Boaz Redeems Ruth

Open Your Bible

Ruth 4:1-12, Psalm 127:1-5, 1 Peter 1:18-19

Our Ruth is waiting in obedience to Naomi. (I say “our Ruth” because we all feel a little bit protective over her at this point, don’t we?) And Boaz is pursuing a future with Ruth through the proper channels. He respects the law, and he’s demonstrating over and over again that he is an honorable guy. 

Boaz wants this to be legal—for the agreement to be made in plain sight, in the presence of elders. When Boaz fairly and legally takes Ruth as his wife, the ten elders and those at the gate invoke this incredible, ancient blessing for fruitfulness on their union: “May the LORD make [Ruth]…like Rachel and Leah, who together built the house of Israel. May you be powerful in Ephrathah and your name well known in Bethlehem” (Ruth 4:11).

God reveals a peek at His awesome tapestry when we look at the bigger picture of Boaz and Ruth’s love story. We pull back the curtain and see that Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi was so much more than an address change; it is a tiny piece of God’s grand plan. 

That blessing of fruitfulness would soon bring forth a son, Obed, who would be the father of Jesse. And one of Jesse’s sons was David. (The guy who slayed Goliath, was anointed king, and wrote many of the psalms.) David also happens to be the direct ancestor of a baby whose parents returned to their hometown, Bethlehem, to deliver Him in a manger. Jesus. Renowned in Bethlehem, indeed!

Ruth and Boaz have a remarkable family history of redemption. Even better, through this family tree, the Redeemer—our Redeemer—would come to buy back the world.

Christ has redeemed us like Boaz redeemed Ruth. In the most public way possible, Jesus redeemed us once and for all, a people for His possession. May we go forward today knowing we are loved so genuinely and incredibly by the One who redeemed us to be His. We are loved, indeed. And we are His.

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38 thoughts on "Boaz Redeems Ruth"

  1. Grace Byers says:

    Thank you Lord that you are our redeemer. Thank you that your ways are higher and better than our own. You see the end of the story, and I pray that we would be able to trust you.
    Thank you for redeeming us. Thank you for the sacrifice of your life for ours.

  2. Brittany Tate says:

    Cold chills on this one! To think this was all HIS plan.

  3. Marlyne says:

    Thank God for our redeemer. I’m so grateful for this devotional.

  4. Stormi Messmer says:

    ❤️

  5. Terri Baldwin says:

    Love all the great comments today! Yes, we are truly loved, blessed and redeemed! Praise Jesus, Our Great Redeemer!

  6. TIna says:

    There is no day 11.. yet!

    Sending out some love from England out to you all. Be blessed in your day, whatever it looks like..

    Hugs wrapped in prayers ❤

  7. Kimberly Z says:

    @Traci I really appreciate your truthful comment. So often have often not liked the result, but knowing God is there is what has carried me through.

  8. Rhonda J. says:

    Good Evening She’s!

    @Alexia- I LOVE your story of trusting in Jesus, and how you came through, and have two little twin babies now! I think it would be a great testimony to share especially in the current environment. I may be posting too late for you to read this, but there is a podcast done weekly by a lady from my radio station named Merideth and it’s called “The Unfolding.” It showcases people’s testimonies of going through trials, or struggles, or circumstances and where they are now and how God was with them. Find it by Google or on FB. Everyone else- highly recommend listening to them, all of them are worth the listen!

    Thankful for SRT and the insights! I wonder where our friend Angie (the teacher that used to comment daily) has been?

  9. Corallie Buchanan says:

    I have gotten so much from this story.

  10. Corallie Buchanan says:

    That’s actually really interesting, I had not thought of that

  11. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I love how God uses the little decisions we make and uses if for his grand story.

  12. Stephanie Bishop says:

    I can’t remember if this was from the Moody Bible commentary or the Bible project’s overview of the book of Ruth, but one of those resources points out the irony that this ‘other redeemer’ is so concerned about his own name/lineage that he doesn’t want to take Ruth on as his wife. Yet, the Bible doesn’t record his name or anything about him, which effectively cuts off his name/lineage from memory. I think that is so fascinating! God honors those who fear Him, once again!

    Praying for each of the requests lifted today!

  13. rina senjobi says:

    2 It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
    eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep. – Psalms 127:2 this really spoke to me as I have been so restless and heavy hearted lately.

  14. rina senjobi says:

    2 It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
    eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep. – Psalms 127:2

  15. Traci Gendron says:

    In answer to yesterday, my desperation was with my son’s illness. I could only rely on God. God gave me what I asked for. I didn’t want to find my son dead in his home alone. God gave me the chance to get him to the ER and onto ICU. I had the chance to say goodbye. I’m very grateful that I was allowed that. We don’t always see God working or even like the result, but He is there.

    MOLLY R – once again, thank you for your comment! I’m so thankful that Jesus has redeemed us!

  16. Portia Strange says:

    Christ has redeemed us like Boaz redeemed Ruth. In the most public way possible, Jesus redeemed us once and for all, a people for His possession. May we go forward today knowing we are loved so genuinely and incredibly by the One who redeemed us to be His. We are loved, indeed. And we are His. Holy Spirit help us to know AND believe this whether we’re in the valley, on the mountaintop, or anywhere in between!

