Ruth 4:1

Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, "Come over here, my friend, and sit down." So he went over and sat down.

Study Bible

Meanwhile Boaz
The name "Boaz" in Hebrew means "strength" or "swift." Boaz is a figure of integrity and righteousness, embodying the strength of character that is central to the narrative. His actions are pivotal in the unfolding of God's providential plan for Ruth and Naomi. Boaz's initiative in going to the gate demonstrates his commitment to fulfilling his role as a kinsman-redeemer, a concept deeply rooted in the Levitical laws (Leviticus 25:25).

went to the gate
The city gate in ancient Israel was not merely a passageway but a place of legal transactions, public meetings, and community gatherings. It was akin to a modern-day courthouse or town hall. By going to the gate, Boaz positions himself in a place of authority and transparency, ready to conduct the legal proceedings necessary to redeem Ruth.

and sat down there
Sitting down at the gate signifies Boaz's readiness to engage in official business. In the cultural context, sitting was a posture of deliberation and decision-making. Boaz's action reflects his deliberate and thoughtful approach to resolving the matter of redemption.

Just then the kinsman-redeemer
The term "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: "go'el") is a key concept in the book of Ruth. It refers to a close relative who has the responsibility to redeem a family member in distress, whether by buying back land, marrying a widow, or avenging blood. This role is a picture of Christ, our ultimate Redeemer, who rescues us from sin and restores us to God.

Boaz had mentioned
This phrase indicates Boaz's prior awareness and strategic planning. He had already considered the legal and familial implications of redeeming Ruth and was prepared to act in accordance with the law and God's will. It underscores Boaz's wisdom and foresight.

came along
The arrival of the kinsman-redeemer at this precise moment highlights the providence of God. In the narrative, it is not mere coincidence but a divine orchestration that brings the right people together at the right time to fulfill His purposes.

and Boaz said, 'Come over here, my friend, and sit down.'
Boaz's invitation is both courteous and authoritative. The term "my friend" (Hebrew: "peloni almoni") is a generic term, suggesting anonymity, which may imply the kinsman-redeemer's reluctance or failure to fulfill his duty. Boaz's respectful yet firm invitation sets the stage for the legal proceedings to follow.

So he went over and sat down
The kinsman-redeemer's compliance in sitting down signifies his willingness to engage in the discussion. This act of sitting down is a prelude to the negotiation and decision-making process that will determine the future of Ruth and Naomi. It reflects the cultural norms of respect and order in legal matters.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Boaz
A prominent and wealthy man from Bethlehem, Boaz is a central figure in the Book of Ruth. He is a kinsman-redeemer, a role that involves redeeming a relative in serious difficulty.

2. The Gate
In ancient Israel, the city gate was a place of legal transactions and public meetings. It served as a courtroom where elders and leaders would gather to make decisions.

3. Kinsman-Redeemer
This is a male relative who has the responsibility to help a family member in need, often by redeeming land or marrying a widow to preserve the family line.

4. The Unnamed Kinsman
This is the closer relative to Naomi and Ruth, who has the first right of redemption before Boaz.

5. Bethlehem
The setting of the account, Bethlehem is a small town in Judah, significant as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Community and Accountability
The city gate represents a place where community leaders hold each other accountable. In our lives, we should seek community and accountability in our decisions.

God's Providence in Daily Life
Boaz's encounter with the kinsman-redeemer at the gate is not by chance. It shows God's hand in orchestrating events for His purposes. We should trust in God's providence in our own lives.

The Role of a Redeemer
Boaz's willingness to act as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Christ's redemptive work. We are called to reflect Christ's love and redemption in our relationships.

Integrity and Honor in Business and Legal Matters
Boaz conducts his business at the gate with integrity and transparency. We should strive to maintain integrity in all our dealings.

The Power of Initiative
Boaz takes the initiative to resolve the matter of redemption. We are encouraged to take proactive steps in addressing issues in our lives and communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the role of the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth 4:1 teach us about our responsibilities to family and community?

2. How can we apply the principle of seeking accountability, as seen in the gathering at the city gate, in our modern lives?

3. In what ways does Boaz's character reflect the qualities of Christ as our Redeemer, and how can we emulate these qualities?

4. How does the setting of the city gate as a place of decision-making challenge us to consider where and how we make important decisions in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you saw God's providence at work in your life. How does this encourage you to trust Him more in your current circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is rooted in Leviticus 25, which outlines the responsibilities of a family member to redeem property or relatives in distress.

The role of the city gate as a place of judgment and decision-making is also seen in Deuteronomy 21 and Proverbs 31, where the elders sit at the gate to make important community decisions.

The theme of redemption in Ruth connects to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, as seen in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews, which speaks of Christ as our Redeemer.