The Legacy of Love: A Devotional on Ruth 4:10
"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." - Ruth 4:10
In the beautiful narrative of Ruth, we encounter profound themes of love, commitment, and redemption. Ruth 4:10, which states, "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," unveils a moment of transformative significance in the story, revealing the heart of Boaz as he steps into the role of kinsman-redeemer.
To fully grasp the weight of this verse, we must first understand the cultural context of ancient Israel. The concept of levirate marriage, rooted in the Law of Moses, mandated that a relative of a deceased man should marry the widow to produce offspring in the name of the deceased (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). This was not merely a personal decision, but a profound obligation that carried the fate of a family’s lineage and inheritance. The act of redeeming Ruth was not just about love; it was about ensuring that Mahlon’s name and legacy would endure.
Boaz’s declaration in Ruth 4:10 is remarkable, especially when one considers that Ruth was a Moabitess—a foreigner in Israelite terms. This signifies a radical act of inclusion and acceptance. Boaz not only embraces Ruth as his wife, but he also acknowledges her as part of his own family by forsaking any societal prejudices or barriers. His willingness to redeem Ruth serves as a vivid illustration of how God’s redemptive plan often transcends cultural divides and highlights the inclusion of all people in His kingdom.
This verse helps us see the broader tapestry of God’s grace throughout Scripture, linking back to the promises made in the Old Testament and ultimately culminating in Jesus Christ, who is often recognized as our heavenly Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, Christ redeems us from our sin and allows us to inherit eternal life in Him, ensuring that our names are not cut off but are written in the Book of Life.
As we meditate on Boaz’s pledge, we should also consider our own call to act as redeemers in our communities. In a world that is often caught up in self-interest, we are invited to extend love, compassion, and support to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. Boaz’s action serves as a reminder that redemption is not reserved for moments of convenience; it often comes at a cost and demands sacrifice.
In a time when many judge others based on outward appearances or past mistakes, our challenge is to evoke the spirit of kindness that Boaz exhibited. When he states, "ye are witnesses this day," it emphasizes the community's role in witnessing and validating the covenant of redemption. As believers, we are called to be witnesses of God’s grace in action, affirming and supporting the decisions that lead to life and hope.
This story culminates in the acknowledgment of legacy. Boaz’s commitment to Ruth was meant to honor and perpetuate Mahlon’s name; likewise, we too should strive to build a lasting legacy of faith for those who come after us. Our lives today are a tapestry of legacy—a blend of love, sacrifice, and testimony that we weave for future generations to see.
So let us reflect upon Ruth 4:10, not merely as a historical account but as a call to emulate Boaz’s heart for redemption. May we embrace opportunities to love fiercely, forgive generously, and offer hope unconditionally. In doing so, we become vessels of grace, contributing to the unfolding story of God’s work in our world and ensuring that every name, including our own, remains etched in the annals of His glorious legacy.
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Ruth 4:10 - "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."
"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." - Ruth 4:10
Ruth 1:4 - "And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years."
Ruth 4:13 - "¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."
Ruth 4:18 - "¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Ruth 4:20 - "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,"
Ruth 4:21 - "And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,"
Ruth 4:19 - "And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,"
Ruth 4:22 - "And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David."
Ruth 4:5 - "Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance."
Ruth 1:10 - "And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people."
Ruth 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
"And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years." - Ruth 1:4
Ruth 4:8 - "Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe."
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
"¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron," - Ruth 4:18
"And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David." - Ruth 4:22
"And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab," - Ruth 4:19
"And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," - Ruth 4:20
"And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed," - Ruth 4:21
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
"¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son." - Ruth 4:13
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."
Ruth 4:17 - "And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."
Ruth 4:4 - "And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it."
Ruth 4:12 - "And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman."
"And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it." - Ruth 4:16
Ruth 4:6 - "¶ And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it."
Ruth 4:9 - "¶ And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi."