What responsibilities does Boaz assume by acquiring "everything that belonged to Elimelech"? Setting the Scene: Naomi’s Family and Boaz’s Redeeming Act “Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, ‘You are witnesses this day that I have bought from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon’” (Ruth 4:9). Elimelech’s land had been sold (or mortgaged) during the famine. By stepping forward as the go’el (kinsman-redeemer), Boaz assumes full responsibility for everything attached to that estate. Legal and Covenant Responsibilities of a Kinsman-Redeemer • Redeem the land: Leviticus 25:25—“If your brother becomes destitute and sells part of his property, his nearest relative is to come and redeem what his brother has sold.” • Keep the inheritance inside the clan: Numbers 36:7—“No inheritance in Israel is to pass from tribe to tribe.” • Provide for surviving family members: Proverbs 23:10-11 reminds that the Redeemer is “strong” and “will plead their case against you.” • Raise up offspring for the deceased: Deuteronomy 25:5-6—“His brother is to take her as his wife … so that the name of the dead brother will not be blotted out.” Personal Commitments Boaz Embraces • Financial stewardship of Elimelech’s fields—cultivating, paying any debts, ensuring future harvests benefit the family line. • Lifetime provision for Naomi—food, shelter, legal protection. Ruth 4:15 speaks of Ruth’s child becoming “a restorer of life and sustainer of your old age,” showing Naomi’s security is part of the package. • Marriage to Ruth—“I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife” (Ruth 4:10). This means: – Emotional and spiritual care of Ruth. – Bearing a son to carry Mahlon’s name on the property. • Upholding the public witness—The elders declared, “We are witnesses” (Ruth 4:11). Boaz must walk in integrity so the covenant he just made remains unblemished. Spiritual Dimensions Reflected in Boaz’s Actions • Image of Christ the greater Redeemer—Ephesians 1:7, Titus 2:14. As Boaz pays the price, he foreshadows the Messiah who purchases His people’s inheritance with His own blood. • Restoration of broken lines—Isaiah 58:12 speaks of “raiser of age-old foundations.” Boaz’s obedience rebuilds a shattered family tree, ultimately leading to David (Ruth 4:22) and Christ (Matthew 1:5-6). • Mercy toward the outsider—Ruth, a Moabite, is folded into Israel. This anticipates Galatians 3:14 where Gentiles receive “the blessing of Abraham.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Covenant loyalty isn’t passive; it costs time, resources, and reputation. • God honors those who guard family legacies and care for the vulnerable (James 1:27). • Redemption always has a public aspect—faith lived before witnesses strengthens the community’s confidence in God’s Word. |
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