The Choice of Redemption: A Study on 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 4:6
In the intricate tapestry of the Book of Ruth, chapter 4, verse 6 presents a pivotal moment that carries profound spiritual implications. The verse reads, "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." This verse encapsulates a moment of decision that echoes through generations, a moment that can transform our understanding of redemption in both earthly and divine contexts.
The backdrop of this verse unfolds in the city of Bethlehem, where Ruth, a Moabite widow, has returned with her mother-in-law Naomi after the death of their husbands. The law in Israel allowed for a kinsman-redeemer, a relative who could buy back property or marry a widow to preserve a family line. Ruth’s need for redemption was more than just financial; it was a longing for restoration and belonging within the community of God’s people.
The kinsman in question, often understood as a closer relative, reveals his hesitance to fulfill his role. His reasoning, as articulated in the King James Version, is rooted in concern for his own inheritance. He recognizes that assuming the role of redeemer carries risks that could jeopardize what he has, effectively expressing fear over potential loss. This moment serves as an analysis of human nature: fear of loss often overshadows the belief in selfless giving and the call to serve others.
Moreover, this kinsman's claim, “I cannot redeem it for myself,” can be seen as a metaphor for the barriers humans place on their willingness to engage in the redemptive work of God. How often do we, too, hesitate when called to act out of fear that it might alter our status, our comfort, or our security? In essence, this reluctance reveals the struggle between self-interest and the deeper call to love and stewardship beyond ourselves.
Ruth 4:6 invites us to reflect on our own lives. Who are the people in our circles that are in need of redemption—spiritual, emotional, or financial? Are there opportunities to extend grace, but we pull back out of fear that our own inheritance might be marred? Do we recognize that an effective engagement in the lives of others may require personal sacrifice? Jesus exemplified perfect redemption. He laid aside His inheritance in Heaven to redeem humanity, embracing the risk with unwavering love and commitment.
The narrative further unfolds as Boaz—the next eligible redeemer—steps forward. Unlike the first kinsman, Boaz sees beyond the immediate concerns of inheritance and recognizes the greater inheritance that comes from fulfilling the redemptive purpose set forth by God. His willingness to redeem Ruth and Naomi represents a profound act of grace that extends beyond legal obligation to a true heart for restoration and familial love.
In examining Ruth 4:6, we are invited to reconsider the nature of our Christian walk. It prompts an examination of whether we, like the unnamed kinsman, allow fear of marred inheritance to limit our capability to redeem. As we ponder this scripture, consider how in your own life, you can contribute to the redemptive story unfolding around you.
Ultimately, God calls us to be redeemers in our world, to seek out the broken and the lost, and to offer hope and restoration, just as Boaz did. Let us not be like the kinsman who hesitated but instead, may we say with courageous hearts, "Here I am, Lord. Use me as Your vessel for redemption."
As we walk in the footprints of faith, remember that every act of redemption, every bridge of love we build, might just be what is needed to alter the course of someone's life forever. Let us embrace the redemptive journey with joy, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the heart of God who redeemed us when we were far away.
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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."
"¶ 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 4:6
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 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
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 2:6 - "And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:"
"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