Topical Bible: Ruth: Marries Boaz

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The marriage of Ruth and Boaz is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, found in the Book of Ruth, chapters 3 and 4. This union is not only a account of love and redemption but also a significant moment in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Context and Background

Ruth, a Moabite woman, had shown extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of her husband, Mahlon. Naomi, originally from Bethlehem, had moved to Moab with her family during a famine. After the deaths of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, and Ruth insisted on accompanying her, famously declaring, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16).

Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth and Naomi faced the challenges of widowhood and poverty. Ruth took the initiative to glean in the fields to provide for them, and it was during this time that she encountered Boaz, a wealthy and influential relative of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech.

The Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer

The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is central to the account. According to the Mosaic Law, a kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility to redeem a relative in serious difficulty, which could include marrying a widow to preserve the family line (Leviticus 25:25-55; Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Boaz, being a relative of Elimelech, was in a position to fulfill this role for Ruth.

Ruth's Proposal to Boaz

In Ruth 3, Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor, where he was winnowing barley. Ruth follows Naomi's guidance, uncovering Boaz's feet and lying down. When Boaz awakes, Ruth makes a bold request: "I am your servant Ruth. Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer" (Ruth 3:9). This act was a culturally appropriate way for Ruth to express her desire for Boaz to take her as his wife and fulfill his duty as a redeemer.

Boaz responds with admiration for Ruth's character, acknowledging her kindness and integrity. He agrees to marry her, but first, he must address the presence of a closer kinsman-redeemer who has the first right of redemption.

The Redemption and Marriage

In Ruth 4, Boaz goes to the town gate, a place of legal transactions, and meets with the closer kinsman-redeemer and the town elders. Boaz presents the situation, offering the other kinsman the opportunity to redeem the land that belonged to Elimelech. When the kinsman learns that marrying Ruth is part of the redemption, he declines, fearing it might jeopardize his own inheritance.

With the path clear, Boaz declares his intention to redeem the land and marry Ruth. The elders and witnesses bless the union, saying, "May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel" (Ruth 4:11).

Significance in the Lineage of David

Ruth and Boaz's marriage is blessed with a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. This lineage is crucial in the biblical narrative, as it establishes the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:5-16).

The marriage of Ruth and Boaz is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. It highlights themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine orchestration, demonstrating how God can use individuals from diverse backgrounds to fulfill His purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 4:9-13
And Boaz said to the elders, and to all the people, You are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ruth
... A kinsman nearer than Boaz refuses to claim his rights by marrying her, and the
way is left open for Boaz. He accordingly marries Ruth, who thus becomes the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ruth.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... Then Boaz to the elders thus did say And to the people ... whom Tamar unto Judah bore.)
So he took Ruth, and as ... I say, Makes her adult'ress, and who marries her, So ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... He places Boaz and his wife Ruth side by ... giveth her not in marriage shall do better."
With marked propriety he had previously said "He who marries a wife ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm