by John O’Malley
“Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day” (Ruth 4:10).
In the previous verse, Boaz said, “I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.” That could have been sufficient, but he did not stop there. He clarified and completed the redemption with the word “moreover.”
The idea of this special word, used only once in this book, indicated he had more to say about his offer of redemption. Boaz desired to redeem and restore the line of the family of Elimelech. Unlike “such a one,” Boaz was more interested in Ruth than he was in the real estate of Elimelech. Boaz’s redemption met the minimum requirements, then exceeded them with his “moreover” redemption.
His “moreover” redemption took what might have been an ordinary redemption and made it extraordinary. His “moreover” redemption included her heritage, her hurts, and her heart. She would no longer live with the problem of her heritage. She would not carry the burden of grief and guilt in regard to her hurts. She would not have to face the emptiness in her heart of poverty and pity.
Boaz took all that Ruth was and redeemed her. She no longer needed to fret about tomorrow; it was covered in the redemption. She would not have to consider the trouble of being a Moabite; it was covered in the redemption. She did not have to concern herself with having nothing to offer him; it was covered in his gracious redemption.
Every citizen of earth must come to know that the Eternal Boaz offered His “moreover” redemption outside the gate of Jerusalem. Christ’s righteous death on the cross not only met the requirement of the law, but also provided “moreover” redemption for a lost world. The New Testament details this “moreover” redemption in Colossians 1:13-14: “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
The “moreover” grace of the Eternal Boaz covers anything that could stand in the way of the world’s redemption. The world needs the message of redemption in this very hour. It is necessary that every tribe and tongue hear of His redemption. Redemption cannot come through this world’s religions, philosophies, and governments. It is only through the work of the Eternal Boaz they can find the redemption from their heritage, their hurts, and their hearts.
While Ruth never was a witness to her own redemption, she was at the house awaiting word that the work of Boaz was done. Yet, when the news reached her, she realized there was no need to live without his redemption, adoption, and invitation to be his bride. Many today are searching and waiting for such a message. A messenger must be dispatched at once to tell them of the Eternal Boaz’s redemption, adoption, and invitation.
Will you be a messenger of His redemption today?
Think about it...