Ruth 2

In chapter 2 we are introduced to a wealthy and influential man, a ‘close relative’, “the kinsman redeemer”. a near relative of Naomi’s husband, a man, it turns out, who is able to offer “a new life” for Ruth a life free from her past, a life that would present new opportunities and a life of security for her and Naomi. The kinsman redeemer was basically a male who had the responsibility or privilege of acting on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger or need. The Hebrew term (goel) for kinsman-redeemer designates one who delivers or rescues. In a spiritual sense we all need to have someone who is able to offer us “new life” a life that frees us from our past’, we know that to be Jesus our redeemer who was willing to pay the ultimate price for our redemption.

Ruth at this point in the story is still demonstrating dedication, commitment and service to Naomi. We find that Ruth shows a willingness to find food and provide for Naomi her mother-in-law, so she sets out to gather grain and her willingness to seek leads her to find a field of the wealthy and influential man, the man she has been told about by Naomi, the man who she will come to know and who eventually will provide for her and give her security. This willingness to seek, serve and ultimately find is found in all disciples of Jesus. It is in our seeking and in our service that we find our provision and security that only Jesus can provide.

What do we know about this man Boaz?

1. He notices the girl Ruth, Ruth 2:5 and gives her permission to gather grain in his field. Ruth 2:8
2. He encourages her to follow his workers. Ruth 2:8.
3. He gives protection and offers water that others have drawn. Ruth 2:9.
4. He knows all about her, her unreserved commitment to Naomi. Ruth 2:11.
5. He invites her to dine with him and provides more than she is able to eat. Ruth 2:12.
6. He is so generous he issues an instruction to his young men to allow her to stay and gather grain. Ruth 2:16 -17.

So he is generous, loving, fair, reliable, secure, wise and without prejudice. This story gives us two different scenarios. On the one hand it tells us about a man who is able to save, protect and provide and on the other hand it tells us about a man who is committed to the development and support of others through his workers. Ruth the Moabitess, a girl in a foreign land, determines to seek out the one who is the ‘close relative’, “the kinsman redeemer”. I wonder if we do the same, determined to seek our “kinsman redeemer” in a way like Ruth did?

// Required code