Ruth 4:11

"We are witnesses," said the elders and all the people at the gate. "May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem.

Study Bible

We are witnesses
This phrase signifies a formal and communal acknowledgment of the transaction that has taken place. In ancient Israel, legal matters were often settled at the city gate, a place of public gathering and judgment. The elders and people affirm their role as witnesses, which is crucial for the legitimacy of Boaz's redemption of Ruth. This reflects the communal nature of covenant relationships in Israelite society, where community validation was essential.

said the elders and all the people at the gate
The elders were respected leaders and decision-makers within the community. Their presence and agreement lend authority to the proceedings. The gate was not only a physical entryway but also a symbolic place of justice and governance. This setting underscores the public and official nature of Boaz's actions, ensuring transparency and accountability.

May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah
Rachel and Leah, the matriarchs of Israel, were the wives of Jacob and mothers of the twelve tribes. Invoking their names is a profound blessing, wishing Ruth the same fruitfulness and foundational role in Israel's history. This blessing acknowledges Ruth's transition from a Moabite widow to a revered member of the Israelite community, highlighting God's providence and the inclusivity of His covenant.

who together built up the house of Israel
Rachel and Leah's legacy is the establishment of the nation of Israel through their offspring. This phrase emphasizes the importance of family and lineage in God's plan. It also reflects the hope that Ruth, through her union with Boaz, will contribute significantly to the continuation and prosperity of the Israelite people.

May you prosper in Ephrathah
Ephrathah is another name for Bethlehem, the town where this account unfolds. The blessing of prosperity is both material and spiritual, wishing Boaz and Ruth success and abundance. This prosperity is not just for their benefit but for the community's well-being, as their union is seen as a divine act that will bring blessings to all.

and be renowned in Bethlehem
Renown in Bethlehem signifies a lasting legacy and honor. This blessing anticipates the future impact of Boaz and Ruth's descendants, notably King David, and ultimately, Jesus Christ. The renown is not merely fame but a recognition of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through their lineage. This highlights the theme of redemption and God's sovereign plan working through ordinary lives to achieve extraordinary purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Boaz
A wealthy landowner in Bethlehem, a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, and a central figure in the account of redemption and provision.

2. Ruth
A Moabite widow who demonstrates loyalty and faithfulness, ultimately becoming part of the lineage of David and Jesus.

3. Bethlehem
The town where the events of Ruth take place, significant as the birthplace of David and later Jesus.

4. The Elders and People at the Gate
Community leaders and witnesses to the legal transaction between Boaz and the closer kinsman-redeemer, affirming Boaz's right to marry Ruth.

5. Rachel and Leah
The wives of Jacob, mentioned as matriarchs who built the house of Israel, symbolizing fruitfulness and legacy.

Teaching Points

The Power of Community Blessing
The elders and people at the gate bless Ruth, recognizing her potential to build a legacy. This highlights the importance of community support and affirmation in fulfilling God's purposes.

Legacy and Fruitfulness
The reference to Rachel and Leah underscores the significance of leaving a spiritual and familial legacy. Believers are encouraged to consider how their lives contribute to God's ongoing account.

God's Sovereign Plan
Ruth's inclusion in the lineage of David and Jesus illustrates God's sovereign plan to use unexpected people and circumstances for His glory. Trust in God's providence, even when the path is unclear.

Faithfulness and Reward
Ruth's faithfulness to Naomi and her new faith community is rewarded with a place of honor and blessing. This encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitments and trust in God's timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the blessing pronounced by the elders and people at the gate reflect the community's role in affirming God's work in our lives?

2. In what ways does the account of Ruth challenge us to consider our own legacy and the impact we have on future generations?

3. How can we see God's sovereign hand at work in the seemingly ordinary events of our lives, as demonstrated in Ruth's account?

4. What characteristics of Ruth align with the description of a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, and how can we apply these traits in our own lives?

5. How does Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus encourage us to trust in God's redemptive plan, even when we feel like outsiders or unlikely candidates for His purposes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 29-30
The account of Rachel and Leah, whose lives and offspring played a crucial role in the formation of the tribes of Israel, connecting to the blessing pronounced over Ruth.

Proverbs 31
The description of a virtuous woman, which parallels the community's recognition of Ruth's character.

Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus, highlighting Ruth's inclusion in the lineage of Christ, demonstrating God's redemptive plan through history.