Kinsman Redeemer

by

The Book of Ruth is a link between the time of the judges and the time of the kings.  In this book, we see a unique story of how God brings about provision for two widows.

Through this story, God is showing that his promise to reach all nations (Gen. 12:3) is being fulfilled.

Here is a great summary of the story.

Notes

  1. God is faithful even when we are not.
  2. The kinsman redeemer ensured that after a man died, his land would not remain outside the family (Lev. 25:23-28) and a childless widow could marry her deceased husband’s brother (Deut. 25:5-6) to provide an heir for the family.
  3. Never underestimate the power of family as it regards to one’s faith (Ru. 1:16-17).
  4. Women in the ancient Near East were dependent upon a husband or sons. There were no retirement accounts or sufficient work opportunities.
  5. Landowners were instructed not to harvest the corners of their fields to give the poor a place to obtain portions.
  6. Since the famine caused Naomi’s family to leave the promised land, she had no community to seek help once the men died.
  7. Ruth left her Moabite family to remain alongside Naomi.
  8. Ruth signs up to follow the God (Ru. 1:16) who afflicts (Ru. 1:13).
  9. In Naomi’s despair, she has taken for granted that the famine has been lifted, provision has been made, and a companion has been provided.
  10. Since God exists, coincidences cannot (Ru. 2:3; cf. Prov. 16:9).
  11. Ruth, the foreigner, receives underserved compassion (Ru. 2:8-9).
  12. Ruth’s noble actions stemmed from her faith in the Lord and he blessed her because of it (Ru. 2:12).
  13. To spread one’s garment over a person meant to claim that person for yourself.  “Garment” same word for “wing” (Ru. 2:12; 3:9).
  14. Even among human compassion, never neglect divine providence (Ru. 4:14).
  15. The son born to Ruth “has been born to Naomi” (Ru. 4:17).  God brings matchless faithfulness through our tragedies.
  16. In our greatest sorrow, God is laying the groundwork for our greatest joy.
  17. This kinsman redeemer is the great-grandfather of David leading us to the descendent who would be the promised Messiah – Jesus (Ru. 4:17; cf. Mt. 1:5).