Last week we left Naomi and Ruth about to embark on a time of waiting. Let's see what that's all about ...
Ruth 4:1-8
Naomi’s
advice after hearing Ruth’s response in 3:18 was one of wisdom.
Ruth 3:18 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 18 Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.”
Waiting can be hard and I’m sure that Naomi and Ruth found this to be true during this time. Can’t you just see Naomi and Ruth going about their morning chores discussing the previous night’s events wondering and waiting or, maybe they were both deep in thought with few words being shared. Either way, you know this situation had to be occupying both of their thoughts!
In the meantime, Boaz went to the gate of the city to find the relative that was closer than he to Naomi and Ruth. Once he found him he made known to him of Ruth and Naomi and inquired whether he wished to redeem Elimelech’s inheritance. Boaz also informed the closest relative that if he did accept the role of redeemer, that Ruth would become his wife and he must raise up children in the name of Ruth’s deceased husband. The man informed Boaz that he couldn’t redeem the land because it would jeopardize his own inheritance. The man then passed the right to redeem Elimelech’s inheritance to the next closest relative, which was Boaz.
Ruth 4:1-6 ... 1Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there, and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said, “Turn aside, friend, sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. 2He took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. 3Then he said to the closest relative, “Naomi, who has come back from the land of Moab, has to sell the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech. 4“So I thought to inform you, saying, ‘Buy it before those who are sitting here, and before the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if not, tell me that I may know; for there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am after you.’” And he said, “I will redeem it.” 5Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of the deceased, in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.” 6The closest relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, because I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption, for I cannot redeem it.”
What would become of Naomi and Ruth’s inheritance, what would become of Naomi and Ruth? These were thoughts that I’m sure occupied Naomi and Ruth’s minds as they waited to see how the matter would be settled.
Questions:
1. What do you think Naomi and Ruth’s state of mind was, as they waited to see what their future held?
2. Where did Boaz find Naomi’s ‘next of kin?’
3. When Naomi’s ‘next of kin’ was notified that Naomi was going to sell the family land and that he had the first option to purchase it, what was his reaction?
4. What changed his mind?
5. Whose ‘hands’ are Naomi and Ruth’s future in now?
Next week ... the end of the matter!
Until then!
patsy @ From This Heart of Mine
~ a place for women to gather and study God's Word ~
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