In what ways does Ruth 3:13 foreshadow Christ as our Redeemer? Text of Ruth 3:13 “Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not want to redeem you, as surely as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Now lie here until morning.” Key Elements in the Verse • “redeem” (goel) – a kinsman-redeemer obligated to rescue relatives from poverty or loss • “as surely as the LORD lives” – a solemn, covenant-rooted oath • Immediate action promised at morning – no delay in deliverance • Protection through the night – Ruth rests under Boaz’s care until redemption is settled How Boaz Foreshadows Christ • Near kinsman: Boaz is related by flesh; Jesus takes on flesh (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:14) to become our true “Brother” and qualify as Redeemer. • Willing redeemer: Boaz volunteers despite personal cost; Jesus “lays down His life” (John 10:17-18) to redeem. • Substitutionary payment: Boaz prepares to discharge the financial obligation; Christ pays with His blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Solemn oath: Boaz swears “as the LORD lives”; Christ secures His promise with God’s unbreakable word (Hebrews 6:17-20). • Immediate certainty: Boaz settles the matter at first light; Christ’s resurrection on the third day seals redemption without delay (Romans 4:25). • Nighttime shelter: Ruth rests under Boaz’s covering; believers rest under Christ’s righteousness while awaiting final redemption (Romans 8:23). • Protection of purity: Boaz guards Ruth’s reputation; Jesus presents His bride “holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-27). Supporting Scriptures • Leviticus 25:25 – legal basis for a kinsman-redeemer • Isaiah 59:20 – prophecy of a coming Redeemer • Mark 10:45 – “the Son of Man…to give His life as a ransom for many” • Galatians 4:4-5 – “God sent His Son…to redeem those under the law” • Revelation 5:9 – “You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe” Takeaways for Today • Christ’s redemption is rooted in covenant love, not mere sentiment. • His willingness and ability are both perfect; no other redeemer is needed. • Resting in Him brings security now and the assurance of full redemption at dawn—the day of His return. |
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