The account of Boaz arranging to redeem Ruth is a pivotal moment in the Book of Ruth, illustrating themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence. This narrative is found in Ruth 4:1-12 and serves as a culmination of the events that began with Naomi and Ruth's return to Bethlehem.

Context and Background

Ruth, a Moabite widow, had shown steadfast loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by leaving her homeland to dwell in Israel. Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth gleaned in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech. Boaz, a man of standing and integrity, took notice of Ruth's dedication and kindness, offering her protection and provision.

The Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer

In ancient Israel, the concept of the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: "goel") was integral to family and property rights. The kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility to redeem a relative in serious difficulty, which could include marrying a widow to preserve the family line or redeeming land that a relative had sold. Boaz, being a relative of Elimelech, was in a position to fulfill this role for Ruth and Naomi.

Boaz's Initiative

Boaz's actions in Ruth 4 demonstrate his commitment to righteousness and the welfare of Ruth and Naomi. The passage begins with Boaz going to the town gate, a place where legal matters were settled. He sat down and waited for the closer kinsman-redeemer to pass by. When the man arrived, Boaz called him to sit and gathered ten elders of the town as witnesses, ensuring the proceedings were conducted with transparency and legality.

The Legal Proceedings

Boaz presented the situation to the nearer kinsman-redeemer, explaining that Naomi was selling a piece of land that belonged to their relative Elimelech. Initially, the man expressed willingness to redeem the land. However, Boaz then informed him that acquiring the land also meant marrying Ruth, the Moabitess, to maintain the name of the deceased with his property. Upon hearing this, the nearer kinsman-redeemer declined, fearing it might endanger his own estate. He relinquished his right of redemption to Boaz, symbolized by the removal of his sandal, a customary act of renunciation.

Boaz's Redemption of Ruth

With the path clear, Boaz declared his intention to redeem the land and take Ruth as his wife. The elders and all the people at the gate witnessed the transaction and blessed Boaz, saying, "May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel" (Ruth 4:11). They also expressed hopes that Boaz's house would be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, highlighting the continuity of God's covenantal faithfulness.

Significance

Boaz's redemption of Ruth is a profound example of God's providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Through Boaz's actions, Ruth, a foreigner, is integrated into the community of Israel and becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. This narrative underscores the themes of loyalty, kindness, and divine orchestration, demonstrating how God works through ordinary human actions to fulfill His extraordinary purposes.