Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead." Naomi continued, "The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers." Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law,Naomi recognized that Ruth’s encounter with Boaz was not accidental. Ruth’s faithful devotion to Naomi had brought her into the field of a man connected to Elimelech’s family, and Naomi began to see the Lord’s providence opening a way of help for their household. Gen 38:11 Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar,… “May he be blessed by the LORD, Naomi’s blessing upon Boaz honored the generosity he had shown to Ruth. Boaz had provided protection, food, and dignity for a vulnerable foreign widow, reflecting the covenant character of the God he feared. Psa 115:15 May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven… who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” The Lord’s steadfast kindness had not ended with the deaths of Elimelech and his sons. He was caring for Naomi and Ruth in their need while also preserving the family inheritance and name of those who had died. The events in Boaz’s field revealed that God had not abandoned His covenant purposes, even through years of loss and bitterness. 1Sa 20:14-15 And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s…… Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. Boaz belonged to Elimelech’s wider family and therefore possessed both the standing and the opportunity to assist Naomi’s household. Naomi’s knowledge of Israel’s family responsibilities gave renewed significance to Boaz’s kindness. Rut 3:12 Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer,… He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.” A kinsman-redeemer could reclaim family property that had been lost through poverty and help preserve a relative’s inheritance within Israel. Boaz would later redeem Naomi’s land and take Ruth as his wife, raising up an heir connected with Mahlon’s family line. His willing redemption points forward to Christ, who became near to His people in order to redeem them from helplessness and secure their inheritance. Rut 4:1-6 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… Persons / Places / Events 1. NaomiA widow who returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. She is Ruth's mother-in-law and plays a pivotal role in guiding Ruth. 2. Ruth A Moabite widow who loyally follows her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem. Her faithfulness and hard work are central to the account. 3. Boaz A wealthy and influential relative of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech. He is a man of noble character who shows kindness and generosity to Ruth. 4. Bethlehem The town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth return. It is significant as the setting for the unfolding of God's providence in their lives. 5. Kinsman-Redeemer A key concept in the Book of Ruth, referring to a relative who has the responsibility to redeem a family member in distress. Boaz is identified as such a redeemer. Teaching Points God's ProvidenceRuth 2:20 highlights God's providential care. Naomi recognizes God's kindness through Boaz's actions, reminding us that God often works through people to accomplish His purposes. Kindness and Loyalty Boaz's kindness to Ruth is a model of godly character. As believers, we are called to show kindness and loyalty to others, reflecting God's love. Redemption The role of the kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Christ's redemptive work. Just as Boaz redeems Ruth, Christ redeems us from sin. Faith in Action Ruth's account encourages us to act in faith, trusting that God will provide and guide us even in difficult circumstances. Community Support The account underscores the importance of community and family support in times of need, encouraging believers to be active in supporting one another. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth 2:20 relate to the redemptive work of Christ in the New Testament?2. In what ways can we demonstrate the same kind of kindness and loyalty that Boaz showed to Ruth in our own communities? 3. How does Naomi's recognition of God's kindness in Ruth 2:20 encourage us to see God's hand in our daily lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can support and uplift those in our church or community who are in need, similar to how Boaz supported Ruth? 5. How can Ruth's faith and determination inspire us to trust God in our own challenging situations? Connections to Other Scriptures The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is also seen in Leviticus 25, which outlines the responsibilities of a redeemer in Israelite society.The theme of God's providence and kindness is echoed in Genesis 50, where Joseph acknowledges God's hand in his life despite adversity. The loyalty and faithfulness of Ruth can be compared to the loyalty of Jonathan to David in 1 Samuel. People Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, RuthPlaces Bethlehem, MoabTopics Added, Blessed, Blessing, Close, Closest, Daughter, Daughter-in-law, Dead, Family, Forsaken, Kin, Kind, Kindness, Kinsman-redeemers, Kinsmen, Law, Naomi, Na'omi, Nearest, Nigh, Ours, Redeemers, Redemption, Relation, Relations, Relative, Relatives, Showing, Stopped, WithdrawnDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 2:20 5972 unkindness Library A Full Reward. "It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done ... and how thou hast left they father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD GOD of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (Ruth ii. 11, 12). In this interesting narrative we have another instance of the way in which the HOLY GHOST teaches by typical lives. We have dwelt on some precious lessons … J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested into English Verse The Exile --Continued. Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah The Pilgrim's Progress Ruth Links Ruth 2:20 NIVRuth 2:20 NLT Ruth 2:20 ESV Ruth 2:20 NASB Ruth 2:20 KJV Ruth 2:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |