How does Boaz's action in Ruth 4:10 reflect Christ's redemptive work for us? “And moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his hometown. You are witnesses today.” Boaz’s Loving Intervention • Ruth, a destitute Moabite widow, had no voice or future in Israel’s society. • Boaz steps forward at the city gate, pays the full price for the land, and takes Ruth as bride. • His purpose: restore a dead man’s line, land, and legacy—things Ruth could never recover on her own. Christ Foreshadowed in Boaz’s Act • Voluntary Redeemer – Boaz was under no compulsion; love moved him. – Jesus likewise says, “No one takes My life from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord” (John 10:18). • Legal & Public Redemption – The elders served as witnesses; the transaction was irreversible. – Christ’s work was carried out “in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:13) and legally satisfied the Law (Romans 8:3–4). • Cost Paid in Full – Boaz purchased both land and bride. – We were “redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19; Ephesians 1:7). • A Bride Brought Near – Ruth the foreigner is welcomed into Israel. – Gentiles and Jews alike are now “one new man” in Christ (Ephesians 2:13-16). • Restored Name & Inheritance – Boaz acts “so that the name of the deceased will not disappear.” – Through Jesus we receive a new name (Revelation 2:17) and “an inheritance that can never perish” (1 Peter 1:4). • Life Out of Death – A dead family line blooms again in Obed, Jesse, and ultimately David. – Christ’s resurrection secures new life for all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Why This Matters for Us • Our helplessness mirrors Ruth’s; grace meets us where we cannot help ourselves. • Our Redeemer has publicly, permanently secured our salvation; no rival claimant can overturn it (John 19:30). • We are not merely pardoned servants but cherished bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). • Our past is redeemed, our present is secure, and our future inheritance is guaranteed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). Takeaway Snapshot Boaz paid the price, married the outsider, restored the land, and preserved the name—beautifully prefiguring Jesus, who purchased us with His blood, welcomed us into covenant love, and secured an eternal inheritance that death itself cannot erase. |
    |