Overview
By Raufu Spagnoletta
Lesson Text: Ruth 2, 8:18
Answered prayer is interwoven throughout the Book of Ruth. According to 1 John 5:14-15, we are assured and confident God will hear and answer prayer in agreement with His will and plan. In the final chapter of Ruth, God answers the prayer for Ruth requested in previous chapters by Naomi and Boaz, respectively. "The LORD grant you that ye find rest (security, home), each of you in the house of her husband" (Ruth 1:16). "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (Ruth 2:12). What happened between Ruth and Boaz in Ruth 3 sets up the events for Chapter 4. Naomi gave Ruth specific instructions on where to go, what to do and what to say to Boaz to appeal to his status as kinsman redeemer and marry her. Ruth's request that Boaz cover her with his cloak symbolizing the protection of marriage (vs. 3:9). Boaz said, I will do all that you require (vs. 3:11), howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I (vs. 3:12). If he will perform the part of the kinsman, let him do it; but if he will not then I will do the part of a kinsman to thee (vs. 3:13).
When chapter 4 opens, it is the next morning, and Boaz is at the gate initiating the transaction with the nearer kinsman. He is in the presence of ten elders serving as witnesses and giving finality to the transaction. The kinsman is willing to redeem the property but not willing to marry Ruth, because it would ruin his own inheritance. When the kinsman gave up his right to redeem Naomi's property, he took off a sandal and handed it to Boaz which ratified the agreement. Boaz said unto the elders and all the people, You are witnesses this day, that I have brought property (vs. 9) and I have purchased Ruth to be my wife (vs. 10).
Related Scriptures
By Janice Hall
Related Scriptures: Ruth 3:1-18; 4:11-22; Deuteronomy 25:7-10; Jeremiah 32:6-15
In Ruth 3: 1-18, we see the remarkable story of redemption continuing with Naomi understanding that Ruth needed’ rest’.( security/ tranquility). Naomi instructs Ruth how to petition Boaz to exercise his responsibilities as her goel( kinsman redeemer). After Ruth positions herself at the threshing floor at Boaz’s feet with her request, she returns home to tell Naomi of the details. Ruth 4: 11-22, speaks of the blessing of the witnesses at the wedding of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth and Boaz have a son name Obed, and the lineage continues from Jesse, David, and descendants of Jesus.
Deuteronomy 25: 7-10, speaks of a levirate marriage, “ Levir” meaning a husband’s brother. In ancient times, if a man died without a child it was common for the man’s unmarried brother to marry the widow in order to provide an heir for the deceased. A widow would marry a brother in law and the first son produced in that union was considered the legal descendant of her dead husband. In ancient Israelite society, family lineage and the continuation of one’s name and legacy were of utmost importance.
In Jeremiah 32: 6-15, God told Jeremiah that his cousin Hanamel would visit him in prison and ask him to buy a field in their hometown, Anathoth. God told Jeremiah that Hanamel would offer it to him on the basis of the right of redemption. The land was to remain in the family and must be therefore offered to Jeremiah before anyone else. “For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.” (Jeremiah 32:15)
Practical Points
By Janice Hall
A) Wise is the person who listens carefully before speaking.
We must give ourselves to actively listening to others. To show kindness and wisdom, we then can focus on what they are saying and seek to understand. We are to learn to be patient and wait for all the facts and to have a desire to understand more than giving an opinion. A godly and humble person will not merely give out their opinions, but will only speak with true knowledge and understanding. “ Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: But a fool layeth open his folly.”( Proverbs 13:16)
B) The Christian should do his godly duty without reservation.
In Colossians 3:23,24, Paul was saying to work at whatever you are doing with all of your heart. Our work/ activity should be done in a way with a heart and with a goal to please God. Our efforts come from a place of devotion to Jesus, as an expression of a transformed heart, being a new creation in Christ Jesus. We work, talk, do, or serve out of love, mercy, and grace. We are motivated by living our lives in a way that glorifies God.
