Ruth 4:5 - Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must buy it also from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance.”
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What does "Ruth 4:5" mean?
This verse from Ruth 4:5 is a pivotal point in the story and reveals the complexities of ancient Israelite law and customs. Let's break down what Boaz is saying:
"Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi..." This refers to the kinsman-redeemer right. Naomi, having lost her husband and sons, is left with their inherited land. She is selling it because she needs to survive. A close relative (the "kinsman-redeemer") has the right of first refusal to buy the land. This verse assumes that the other kinsman (the one being addressed) is interested in purchasing Naomi's field.
"...you must buy it also from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead..." This is where it gets complicated. Boaz is explaining that buying the land comes with an additional obligation: to also "acquire" Ruth. In this context, "buy" doesn't mean purchasing her as a slave, but rather taking her as a wife. Ruth, being the widow of Naomi's son, is now bound to Naomi.
"...to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance.”" This is the core of the levirate marriage custom (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). The purpose of taking Ruth as a wife is to have a son who will inherit the land in the name of her deceased husband. This ensures that the dead man's name and lineage continue, and that his inheritance stays within his family. The firstborn son of Ruth and the kinsman-redeemer would be considered the legal heir of Ruth's deceased husband, not the legal heir of the kinsman-redeemer.
In essence, Boaz is telling the other kinsman-redeemer:
"If you buy Naomi's land, you're not just buying land. You're also taking on the responsibility of marrying Ruth and fathering a son with her. That son will be considered the heir of Ruth's deceased husband, and the land will ultimately belong to that child, ensuring the deceased husband's family line continues."
The Significance:
Preservation of Lineage: The verse highlights the importance placed on preserving family lineage and inheritance in ancient Israelite society.
Levirate Marriage: It illustrates the levirate marriage custom, which provided a way to care for widows and ensure the continuation of a deceased man's family line.
Challenge to Cultural Norms: Ruth being a Moabitess (a foreigner) makes this situation even more complex. The law generally discouraged marriage with foreigners. However, this story demonstrates how compassion and obedience to God's spirit could sometimes override strict adherence to the letter of the law.
Boaz's Character: Boaz's actions show his integrity. He isn't trying to hide the full implications of the land purchase. He makes sure the other kinsman-redeemer is fully aware of his responsibilities.
Foreshadowing: Ultimately, the child born to Ruth and her kinsman-redeemer (in this case Boaz) will be Obed, who is the grandfather of King David, setting the stage for the lineage of Jesus Christ.
This verse is crucial because it explains the conditions attached to the redemption of the land, the responsibilities the kinsman-redeemer would be taking on, and it sets the stage for the other kinsman-redeemer to decline the offer, ultimately allowing Boaz to redeem Ruth and the land.
Ruth 4:5 - Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must buy it also from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance.”
What does "Ruth 4:5" mean?
This verse from Ruth 4:5 is a pivotal point in the story and reveals the complexities of ancient Israelite law and customs. Let's break down what Boaz is saying:
"Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi..." This refers to the kinsman-redeemer right. Naomi, having lost her husband and sons, is left with their inherited land. She is selling it because she needs to survive. A close relative (the "kinsman-redeemer") has the right of first refusal to buy the land. This verse assumes that the other kinsman (the one being addressed) is interested in purchasing Naomi's field.
"...you must buy it also from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead..." This is where it gets complicated. Boaz is explaining that buying the land comes with an additional obligation: to also "acquire" Ruth. In this context, "buy" doesn't mean purchasing her as a slave, but rather taking her as a wife. Ruth, being the widow of Naomi's son, is now bound to Naomi.
"...to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance.”" This is the core of the levirate marriage custom (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). The purpose of taking Ruth as a wife is to have a son who will inherit the land in the name of her deceased husband. This ensures that the dead man's name and lineage continue, and that his inheritance stays within his family. The firstborn son of Ruth and the kinsman-redeemer would be considered the legal heir of Ruth's deceased husband, not the legal heir of the kinsman-redeemer.
In essence, Boaz is telling the other kinsman-redeemer:
"If you buy Naomi's land, you're not just buying land. You're also taking on the responsibility of marrying Ruth and fathering a son with her. That son will be considered the heir of Ruth's deceased husband, and the land will ultimately belong to that child, ensuring the deceased husband's family line continues."
The Significance:
Preservation of Lineage: The verse highlights the importance placed on preserving family lineage and inheritance in ancient Israelite society.
Levirate Marriage: It illustrates the levirate marriage custom, which provided a way to care for widows and ensure the continuation of a deceased man's family line.
Challenge to Cultural Norms: Ruth being a Moabitess (a foreigner) makes this situation even more complex. The law generally discouraged marriage with foreigners. However, this story demonstrates how compassion and obedience to God's spirit could sometimes override strict adherence to the letter of the law.
Boaz's Character: Boaz's actions show his integrity. He isn't trying to hide the full implications of the land purchase. He makes sure the other kinsman-redeemer is fully aware of his responsibilities.
Foreshadowing: Ultimately, the child born to Ruth and her kinsman-redeemer (in this case Boaz) will be Obed, who is the grandfather of King David, setting the stage for the lineage of Jesus Christ.
This verse is crucial because it explains the conditions attached to the redemption of the land, the responsibilities the kinsman-redeemer would be taking on, and it sets the stage for the other kinsman-redeemer to decline the offer, ultimately allowing Boaz to redeem Ruth and the land.