by John O’Malley
“And the kinsman said, cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it” (Ruth 4:6).
The nearer kinsman was now in a difficult situation. Just a moment ago, before the elders of the city, he had agreed to redeem the property. Now, when the full conditions of the redemption were learned, he realized that he could not do it.
He spoke in the hearing of all the elders. “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.” The nearer kinsman’s words confessed his inability and inadequacy to redeem.
This very confession brought the desired conclusion for Boaz and his bride-to-be. When the nearer kinsman announced he could not, he also passed the responsibility of redemption to Boaz. He stated he had a right to redemption; he was just not the right redeemer. Therefore, he relinquished his right to Boaz.
The hindrance to Ruth’s redemption by the nearer and legal kinsman came because of self-interest. His inheritance meant there were those to whom he already was responsible, his own family. He could own more property, but he could do nothing with the precious gem from Moab.
The nearer kinsman did what was right. He passed the right and responsibility of redemption to Boaz. This critical decision brought into our view God’s plan for the redemption of man. The line of succession for the Messiah came through Boaz and Ruth.
The Messiah’s birth was necessary for the redemption of the world. The law was a nearer kinsman to mankind. However, the law could not save mankind. Christ’s death on the cross brought before the witnesses of the world his offer of redemption. Mankind does not have to sit and figure out a way to redeem himself. Nor does he have to keep the points of the law to secure his redemption. Christ’s death on the cross made the redemption of the world possible.
The surrender of the nearer kinsman meant Boaz could now provide Ruth’s redemption. Ruth’s life was about to change again. The days of wondering how to survive would now be exchanged for a lifetime of joy.
For Naomi, Moab’s miseries would just become a distant memory of past mistakes. For Ruth, Moab would be a reminder of what she was before Boaz’s redemption. Boaz would see Moab as a staging ground for God’s will for his life. Boaz’s redemption changed Ruth forever. Although her nearer kinsman could not redeem her, Boaz agreed to do so.
The believer should realize our Moab is the life of sin we were in before our Eternal Boaz’s redemption. Our decision to forsake Moab and its painful memories has been rewarded by His gracious redemption. What the law would not do, Christ did for us.
Think about it...