While the heading of this section in the Bible is about Boaz and Ruth, it is a bit curious to me why their names only appear once in these four verses. Perhaps it is because, as I’ve read and reread this book, I have come to believe that the biblical story in the book of Ruth is also the story of her mother-in-law, Naomi. The marriage and childbearing of Ruth and Boaz are the compelling central actions in the story, when the major plot points are resolved. But the plot points the author of Ruth wraps up are also those of Naomi: the Lord has not left her without a redeemer, the son of Ruth and Boaz. Her grandson will care for her in her old age. The women of the city sing over Naomi with joy.
As we look back through the book, we see over and again that Naomi is left helpless, with no way to change her future. She is widowed with no sons to support her financially or give her status in the community. The family line had ended when her sons died. And yet, we see sacrifices from both Ruth and Boaz in this story that reflect to us the kindness and faithfulness of God toward Naomi, and toward us.
This passage illustrates the role that Christ plays as our kinsman redeemer, saving us from our helpless state of sin. Like Naomi had no hope of redeeming her life, land, and line without a redeemer, we have no hope of healing, salvation, and restoration into the family of God without a redeemer.
This story of Ruth and Naomi and Boaz is true; it happened, and it taught the people of its time what it looked like to show deep faithfulness and kindness and to fulfill the laws God gave to His people. As modern readers, we see how it is also our story: the story of helpless people, dependent on the grace and work of God to redeem us reminds us that our redemption is secure: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
I love that Naomi’s story ends beautifully and redemptively. I’m grateful for stories like hers that show us how God takes tragedy and rebuilds from ashes in this life. But we know that doesn’t always happen; there are many stories in Scripture and in our lives that don’t end that way.
Some stories may not end with a life restored and flourishing here in this life, but because of the redeemer who would come from the line of Boaz and Ruth, we are guaranteed it in eternity. The baby that restored hope to Naomi was but a foreshadow of Jesus, who would come to give us all hope eternal.
This study has been so helpful to me for what is happening in my life right now. I’ve busted started reading the bible agin after 7 years being away due to church trauma.
So beautiful and Ruth is amazing.
I love Ruth and it shows us the beautiful story of redemption! How we take for granted the crazy strands of our life story, yet all those tangles and mess of threads are going to lead to a beautiful picture on the other side if we look to our ultimate redeemer! Let’s look to Him sooner than later, becoming dependent on Him alone to work it out for us!
I attest that my mess turned into a masterpiece with Jesus!
Prayers for you my friend Sharon!! Love and Hugs!!
The story of Ruth is a beautiful story of redemption. Would I have been up for the task? “Where you go, I will go and Where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God.” I pray that I can learn to show deep faithfulness and kindness to those around me. To make the sacrifices it takes to show that faithfulness and kindness of God.
Praying for prayer requests this morning!
Have you ever wondered if Ruth and Boaz had any more children after Obed? It’s just something I wonder about. I love how Naomi is also the star of this story.
In my devotional Bible there’s a part of the devotion for Ruth 4:14-15 titled “Treasure of Truth” and it says: “Even the hardest circumstances can lead you to the best possible places.” I believe this is soooo true especially with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit there along side you.
Be blessed and know no matter what your circumstances the Lord is ALWAYS, ALWAYS by your side.
I’m so thankful for the passages here and how they point to & show Jesus. He is every where in the Word. I’m thankful He is the Word! Hallelujah!
@Jenny Somers praying for your cousin & her healing!
Lord thank you for Ruth, Naomi, Boaz and Obed. Thank you that we have this book to learn from and know more about who you are. The redemption I don’t deserve you have provided. I am so thankful for the books of the Bible that shed light on your love for women, outsiders, the marginalized, the poor, and how you subvert the common culture of that time and now. We can read Ruth and know of your loving kindness. For that I am so grateful. In your Son’s name, Amen.