by John O’Malley
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son”(Ruth 4:13).
Boaz’s arrival back to Naomi’s house is without description, but certainly not without drama. He had instructed Ruth to go home. When she left the threshing floor, he had given her provision to share with Naomi. Naomi quickly understood all that was underway and told her to wait until she knew how everything would go.
Naomi sought to encourage Ruth while waiting. She said Boaz would not rest until the matter had been dealt with both legally and emotionally. Ruth’s waiting for the arrival of Boaz must have been filled with anxiousness and anticipation. Her future rested in his word. She merely had to live on the words of Boaz until she saw him again.
Ruth knew that he went to secure her redemption. She was to live on his provision and live by his promise until he returned. His return was imminent. Images of when he would return and what it would be like could have played in her mind. No matter when it was, she needed to be ready for his arrival.
The last twenty-four hours had been dramatic, to say the least. She went through the cleansing process for presenting herself to Boaz. She went through the emotional high and low of hearing that he would redeem her, but that there was another who had first right to the inheritance of the land of Elimelech and to these ladies who remained. She spent a short night on the threshing floor and quickly left before dawn to avoid tarnishing her virtuous reputation. Now, she waited for the arrival of her kinsman-redeemer.
Boaz left the city gate. He headed to Naomi’s house. No longer was it Naomi’s; it was his now by right of purchase. He clutched the shoe from the nearer kinsman who had decided the redemption was beyond what he was willing to pay. Each step toward Naomi’s brought the realization of redemption. What would the look be on their faces? He had secured their future, and they could be with him for the rest of their days. He desired Ruth’s heart and sought to honor her and her husband’s family by not allowing their name to be extinguished from the families of Judah’s tribe.
Finally, the house was in sight. Did he call out to Ruth or knock at the door? Was she watching for him? Did she sense his arrival? Did he stand at the turn in the path and hold up the shoe? Did he stand in the doorway and hold up the shoe for them to see? Perhaps these things are kept from us so the focus would be on the redemption and the redeemer.
The words are simply stated for us: “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife.” It is sure that the arrival of Boaz was welcome. The shoe he carried, symbolizing that the act was legally satisfied, was certainly treasured. However, the greatest treasure of the day was the one held in their hearts; they were going to grow old together and, with the blessing of God, they would have a son, and the family’s name would be restored.
The shadows cast toward the New Testament are abundant as we reach this verse. We too are a bride waiting for the return of our Redeemer. He has given us His promise and provision. He promised to return for His bride, the church. He gives us provision for living while we wait His arrival. Are you ready for His return? Has the time waiting for Him brought discouragement or even distraction? His return is imminent; He will come. You must occupy yourself in His business until He arrives.
Do you anticipate His arrival as Ruth did with Boaz? May we follow the New Testament teaching about this matter and “love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
Think about it...