by John O’Malley
“And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi” (Ruth 4:9).
Boaz informed the invited and the interested witnesses of the extent of this redemption. Although “such a one” could offer a partial redemption, Boaz came with full redemption. God’s law would be met in Boaz. No other could offer redemption.
His offer of redemption made clear his position and power: “I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.” The land belonged to Elimelech. His death transferred the land by way of inheritance to Mahlon and Chilion. When the boys died, the land transferred to Naomi. However, with Ruth being the wife of Mahlon, she would receive the land from Naomi upon her death. Yet one more problem remained. Elimelech’s family name would be extinguished from the earth; this is a clear violation of God’s law (Deuteronomy 25:6).
The potential extinguishing of Elimelech’s family meant the Messiah’s birth line hung in the human balance. Boaz’s decision to redeem the land and the lady meant that Elimelech’s family name would continue. Boaz’s redemption of “all that was Elimelech’s” meant the birth line of the Eternal Boaz was now secure. As Boaz offered full redemption for the land and the lady, Christ offered full “redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sin” (Colossians 1:14).
Satan’s attempt to bruise the heel of the Messiah was thwarted again. The decision of Boaz to redeem signaled to Satan that his plan to extinguish the line of the Messiah had failed. Make no mistake, it was Satan who tempted Elimelech to move to Moab. Yet, with man’s failure, God had a plan of redemption both with the earthly Boaz and with the Eternal Boaz.
Just as Boaz took care of what was needed in this redemption, Jesus took care of mankind’s redemption with His death, burial, and resurrection over two thousand years ago. The educated elite might say his redemption is not for all. However, rest assured; His redemption is for whosoever shall call on His name for redemption. Are you amongst the redeemed?
Think about it...