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).
Boaz carefully shared with all who listened Ruth’s benefits in his redemption. Boaz wanted them to know he knew what he was doing. He desired for them to know that his redemption came with benefits. Although he was aware of all these things, he wanted them to know.
He announced his knowledge and acceptance of Ruth’s race and past relationships. These were not a hindrance to him. His mind was made up. He would be her goel. It did not matter what might devalue her to another redeemer; he had her potential in mind, not her past. While “such a one” desired the land for harvest, Boaz desired the lady for her heart.
The motive in Boaz’s heart became quite clear as he continued to speak. Boaz sought the very best for his kinsman Elimelech. Since Elimelech died, his sons were the rightful heirs. The death of Elimelech’s sons changed the placement of the inheritance. Naomi was rightful owner of the land. Yet there was no way for her to carry on the family’s name. This problem clung to Naomi’s heart from the time she departed Moab.
On Naomi’s return to Bethlehem-judah, she mentioned to Orpah and Ruth that she had no other sons for them to marry to continue the family name so it was not extinguished. She declared to them in Ruth 1:12-13, “Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown?” The continuance of her husband’s name and the certainty of her future in the land of Israel were the causes of her concern. However, in Boaz, all her concerns were met.
Boaz sought to redeem all that was part of the household of Elimelech. The marriage to Ruth distinguished him as one who sought to be obedient to the laws of God. The marriage also displayed his character as one who valued commitment to family, both immediate and extended.
Boaz wanted nothing less than to continue the family line of Elimelech. He stated his intention was “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.” Boaz had Ruth’s best interests in mind as he pursued Ruth’s redemption.
Ruth benefited from Boaz’s redemption. He offered her his heart when no other would. He offered her a home when none else could. He offered her a heritage when it seemed impossible. Yet, best of all, he presented her with a happily ever after she could find in none else than Boaz. What Mahlon, her husband, and “such a one,” her nearest kinsman, could not provide, she found in Boaz.
Similarly, the Eternal Boaz offers to mankind the riches of His redemption. His redemption offers mankind His heart, a heritage, and a hereafter. The New Testament declares to you that His redemption comes exclusively through His blood. It provides the forgiveness of your past, the fullness of His promises, and the forever in His presence.
Yes, His redemption has riches. Paul reminded us of what God said to Isaiah: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). The riches of His redemption are more than what we could imagine. Why not pause this day, reflect, and relish in the riches of your redemption. Then, in your conversations with God throughout the day, praise Him for the riches of your redemption.
Think about it...