The Wedding Day Arrives: Relying on the Ultimate Redeemer in Ruth 4
Have you ever looked at the price tag of a modern wedding and felt a bit of “sticker shock”? In 2016, a wedding for the son of a Russian oligarch reportedly cost nearly $1 billion. From Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s $48 million ceremony to the more “budget-conscious” $33 million wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, we are obsessed with the cost of a wedding.
This post highlights a wedding in Ruth chapter 4 that is far more valuable, more costly, and more significant than any royal gala. It is a story of redemption that changes the course of history.
The Legal Transaction at the City Gate
In ancient Israel, the city gate was the “town hall”—the place where business was conducted and judicial verdicts were rendered. Boaz, acting with integrity and speed, goes to the gate to settle the matter of Ruth’s redemption.
He encounters a “near kinsman” (whom the Bible calls “such-a-one,” essentially a “Mr. So-and-So”) who had a closer legal claim to Naomi’s land. At first, this man is happy to buy the land. But when Boaz explains that the land comes with the responsibility of marrying Ruth to preserve the family name, the man backs out.
“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
The “No-Go” Redeemer vs. Boaz
This unnamed kinsman chose the easy path over the right path. He was worried about his bank account and his own legacy.
- What is easy is not always right.
- Money is a tool, not the end goal. * Our selfish nature cannot rescue others.
Boaz, however, willingly takes on the “hard thing.” He publicly acquires the land and, more importantly, purchases Ruth to be his wife.
From Bitterness to Blessing: Naomi’s Restoration
In chapter 1, Naomi asked to be called “Mara” (bitter), claiming the Lord had dealt forcefully against her. But by chapter 4, God restores her cheerfulness through the birth of a grandson, Obed.
“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. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age…” — Ruth 4:14-15
God has a way of turning our “empty” seasons into “full” ones. As the Psalmist (Naomi’s great-great-grandson, David) would later write:
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:3
The Ultimate Wedding: Paving the Way for Jesus
The book of Ruth doesn’t just end with a happy couple; it ends with a genealogy. Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed, who had a son named Jesse, who had a son named David.
This lineage leads directly to the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ. The story of Boaz redeeming Ruth is a “picture” of Jesus redeeming us.
Why Jesus is our Ultimate Kinsman Redeemer:
- He Paid a Higher Price: We weren’t redeemed with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19).
- He Chose the Hard Path: He took on our debt and our sin so that we could be part of His bride, the Church.
- He Offers an Eternal Invitation: There is a wedding coming in heaven—the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” — Revelation 19:7
Your Next Step
Ruth placed all her trust in Boaz to rescue her. Have you placed your trust in the only One who can truly redeem you? You don’t have to be “good enough” or “rich enough”—you simply have to rely on the Redeemer.
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