  17. Allison Bentley says:

    11 Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.” – Ruth 4:11-12 this right here is proof that prayers are important!!! Let us pray for one another daily!

  18. Molly R says:

    Sometimes when I read Ruth I think of my other favorite old testament book of a young woman: Esther. It hit me this morning that one of the big differences in these 2 women is that Esther was known by her beauty first, and her faith came as she stepped into the role of actual queen. She was given power, luxury, fame. And then there’s Ruth. We learn of her character, which builds up to a beautiful framework of a faith that was hewed from destitution – powerless, penniless, and homeless. And no mention of her physical attributes! The Jews chose to put the book of Ruth right after Proverbs…31 to be exact. “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.” While both woman are huge factors in the overall theme of redemption that the Bible weaves, it’s this simple humility that draws us in. The realness and approachability of Ruth, of her circumstances, are so easy to relate to, for most. A humbling reminder of making sure I am taking steps inside God’s who has gone before me, so that my simple humble life can add to the tapestry of redemption for anyone who may glance my way.

  19. Jordyn C says:

    Thank you for this insight, and thank you for the prayers.

  20. Dorothy says:

    Today’s Scripture and devotion brought to mind a song that I love to listen to by Hillsong titled “My Redeemer Lives”, here are some of the lyrics:
    I know He rescued my soul
    His blood has covered my sin
    I believe, I believe
    My shame, He’s taken away
    My pain is healed in His name
    I believe, I believe
    I’ll raise a banner
    ‘Cause my Lord has conquered the grave
    My Redeemer lives
    My Redeemer lives
    My Redeemer lives
    My Redeemer lives
    I know He rescued my soul
    His blood has covered my sin
    I believe, I believe
    My shame, He’s taken away
    My pain is healed in His name
    I believe, I believe
    I’ll raise a banner
    ‘Cause my Lord has conquered the grave….

    You lift my burdens
    I’ll rise with You
    I’m dancing on this mountain top
    To see Your kingdom come
    My Redeemer lives
    My Redeemer lives
    My Redeemer lives
    My Redeemer lives.

    If you have a chance please listen to it.

    Sisters be blessed and know OUR REDEEMER LIVES.

  21. Michelle Patire says:

    Prayers for all those with prayer requests!

    @Erica, May the Lord show Himself faithful in your address change. In the words of Raechel Myers today- “We pull back the curtain and see that Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi was so much more than an address change; it is a tiny piece of God’s GRAND PLAN.” God has a grand plan for you, too!! :)

    @Alexa– praise God ! I am so thankful to see you have come to the other side of such unknowns/hardship. May God bless you and your birth story to help and encourage other mothers faced with difficult decisions. May people have courage when they hear your story and know anything is possible with God. Let no doctors try to speak death where there is life!

    @Lynne — prayers for strength. May God renew your strength. He always does. Dig deep into His promises and know He is faithful. You are loved and so is Jack. May you feel His nearness to you both and sense the movement of His Spirit. Even when we can’t see it, He is working. God bless and comfort you.

  22. Jennifer Loves Jesus says:

    Discipline equals freedom (Jocko). Freedom in America was won by sacrifice and service for a collective whole. This other-centered foundation has long been shattered into tiny self-centered fragments. Reflecting on the redemption of Ruth and her marriage to Boaz, I appreciate the cultural values and family-centered honor displayed. I am awakened to the disciplines of respect and obedience. I see the beauty and the goodness that comes from following God’s plan. The freedom to choose well for the life of another over self builds on the awareness of a higher purpose. It builds character. And humility. Self-centeredness shrank my life to almost nothing, while God-centeredness has transformed my life to abundance. Everything is better with Jesus. The greatest story ever told has my name written in it. Redemption. Salvation. A daughter after the King’s heart. Freedom to use my voice to cry out in the wilderness “come home.” Father, help me to use my freedom well. Discipline me more. Refine me and reveal to me Your greater purpose for my life. Help me choose the well-being of others over my self. I trust You to care for me and provide for my needs. You are my Redeemer. I know You and I love You. Selah. Maranatha. Amen.

  23. Susan Lincks says:

    I love being Jesus’s wife. He only completes me.

  24. Erica Chiarelli says:

    I read awhile back, historically speaking, they attribute Orpah, Ruth’s Moabitess sister-in-law, to being the mother of Goliath. I’m not sure if it is actually true but I always thought it very interesting!

  25. Erica Chiarelli says:

    @searching thank you so much for your prayers…praying for you as well, sister!

  26. Taylor says:

    Love your comment and thought provoking questions @Angie Mills! What a blessing to be loved beyond measure by the God of the universe. I pray that I will live out my redemption and share this love with those I interact with today. Also praying that I eyes to see and ears to hear God’s calling for my life, and that I walk into it with obedience. I hope everyone has a blessed day <3

  27. Rachel says:

    This conversation between Boaz and the first-in-line family member reminds me of the conversation Jesus had with the young wealthy man who wanted to do everything to follow Jesus EXCEPT sell all his possessions. In the same way, the other family member wanted to gain the field EXCEPT he did not want to give up some of his inheritance to another family name through Ruth. Both the words of Boaz and Jesus brought to light the heart/true desire of the other person.

