In many stories, there is a moment when “all hope is lost.” It’s that pivotal point when the main character suffers a seemingly final defeat. We wonder, will he ever achieve his goal?
In today’s passage, Boaz faces an “all hope is lost” moment. Having engaged the nearer guardian-redeemer and having gathered the legal assembly (4:1–2), Boaz began negotiating. He explained that Naomi was “selling” the land she inherited from Elimelech. According to the law, a widow could hold the right to work her deceased husband’s property until she married again, at which point the rights reverted to her husband’s clan.
The land could not be sold permanently (Lev. 25:23), so Elimelech had probably “sold” the rights to his land before he left for Moab. When Naomi returned, she did not have the means to buy them back. The nearest relative could redeem the land for her (Lev. 25:25). This is the first time Elimelech’s land is mentioned. It hasn’t been the focus of the story. Instead, relationships have taken center stage.
At the city gate, Boaz called on the nearer guardian-redeemer to buy back the rights. The nearer guardian undoubtedly knew of Naomi’s situation before this meeting, yet he had taken no initiative. But when Boaz confronted him publicly, he agreed to redeem it. Was all hope lost for Boaz? The land was going to this nearer guardian. And what of Ruth?
In front of witnesses, Boaz called on the nearer guardian-redeemer to marry Ruth and maintain the name of the deceased. This wasn’t required by Law, but it certainly fulfilled the spirit of it. It was the right thing to do. The audience holds their breath. The tension is quickly relieved. The nearer guardian showed his true colors and changed his mind. The scene ends with his nonverbal abdication when he removed his sandal.
Go Deeper
Have you ever selfishly declined to do the right thing? On the opposite end, when have you sacrificially acted on someone else’s behalf?
Pray with Us
As the story of Ruth unfolds before us, we thank You, Lord, for this beautiful, strong, faithful woman. What a joy it is to know that You are with us in the same way You’ve been with Ruth!
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, is in you.Psalm 25:21
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