Ruth 4:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ruth 4:10
10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
Chapter Context
Ruth 4 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, discipleship, judgment. Written during the period of the Judges (c. 1100 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: During the tribal confederacy period, local customs and family laws were paramount for survival.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ruth and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ruth 4:10
10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
Analysis
Marriage declaration: 'Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day'. Boaz publicly declares marriage to Ruth, using term 'purchased' in context of kinsman-redeemer law—not buying a person but undertaking legal marriage responsibility. His stated purpose—'raise up the name of the dead'—shows covenantal rather than selfish motivation. The phrase 'Ruth the Moabitess' emphasizes her foreign origin, making Boaz's public acceptance before the community remarkable—he proudly claims her despite ethnic difference, demonstrating that covenant relationship transcends ethnicity. The repeated 'ye are witnesses' ensures maximum legal validity.
Historical Context
Levirate marriage served multiple purposes: preserving deceased man's name and memory, providing for widows, keeping property within family, and maintaining tribal inheritance patterns. Boaz's public statement before the community served as both marriage announcement and legal declaration of intent to fulfill covenant responsibility. His willingness to publicly claim Ruth the Moabitess demonstrated counter-cultural love—ancient peoples typically viewed foreigners, particularly from enemy nations, with suspicion and contempt. Boaz's public honor of Ruth foreshadows the gospel truth that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, all are one through faith (Galatians 3:28).
Reflection
- What does Boaz's public claiming of 'Ruth the Moabitess' teach about Christian willingness to publicly honor those the world despises?
- How does raising up the dead man's name illustrate Christian servant-leadership that exalts others rather than self?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 25:6, Ephesians 5:25