  28. Angie Mills says:

    Well-known. The elders of Bethlehem bless Boaz for being the family redeemer for Naomi & Ruth and invoke the blessing of fame (being well-known) in Bethlehem for it.

    This Hebrew word (qara) is used six times in Ruth.

    1-2. Ruth 1:20-21 (one time in each verse) — In these verses, it means “called”. This was when Naomi told the women of Bethlehem to call her Mara because of her bitter circumstances.

    3. Ruth 4:11 — In this verse, the word means “famous”. This is when the elders of Bethlehem ask God to make Boaz famous for being the family redeemer for Naomi & Ruth

    4. Ruth 4:14 — In this verse, the word again means “famous”. The women of Bethlehem bless Boaz’s act of redeeming Naomi & Ruth and request that his name would be famous in Israel.

    5-6. Ruth 4:17 (used 2x in this one verse) — In this verse, the word means “called”. They named, or called, Boaz’s & Ruth’s baby Obed.

    How you are called is how you will be known.

    Naomi called herself Mara.
    The men & women of Bethlehem blessed Boaz with fame and asked that he would be well known because of his redeeming work.
    The family named Obed.

    God named His Son Jesus (salvation) because He is our Savior. Jesus was obedient to accomplish our salvation. One day, He will be so famous that every knee will bow down to Him & every tongue confess that He is Lord.

    Whose calling am I following today: my own, the calling of others, or God’s calling?

    How will I help to make Jesus more well-known (famous) among those with whom I have contact today?

  29. Kenya Rafferty says:

    If only we could all live as honorably and kindly as Boaz. Although it appears he was fond of Ruth, there is also a deep sense of loyalty carried out in his actions that reflect not only his knowledge of the law, but his true desire to be redeemer, a fair man. In this he reflects Christs natural desire to redeem us – a deep love of honesty and truth. If only Boaz knew what came for his family thousands of years later. If only he knew now that we still know his story. Our decisions matter –

  30. Aimee D-R says:

    So beautiful. Thank You God for the redemption story that is ours through the Blood of Christ! Amen

  31. Melissa Mcronney says:

    Amen

  32. Searching says:

    This redemption passage is one of my favorites in the Bible. Thank you Jesus for our path to redemption and salvation.

    Praying for you, sisters, needs & requests – KRISTINA STUMP, LAUREN GW, KIMBERLY Z, CHURCHMOUSE, JENNIFER ANAPOL, TRISH DEARDEN, ERICA CHIARELLI, RENEE K, ALEXA (thank you for your moving testimony, praying as you adjust to these precious babies), MANDI, JORDYN C, NIKI DELEON.

    SARAH D-praying as you adjust to working from home. I worked from home for several years. The key for me was resisting the temptation to work in my pj’s and to get dressed for work, helped my mind to focus, even if “dressed” was jeans. Praying for wisdom and patience in dealing with the difficult calls.

  33. Hannah Turner says:

    So thankful to be a a part of Jesus’ “family tree.”We have been adopted into his kingdom and will receive the most amazing inheritance, eternal life!

  34. Kelly (NEO) says:

    Boaz took a risk to do the right thing. What if the other redeemer had accepted his duty and took Ruth with the land?

    Someone had mentioned earlier this week that Boaz was an older man. Being the son of Rahab may have made it difficult for him to find a wife from the Israelites. Yet this son of a foreigner understood and obeyed God’s desire for mercy and justice and acted on it. Truly a rarity in the time of the judges when everyone was soing what was right in their own eyes.

    Now, “go forward today knowing we are loved so genuinely and incredibly by the One who redeemed us to be His. We are loved, indeed. And we are His.” Let us show who He is to those around us.

    CHURCHMOUSE – praying you receive a good report and feel the Lord’s peace today.

    RENEE K – agreeing with you for Joe’s eye.

    JORDYN C – praying for your sister

    KRISTINA STUMP – praying the Lord will give you His peace through this stressful season

  35. Erin Hudgins says:

    We are truly and incredibly loved. He is ours and we are his!

  36. Bethany Falls says:

    “Who together built the house of Israel,” what a redemptive and eternal way to view the difficult relationship between Leah and Rachel. This heavenly perspective glorifies God despite what surface circumstances may indicate.

  37. Holli Strickland says:

    Such promise and hope in this story! Amen and amen!

  38. TIna says:

    We are loved. Indeed. We are His.

    I love these words.. RAECHEL MYERS!

    Great reminder and words to start my day. A reiteration of WHO I am and WHOSE I am! That though I may stray, or take a path not of God, I am STILL His and loved, because I am and have been redeemed in the most loving way by Jesus.. what a gift..

    THANK YOU JESUS..

    THANK YOU..

    AMEN.

    BUT GOD..

    Happy Wednesday beautiful sisters, praying your day is so wonderfully blessed and wrapped in the hope of Jesus..
    Love you ❤