Ruth 4:14
Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel.
The women said to Naomi
This phrase highlights the communal aspect of ancient Israelite society, where the community played a significant role in personal and family matters. The women of Bethlehem, who had witnessed Naomi's return in bitterness, now share in her joy. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "chesed," or loving-kindness, which is a recurring theme in the Book of Ruth. The community's involvement underscores the importance of fellowship and support within the body of believers.

Blessed be the LORD
The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "baruch," which is often used in the context of praising God for His providence and mercy. This blessing acknowledges God's sovereignty and His active role in the lives of His people. The women recognize that the events leading to this moment are not mere coincidences but are orchestrated by the LORD, Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. This phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and recognition of God's hand in our lives.

who has not left you this day without a redeemer
The term "redeemer" is translated from the Hebrew word "goel," which refers to a kinsman-redeemer. In the cultural and legal context of ancient Israel, a kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility to protect the interests of needy family members, which could include redeeming land or marrying a widow to preserve the family line. This concept is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ, our ultimate Redeemer, who restores and redeems us. The assurance that Naomi is not left without a redeemer speaks to God's faithfulness and provision.

May his name become famous in Israel!
The desire for the redeemer's name to become famous reflects the cultural importance of legacy and remembrance in Israelite society. Names carried significant meaning and were often associated with one's character and deeds. The women express a hope that the redeemer's actions will be remembered and celebrated throughout Israel. This phrase also points to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan, as Boaz and Ruth's lineage leads to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ, whose name is above every name. The fame of the redeemer in Israel is a testament to God's unfolding plan of salvation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Naomi
A central figure in the Book of Ruth, Naomi is a widow who returns to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. Her account is one of loss, redemption, and restoration.

2. Ruth
Naomi's Moabite daughter-in-law, who shows steadfast loyalty and faithfulness by staying with Naomi and eventually marrying Boaz.

3. Boaz
A wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband, who acts as the kinsman-redeemer by marrying Ruth, thus preserving the family line and property.

4. The Women of Bethlehem
The local women who witness Naomi's transformation from bitterness to joy and who praise God for His provision of a redeemer.

5. Bethlehem
The setting for much of the Book of Ruth, Bethlehem is significant as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
God's Provision and Faithfulness
God provides for His people even in times of despair. Naomi's account reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes.

The Role of Community
The women of Bethlehem play a crucial role in affirming God's work in Naomi's life. This highlights the importance of community in recognizing and celebrating God's blessings.

The Significance of Redemption
The concept of a redeemer is central to the Christian faith. Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Christ's ultimate redemption of humanity.

Legacy and Influence
The prayer that the redeemer's name becomes famous in Israel points to the lasting impact of our actions and faithfulness. Our lives can leave a legacy that honors God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer in Ruth 4:14 reflect the character and mission of Jesus Christ as our Redeemer?

2. In what ways can we, like the women of Bethlehem, support and encourage others in recognizing God's work in their lives?

3. How does the account of Naomi's transformation from bitterness to joy challenge us to trust in God's timing and provision?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our actions and decisions leave a positive legacy that honors God?

5. How can the concept of community, as seen in the Book of Ruth, be applied to strengthen our own church or faith community today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 38
The concept of a kinsman-redeemer is also seen in the account of Tamar and Judah, where family lineage and inheritance are preserved through levirate marriage.

Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus includes Ruth, highlighting her role in God's redemptive plan and the lineage of the Messiah.

Isaiah 54
This chapter speaks of God as the ultimate Redeemer, drawing a parallel to the redemption seen in Ruth's account.
The Benevolent Happiness of Old AgeJ.R. Thomson Ruth 4:14-17
People
Amminadab, Boaz, Chilion, David, Elimelech, Ephratah, Ephrath, Hezron, Jesse, Leah, Mahlon, Nahshon, Naomi, Obed, Perez, Pharez, Rachel, Ruth, Salmon, Tamar
Places
Bethlehem, Ephrathah, Moab
Topics
Blessed, Blessing, Cease, Famous, Kin, Kinsman, Kinsman-redeemer, Naomi, Na'omi, Praise, Proclaimed, Redeemer, Redemption, Relation, Renowned, Throughout, To-day, Women
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ruth 4:13-17

     5652   babies
     5720   mothers, examples

Ruth 4:13-22

     5086   David, rise of

Ruth 4:14-15

     5674   daughters
     8150   revival, personal

Library
The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew's Gospel breaks the long silence that followed the ministry of Malachi the last of the Old Testament prophets. This silence extended for four hundred years, and during that time God was hid from Israel's view. Throughout this period there were no angelic manifestations, no prophet spake for Jehovah, and, though the Chosen People were sorely pressed, yet were there no Divine interpositions on their behalf. For four centuries God shut His people up to His written Word. Again and again had God
Arthur W. Pink—Why Four Gospels?

Christ the Redeemer
Q-xxx: HOW DOES THE SPIRIT APPLY TO US THE REDEMPTION PURCHASED BY CHRIST? A: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling. In this answer there are two things. It is implied that Christ is the glorious purchaser of our redemption, in the words, The redemption purchased by Christ,' and it is declared that the Spirit applies to us this purchased redemption, by working in us faith, &c. The thing implied
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Job's Faith and Expectation
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand in the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. C hristianity, that is, the religion of which MESSIAH is the author and object, the foundation, life, and glory, though not altogether as old as creation, is nearly so. It is coeval [contemporary] with the first promise and intimation of mercy given to fallen man. When Adam, by transgression, had violated the order and law of
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Ruth
Goethe has characterized the book of Ruth as the loveliest little idyll that tradition has transmitted to us. Whatever be its didactic purpose--and some would prefer to think that it had little or none-it is, at any rate, a wonderful prose poem, sweet, artless, and persuasive, touched with the quaintness of an older world and fresh with the scent of the harvest fields. The love--stronger than country--of Ruth for Naomi, the gracious figure of Boaz as he moves about the fields with a word of blessing
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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