by John O’Malley
“And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lordshall give thee of this young woman” (Ruth 4:11-12).
The people gathered in the gate of the city knew very well that this was a special day. Their presence at the gate and their pledge to give witness both point to the importance of this day. Their prayer for God’s blessing on the couple is worthy of close examination. The townspeople’s prayer was simple. They prayed for fruitfulness, favor, and fame for Boaz and Ruth.
In their prayer, three women are mentioned. Their mentioning is not by happenstance. Each of them shared a significant role in this moment. The people wanted God to do for Boaz and Ruth as He did for the house of Israel through these women. They knew that, if it were not for the hand of God making these women fruitful, the twelve tribes of Israel would not be as they knew them. Each Israelite, standing in the gate of Bethlehem-judah, knew the importance of each woman’s role in her very own existence.
Their understanding of Israel’s history and their own family’s heritage made a special place in their hearts for Rachel, Leah, and Tamar. Each woman had a unique story known to the dwellers in Bethlehem. They remembered Rachel for her barren womb that was blessed. Leah, Rachel’s sister, was remembered for the rejected heart that was rewarded. Tamar, the wife of Leah’s grandson, was mentioned as the forgotten wife remembered. In the days ahead, we will look at each woman’s story. For now, let the focus remain on God’s making of these women.
The people cried out, “The Lord make the woman…” They wanted Ruth to be a woman of His making. They knew God made these three women not solely in the matter of creation, but uniquely for His purpose and His praise. Were these women perfect? Certainly not! However, they were women whose hearts were toward the Lord God of Israel, and He blessed them. The townspeople knew Ruth had a heart that was toward God and, therefore, knew Ruth could be a woman made by God for His purposes and praise.
What about you? Are you a person of your making or His? Have you allowed God to make you into what He desires? He can take your heart—man or woman—and uniquely make you suitable for His purposes and praise. Have you placed yourself before the Almighty God for His making? The people’s cry for Ruth should be the cry of our own heart: “Lord, make me whatever you would have me be.”
Think about it...