It is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I… If he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you.
Ruth 3:12-13
The job description for a redeemer would be: To bring hope by restoring an inheritance and raising a family. What qualifications would a redeemer need?
Must be a family member. A redeemer had to be a family member to keep the inheritance in the family and continue the family line. That’s why Naomi was so excited when Ruth told her she had been gleaning in Boaz’s field. Being a relative qualified Boaz to act as a redeemer.
Must be willing to do whatever it costs. Boaz was not only willing, he was also eager to marry Ruth. But another relative had a prior right to purchase the land. Would he be willing?
Boaz went to the city gate (4:1), where legal and business transactions were made. When the nearer relative arrived, Boaz explained the opportunity to buy the land. The relative said, “I will redeem it” (4:4). You can understand why: the land would become part of his estate.
But then Boaz said, “You also acquire Ruth… in order to perpetuate the name of the dead” (4:5). That changed everything! The child who would continue the name of Mahlon would inherit the land. The relative took off his sandal and handed it to Boaz, giving up the right to walk on that land (4:7-8).
Then we have wedding bells. The elders, witnesses, and sandals are the equivalent of signatures. Ruth the Moabite is married to Boaz and she has legal standing as one of the people of God.
Reflect on the blessings that Ruth and Boaz received because of their commitment to honouring God’s law above their own desires.
