Bible Passage: Ruth 4

Big Idea: God’s redemptive plan transcends barriers, inviting the marginalized into His family and calling us to live out that faith in profound love and service.

Opening Thoughts

The story of Ruth begins with loss—three funerals—but concludes with joy, as it ends with a marriage and the birth of a child. While not every life story has such a happy ending, this small book from the Bible reassures believers that God oversees all things. It encourages readers not to fear what lies ahead because God ultimately shapes our destinies.

In Ruth 4 the focus turns to three persons: a bridegroom, a bride and a baby. We see how God’s providential hand orchestrates the redemption of Ruth through Boaz, highlighting themes of loyalty, community ethics, and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The chapter concludes with a detailed genealogy that connects Ruth, a Moabite, to King David, illustrating how God gracefully includes outsiders into His family.

Boaz: Boldly Bridging Barriers

Ruth 4:1–8

¹ Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. ² And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. ³ Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. ⁴ So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.” ⁵ Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” ⁶ Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.” ⁷ Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel. ⁸ So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” he drew off his sandal.

In accordance with his promise to Ruth, Boaz proceeded to the city gate that day and took a seat. In ancient walled cities, the gate functioned as a substantial, fortified entrance through which residents and visitors passed. Immediately inside was a spacious area that acted as the hub for the community’s social, economic, and governmental activities. This location served as the meeting place for the town’s elders, who addressed legal and political matters as required. Boaz selected this venue purposefully, knowing it increased the likelihood of encountering the individual he was seeking.

Boaz took charge and assembled everyone needed for the unfolding events: the kinsman-redeemer and ten of the town’s elders, each trusting Boaz enough to set aside their morning duties. Curious onlookers, realizing something significant was happening, gathered as impromptu “witnesses” to observe what would transpire.

The closest relative arrives at the gate, where Boaz invites him to sit down for a discussion. Boaz explains that there is a financial obligation that needs to be fulfilled on behalf of Naomi, the widow of Elimelech. As the nearest kinsman, this man is responsible for redeeming the property. According to the Law of Moses, a family redeemer had both the right and an implied moral duty to restore the property of a family member who had fallen into hardship (Lev. 25:25).

At first, the kinsman indicated his willingness to purchase the property, operating under the assumption that he could maintain ownership given Naomi’s lack of a male heir. However, after Boaz clarified that acquiring the property also required marrying Ruth the Moabitess and raising an heir for Elimelech—who would inherit the estate—the kinsman reconsidered and declined the opportunity (4:5–6). The reason for his rejection was the impairment of his own inheritance. As was customary in legal agreements at that time in Israel, he removed his sandal as a public testament to the assembly and formally authorized Boaz to proceed with the purchase.

Boaz serves as a representation of Jesus Christ, our Kinsman Redeemer, and this moment reflects that connection. Just as Boaz was not worried about risking his own inheritance, Jesus chose to include us in His inheritance ( Eph. 1:11, 18 ).

Ruth: Redeemed and Rejoiced

Ruth 4:9–17

⁹ Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. ¹⁰ Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.” ¹¹ Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem,                ¹² and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.” ¹³ So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. ¹⁴ Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! ¹⁵ He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” ¹⁶ Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. ¹⁷ And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

After Boaz reached an agreement with the other kinsman, he formally announced his intention to redeem the property and marry Ruth. The town elders affirmed their role as witnesses to this transaction. They prayed blessings upon Ruth, referencing Rachel and Leah, who were pivotal in establishing many of the tribes of Israel (4:11). Additionally, they expressed hopes that Boaz’s reputation and household would achieve prominence in Israel through the descendants provided by the Lord via Ruth (Ruth 4:11–12). Unbeknownst to them at the time, Boaz’s legacy and lineage would attain considerable renown (see Matt 1:5–17).

Boaz and Ruth were married, and they had a son named Obed. The local women expressed their happiness for Naomi and offered praise for the Lord’s provision during her recent hardships. They remarked that Ruth had been more valuable to Naomi than seven sons—a notable compliment, as seven is the biblical number of perfection or completion, and having seven sons was considered an exceptional blessing. Through divine favour, Ruth demonstrated qualities that were seen as an even greater gift, reflecting high esteem for her character.

Ruth experienced a notable benefit when the closest kinsman rejected her; this decision enabled her to marry the man she desired. Similarly, The experience of rejection was not unfamiliar to Jesus; according to the Gospels, he was frequently unpopular, and at one point, only the twelve apostles remained after a sermon. Jesus did not receive recognition from his contemporaries, and religious authorities such as the Pharisees and Sadducees who often dismissed him. Despite this, Jesus’s influence has been profound among those who choose to follow him throughout history.

Baby: Legacy of Love

Ruth 4:18–22

¹⁸ Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, ¹⁹ Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, ²⁰ Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, ²¹ Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, ²² Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

The book’s closing verses present a genealogy that starts with Perez, son of Judah, and concludes with David. This passage reveals that Ruth and Boaz’s son, Obed, would become the grandfather of David, Israel’s greatest king. When reading the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew, both Boaz and Ruth are mentioned. Although Boaz and Ruth did not know it at the time, their choices and lives played a role in God’s plan for His kingdom and the redemption of man. When you follow God’s guidance, you allow yourself to be part of his larger purposes—something that may bring blessings not only to you but also to future generations.

Application

As you reflect on Ruth 4, consider the challenge of feeling inadequate in your current situation—perhaps in your job or family life. You might be wondering how to move forward when faced with barriers. This week, take time to reach out to someone who can offer guidance or mentorship. Just as Boaz acted as a redeemer for Ruth, seek out relationships in your church community that can uplift and support you. Share your struggles and ask for prayer; remember, God often provides help through the people around us.

Discussion Questions

• What strategy did Boaz use with the kinsman-redeemer, and what effect did it have? (4:4–7)

• What extra blessing did the Lord give to Ruth? (4:13)

• Why did the women of Bethlehem say Ruth was “better … than seven sons” to Naomi? (4:15)

• In what way could the child Obed renew Naomi’s life and sustain her in her old age? (4:15)

• How have you seen evidence of God’s work in your life? How can you be quick to praise Him for this?

©2026 CrossSites Bible Study, St. Augustine, Fl 32092
{Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture verses are taken from the English Standard Version}