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” (Ruth 4:11).
The people of the Bethlehem-judah cried out for God to make Ruth like Rachel and Leah. They revered Jacob’s favored wife Rachel and her sister Leah as the builders of the house of Israel. Their mentioning is not without significance to the newly announced marriage of Boaz and Ruth.
These women were valued in Bethlehem-judah for several reasons. Together, the sisters had given birth to the sons that made up the tribes of Israel. As Israelites, the people of Bethlehem-judah were directly affected by these two sisters. Their understanding of Israel’s history and their own family heritage made a special place in their hearts for Rachel and Leah. Rachel, the younger of the two sisters, had died giving birth to Benjamin in Ephratah, the original name for Bethlehem. She was buried just outside the city’s gate, a short walk from where they were standing.
The desire of the townspeople was to see Ruth be the builder of the house of Elimelech. They desired that God would make her union with Boaz fruitful. They wanted God to make Ruth like Rachel, one of the co-builders of the house of Israel. This title, “builder of the house of Israel,” revealed the position of honor Rachel and Leah held in their hearts, though generations later.
Rachel was the object of Jacob’s affection. He loved her deeply, even to the rejection of Leah, her sister. God saw this inequity and made Leah’s womb fruitful and Rachel’s womb barren. Rachel’s womb remained empty until her sister had given Jacob six sons and a daughter.
Rachel desired children to the extent that she pled with Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die” (Genesis 30:1). Jacob knew that he was not in control, for it was God who made women fruitful. It was after her plea for children to her husband that God remembered Rachel. His favor brought fruitfulness to Rachel. She gave birth to Joseph. A few years later, she gave birth to her second son, Benjamin. Jacob loved the sons of Rachel dearly; they both were living reminders of his love for her.
Ruth’s role was clear in the minds of the people. She was redeemed by Boaz for a purpose. She was to bring forth a son to prevent the family name from being extinguished.
As one who is redeemed by the Eternal Boaz, we should be careful to remember our responsibility. Our adoption in the Eternal Boaz’s family creates a responsibility to be builders of the house of God. We are to be fruitful first in the places close to our heart and home; then we are to be fruitful in the places that are hard to reach.
Many believers rejoice in their redemption, yet the same ones are reserved in reaching others with the message of the Eternal Boaz. When was the last time you led someone to Him with His message of redemption? How often do you tell men of the Eternal Boaz? May you strive to be a builder of the house of God.
Think about it...