Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead." Naomi continued, "The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers." Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law,Naomi, a central figure in the Book of Ruth, is speaking to Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law. This relationship is significant as it highlights the loyalty and devotion Ruth has shown to Naomi, choosing to stay with her even after the death of her husband. Naomi's role as a mother-in-law is pivotal in guiding Ruth through the customs and laws of Israel. Gen 38:11 Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar,… “May he be blessed by the LORD, Naomi invokes a blessing upon Boaz, recognizing the LORD's providence in their lives. The use of "LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, emphasizing the personal relationship and faithfulness of God to His people. This blessing reflects the Hebrew tradition of acknowledging God's hand in acts of kindness and provision. Psa 115:15 May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven… who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” This phrase acknowledges God's ongoing faithfulness and covenant loyalty (hesed) to both the living (Naomi and Ruth) and the dead (Elimelech and his sons). It underscores the belief that God's kindness extends beyond death, maintaining His promises to the family line. This reflects the cultural importance of family legacy and the continuation of one's name in Israelite society. 1Sa 20:14-15 And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s…… Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. Naomi identifies Boaz as a close relative, which is significant in the context of Israelite family law. The Hebrew term "goel" (kinsman-redeemer) implies a responsibility to protect the interests of needy family members. This relationship sets the stage for Boaz's potential role in redeeming Naomi and Ruth from their destitution. Rut 3:12 Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer,… He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.” The concept of a kinsman-redeemer is rooted in Levitical law (Leviticus 25:25-55), where a close relative has the duty to redeem a family member in distress, whether by buying back land, marrying a widow, or avenging blood. Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer is a type of Christ, foreshadowing Jesus' redemptive work for humanity. This role highlights themes of redemption, restoration, and God's provision through family structures. Rut 4:1-6 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… Persons / Places / Events 1. NaomiA widow who returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. She is Ruth's mother-in-law and plays a pivotal role in guiding Ruth. 2. Ruth A Moabite widow who loyally follows her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem. Her faithfulness and hard work are central to the account. 3. Boaz A wealthy and influential relative of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech. He is a man of noble character who shows kindness and generosity to Ruth. 4. Bethlehem The town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth return. It is significant as the setting for the unfolding of God's providence in their lives. 5. Kinsman-Redeemer A key concept in the Book of Ruth, referring to a relative who has the responsibility to redeem a family member in distress. Boaz is identified as such a redeemer. Teaching Points God's ProvidenceRuth 2:20 highlights God's providential care. Naomi recognizes God's kindness through Boaz's actions, reminding us that God often works through people to accomplish His purposes. Kindness and Loyalty Boaz's kindness to Ruth is a model of godly character. As believers, we are called to show kindness and loyalty to others, reflecting God's love. Redemption The role of the kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Christ's redemptive work. Just as Boaz redeems Ruth, Christ redeems us from sin. Faith in Action Ruth's account encourages us to act in faith, trusting that God will provide and guide us even in difficult circumstances. Community Support The account underscores the importance of community and family support in times of need, encouraging believers to be active in supporting one another. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth 2:20 relate to the redemptive work of Christ in the New Testament?2. In what ways can we demonstrate the same kind of kindness and loyalty that Boaz showed to Ruth in our own communities? 3. How does Naomi's recognition of God's kindness in Ruth 2:20 encourage us to see God's hand in our daily lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can support and uplift those in our church or community who are in need, similar to how Boaz supported Ruth? 5. How can Ruth's faith and determination inspire us to trust God in our own challenging situations? Connections to Other Scriptures The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is also seen in Leviticus 25, which outlines the responsibilities of a redeemer in Israelite society.The theme of God's providence and kindness is echoed in Genesis 50, where Joseph acknowledges God's hand in his life despite adversity. The loyalty and faithfulness of Ruth can be compared to the loyalty of Jonathan to David in 1 Samuel. People Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, RuthPlaces Bethlehem, MoabTopics Added, Blessed, Blessing, Close, Closest, Daughter, Daughter-in-law, Dead, Family, Forsaken, Kin, Kind, Kindness, Kinsman-redeemers, Kinsmen, Law, Naomi, Na'omi, Nearest, Nigh, Ours, Redeemers, Redemption, Relation, Relations, Relative, Relatives, Showing, Stopped, WithdrawnDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 2:20 5972 unkindness Library A Full Reward. "It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done ... and how thou hast left they father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD GOD of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (Ruth ii. 11, 12). In this interesting narrative we have another instance of the way in which the HOLY GHOST teaches by typical lives. We have dwelt on some precious lessons … J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested into English Verse The Exile --Continued. Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah The Pilgrim's Progress Ruth Links Ruth 2:20 NIVRuth 2:20 NLT Ruth 2:20 ESV Ruth 2:20 NASB Ruth 2:20 KJV Ruth 2:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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