.
The word "skirt" actually means "wing".
The Bible teaches us:
Eze 16:8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.
Not just anyone could be the kinsman-redeemer. They first had to be the near kin.
When we think back to Jesus Christ me must remember He had to first be our kinsman to be our redeemer. God became flesh and blood so He could fulfill His written Word.
Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
There was no other way for God to redeem His people.
This is the stumble-stone the world refuses to believe, but it is still the truth!
*****Rth 3:10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
There is no doubt that Boaz was flattered by Ruth's offer of marriage. Boaz responded with a positive answer but also according to Oriental customs.
Ruth was wanting to show the world around her that she wanted to remain a part of Elimelech's family and that of her dead husband. She wanted to keep her new name.
Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Boaz already knew Ruth was a virtuous woman and this just made Ruth more so in his eyes. This was the same devotion we all owe to the Lord.
Since Boaz was a near kinsman, he must next be able to redeem. Ruth and Naomi were much to poor to redeem themselves but Boaz had the resources to set them free.
The Bible teaches the Bride:
1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
*****Rth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
We can see that there was nothing immoral in all these proceedings. Boaz recognized the request of Ruth, he knew her devotion to Naomi, and he was seeing her devotion to the covenant keeping God of Israel.
This is the exact same thing each of us do when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. We realize that Our Savior is also Our Creator, is also the Covenant keeping God of Israel and Our Redeemer.
Boaz considered it a blessing to do this thing.
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; [who for the joy that was set before him] endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
*****Rth 3:12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
It is obvious that Boaz had already given this much thought.
The Bible says:
Joh 17:24 Father, [I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory], which thou hast given me: [for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world].
We can also see Our God has given this much thought!
Here we see the willingness of Boaz to do whatever it took to take Ruth for his "bride".
Then Naomi comforted Ruth.
Rth 3:18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.
When we have been obedient in the things of God, we must have patience enough to wait for God to do what He promises.
***** Rth 4:3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:
Rth 4:4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my
people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there
is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
Boaz and Ruth had come to a personal decision and we must all make a personal decision to accept the Lord
but now comes the legal side.
The approach of Boaz was direct and according to the covenant of God and the traditions of that time.
The gate of the city was the same as the courthouse of our time. Boaz made this nearer kinsman aware of this
parcel of land but at this time he did not mention Ruth.
Boaz had assembled the elders of this community to witness this transaction by the Levirate law. Any action that took place on this day would be legal and would be binding to all parties.
God had everything in place in this part of His plan.
You know if we believe the Word of God we know that "Salvation" is the free gift of God but in the eyes of God "Redemption" was a very costly thing!
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, [which he hath purchased with his own blood].
*****Rth 4:5 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.
Rth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
That other kinsman was willing to buy the land until he learned that Ruth was part of the transaction. The only way to understand this is to realize that if he married Ruth and they had a son then not only would that son be heir to the land of Elimelech and Naomi but that son would be heir to all his possessions.
He was not willing to place his own things into the hand of any unborn son of Ruth!
This man was not willing to make any change in property rights. It had nothing to do with Ruth.
This man was not willing to preserve the name of the dead.
We can see that we have a Father in Heaven who sent His Own Son that is willing to preserve the dead:
1Pe 4:6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
The world stays blind to the fact that our Redeemer could not be a man, could not be an angel and could certainly not be any demon. Our Redeemer had to be God who is our true Owner. This world was lost because of the sin of man and man cannot redeem himself.
Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Our Redeemer had to be sent from God:
Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
And that Lamb of God was Jesus Christ Our Lord:
Joh 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
*****Rth 4:9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.
Rth 4:10 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.
There are many things that could be said about the giving of that shoe but it suffices to say that this nearer kinsman was saying he was giving up the rights to ever walk on that land as the owner.
Remember what God told Abraham:
Gen 13:17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
All these things were witnessed by the elders and everything was made legal and more important "Binding".
When we accept the truth of the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ and are accepted into the family of God it is a legal and "Binding" agreement the God makes to each believer and God will honor every such agreement.
Thank You Jesus for being willing to pay the price for our souls!
The Bible says:
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even [as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it];
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and [cleanse it with the washing of water by the word],
Eph 5:27 [That he might present it to himself a glorious church], not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
It is the Church that is the "Bride of Christ"!
*****Rth 4:13 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.
Where do we see God's "Grace"?
1.) God had given to Ruth an opportunity to become one of His children.(Holy Ghost Conviction)
2.) God had met her physical needs in the fields of Boaz. (Met her savior)
3.) God had allowed Boaz of Judah, to be her Kinsman Redeemer. (Redeemed by The Lord Jesus Christ)
4.) God had allowed Ruth to be bought for a great price. (The Blood of Jesus)
5.) God blessed Ruth with a son. (Place her in line to Jesus Christ)
6.) Obed means "servant"!(Jesus came the first time to serve and to save)
7.) Obed was a blessing to all his family. (God used His Only Son Jesus to bring a blessing unto the world we live in)
*****Rth 4:14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
Rth 4:15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
It was Obed who was a blessing to Naomi.
It was Obed who was a "restorer" of life to Naomi.
It would be Obed who would care for his grandmother, Naomi.
Obed would be famous because he would be grandfather to David but more important in the line of Jesus Christ!
Every baby born into this world is a step for our future. How many of these precious things have been the victims of abortion and will not be around to lead this nation of America and this world into the future.
*****Rth 4:16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
Rth 4:17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Naomi was no longer Mara the bitter woman but she was back to her own sweet self.
If Ruth is a "type" of the Church we can see that it should be the Church, the Bride of Christ, that should be bringing some joy and peace into this world.
Satan had lost another battle in trying to stop the plan of God.
Noah found "Grace".
Jacob found "Grace".
Joseph found "Grace".
Moses found "Grace" and we have seen that Ruth found "Grace".
Why?
The Bible says:
Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
God has given us this time of "Grace" known as the Church Age.
"Grace is the unmerited favor of God to all mankind".
To everyone God provides sunshine, rainfall, food, and clothing, BUT to the Believer God will with-hold judgment and forgive sin,(true Grace).
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
We will begin a good study in the Book of Acts next week. We will see the formation of the early church.
That word "Grace" is seen 131 times in the New Testament and it is the theme of the Word of God during this Church Age.
We have seen the "Grace" of God in this Book of Ruth so it is a good time to study the Book of Acts.
The Bible says:
Tit 2:11 For [the grace of God that bringeth salvation] hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing [of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ];
Jesus is coming soon!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
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