I Do!

Ruth 4:7-12

Have you ever REALLY REALLY wanted something, and you got it? At the same time, you did not want to appear overly excited, so you downplayed the event. It can feel awkward because you want to shout for joy, but you keep it bottled up. During some of these moments I have wondered if I really needed to remain reserved, or if it would be acceptable to show how I really felt. That is the way I imagine Boaz in our story today. He maintains his dignity, but inside he is ready to jump for joy!

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Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging, to confirm anything: one man took off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation in Israel. 8 Therefore the close relative said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” So he took off his sandal. 9 And Boaz said to the elders and 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, from the hand of Naomi. 10 Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have acquired as my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brethren and from his position at the gate. You are witnesses this day.” 11 And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel; and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring which the LORD will give you from this young woman.”

Ruth 4:7-12

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The taking off of the sandal is a strange custom to us, but it was intended to be a mark of dishonor. It is interesting that Boaz, who really didn't want this man to redeem Ruth or the property, was part of dishonoring him. I'm not saying Boaz was wrong. This was their custom. However, things worked out exactly like Boaz hoped. The man did not want to marry Ruth.

Boaz did not hesitate. He agreed to redeem the property and marry Ruth. He purchased the land, house, and he redeemed Ruth for the purpose of carrying on the family name. He stated his intentions clearly, and the elders bore witness to this event. Not the most romantic marriage ceremony, but it was the custom. The only thing left to do was go tell Ruth and Naomi.

The elders of the gate then blessed Boaz. They asked God to make the house of Boaz famous in Bethlehem. As we will see, they became the predecessors of the most famous family from Bethlehem. They also asked God to make Boaz and Ruth fruitful with children. We do not know exactly how many children they had, but there was one important one that we will consider Friday. Without going into the next text, I will tell you that God did indeed bless the marriage of Ruth and Boaz!

Redemption’s work is done! Ruth and Naomi are no longer destitute, and the property has been returned to the family. What Ruth could not do for herself, her kinsman redeemer accomplished. The Gentile bride was now brought into the nation of Israel. This is exactly what happened with the church. The church is the Bride of Christ. It is primarily a Gentile bride. Peter said, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (I Peter 2:9-10).

Father, thank You for redeeming us. We had no legal standing and could not help ourselves. You purchased us. Your Word says, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:20). May we glorify You with our lives.