Ruth 4:14
And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The genealogy concluding Ruth (4:18-22) connects her to David, Israel's greatest king and Messianic prototype. This Moabite widow's inclusion in the royal line demonstrates God's sovereign grace transcending ethnic boundaries. The redeemer laws protected vulnerable widows in patriarchal society, showing God's covenant concern for the marginalized. Boaz's honorable conduct contrasts sharply with the judges era's typical corruption, revealing that even in dark times, God preserves godly individuals. The narrative's placement in the Hebrew canon (among the Writings) highlights David's lineage; in Christian Bibles it transitions from Judges to Samuel, preparing for the monarchy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Christ as my kinsman-redeemer deepen my appreciation for His incarnation and atonement?
- In what ways can I tangibly demonstrate redemptive love toward vulnerable people in my community?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The women's blessing of Naomi—'Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer'—celebrates God's covenantal faithfulness through the kinsman-redeemer system. The Hebrew go'el (redeemer) refers to the family member responsible for protecting vulnerable relatives by redeeming land, marrying the widow (levirate marriage, Deuteronomy 25:5-10), and preserving the family line. Boaz's redemption of Ruth and Naomi's property, producing Obed (David's grandfather), demonstrates God's providential reversal: from emptiness (1:21) to fullness, from bitterness to joy, from barrenness to fruitfulness. Typologically, Boaz prefigures Christ, our kinsman-redeemer who paid the price for our redemption, taking us as His bride (the Church) and securing our eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:7, 14).