The Faith and Patience of RUTH (2)

Boaz also provides Ruth with protection, charging the young men that they shall not touch her.

In a society where an unprotected widow was vulnerable to harassment and abuse, Boaz establishes boundaries that shelter Ruth from harm.

The Redeemer is not only one who gives, but one who protects, who creates safe space for the vulnerable to flourish.

The Redeemer both gives and protects.

A crucial moment in the narrative occurs when the matter of redemption comes to legal resolution.

Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor and make her request known.

Ruth does so and Boaz responds with a statement that reveals both his integrity and his desire.

Ruth chapter 3 verse 11 And now, my daughter, fear not.

I will do to thee all that thou requirest for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

He has seen in Ruth what the community sees, a woman of excellence, worthy of honor.

However, there is a legal obstacle, another kinsman closer in relation than Boaz, who by Israelite law has the right of first refusal to redeem.

At the city gate, Boaz presents the case To this closer kinsman who initially agrees to redeem Naomi's land.

But when Boaz mentions that redeeming the land also requires marrying Ruth.

And raising up an heir the man refuses.

Ruth chapter 4 verse 6.

I cannot redeem it for myself lest I mar mine own inheritance.

Redeem thou my right to thyself for I cannot redeem it.

This is a powerful moment in the typology.

The closer kinsman represents the law.

The law cannot redeem because redemption would mar the law's own inheritance.

The law cannot produce life.

It can only condemn.

The law cannot redeem.

It can only condemn.

But Boaz steps forward.