A Family Redeemed

While another close relative initially expresses a desire to claim as his own the land and property of Elimelech, he quickly backtracks when Boaz makes it known to him that this will involve taking Ruth, the Moabitess, as his wife. With all other claims renounced, Boaz fulfills his promise to Ruth, marries her, and redeems the land and family of Naomi! The Lord even grants Ruth and Boaz, a son. But not just any son; this son will be the grandfather of King David, himself. All of Bethlehem marvels at how kind the Lord has been to Naomi - in a great reversal of her bitterness. She instead becomes mother to Ruth, who her neighbours claim is better than seven sons! And like a mother to Obed, who will guarantee her future and preserve her husband's name. This kindness by the Lord to this small family in a dark period of Israel's history, the writer hints to us, is just a small taste of what he will do for all Israel! For soon the time of the judges will be over, and David the King will bring a restoration - a restoration that itself will only be a small foretaste of the Greater Redemption ushered in by a Son even greater than David!