We end our series of readings through the book of Ruth with another extract of Hannah’s song, which has book ended our meditations. Hannah’s story of childlessness, heartbroken prayer, and God’s answer in the birth of Samuel, results in this incredible song of praise. Hannah takes her experiences of life and God and turns them into statements about God that hold true for all times and all …
What is interesting in this text is that, after the birth of Ruth and Boaz’s son Obed, the women address Naomi. As they speak of the guardian-redeemer, our first thoughts may turn to Boaz, but no: the women speak of this guardian redeemer being born to Ruth. Obed is placed in Naomi’s arms, and she cares for him. The …
There is a beauty to these verses. Naomi, Elimelek, Kilion, Mahlon, and Ruth are all named – the living and the dead. The land has been saved for the family. But crucially, Ruth – “the Moabite”, the outsider who threw in her lot with Naomi and her people and her God – has become an insider. The prayer of blessing …
Two Old Testament legal practices, both instituted for the protection of people, are referenced here. The first is the requirement of a kinsman-redeemer to buy land that a member of the family sells in time of need (Leviticus 25). The second is the requirement that if a man died without having children, his brother should marry his widow and …
Naomi is anxious to know how things went. Ruth reports what Boaz has done and also his generosity in sending her back with a shawl full of barley. His words, “Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed” are significant. For on Naomi’s return to Bethlehem, she accused God, saying, “I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty” …
Was there any doubt in our minds that Boaz would say, “yes”? Once again this righteous man speaks words of blessing from God over Ruth. Boaz highlights Ruth’s “kindness” in proposing marriage. It is a word that has been uses throughout Ruth. Naomi tries to send her daughters away, with the words, “May the LORD show kindness to you, as …
Ruth had responded to Naomi’s instructions with the words, “I will do whatever you say” (3:5). Ruth trusts Naomi. In turn, Naomi trusts Boaz, saying, “He will tell you what to do” (3:4). Yet this is a moment of great risk and vulnerability. Ruth makes her request, “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are …
The motivation for all that happens next is found in Ruth 3:1, when Naomi says, “My daughter, should I not try and find a home for you, where you will be provided for?”. The Hebrew word used here for “home” means “resting place”. It occurred earlier in the story, back in Moab, when Naomi blesses her …
As Ruth recounts Boaz’s invitation to stay with his workers through the harvest, we see how Boaz offers provision and protection. It must have been a huge relief to both Ruth and Naomi that Ruth could work safely and securely, knowing that she had a secure source of food and income. Again, Naomi’s comments paint a stark picture …
The abundance with which Ruth arrives home leads to lots of questions from Naomi. The huge provision leads Naomi to speak a blessing over, “the man who took notice of you”. When Naomi hears that it is Boaz’s field, she cries out again, “The Lord bless him!”. Boaz, whose first words in the book are a benediction, and who has spoken blessing over …
