The account of Ruth is a profound narrative of redemption, loyalty, and God’s providence. Found in the Old Testament, the book of Ruth not only recounts the journey of a Moabite widow who finds favor in the eyes of Boaz but also foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, our Kinsman Redeemer.
The book begins during the time of the judges, a period marked by spiritual and moral chaos in Israel (Ruth 1:1). Amid this setting, we meet Elimelech and Naomi, who leave Bethlehem due to famine and settle in Moab. Tragically, Elimelech and his two sons die, leaving Naomi and her Moabite daughters-in-law as widows. One of these daughters-in-law is Ruth, who demonstrates extraordinary loyalty by clinging to Naomi, saying, “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16). This declaration not only reflects Ruth’s love for Naomi but also her conversion to faith in the God of Israel.
Boaz as the Kinsman Redeemer
When Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem, Ruth begins gleaning in the fields to provide for them. By divine providence, she ends up in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and godly man who is a close relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech (Ruth 2:1–3). Boaz notices Ruth’s faithfulness and character, commending her for seeking refuge under the wings of the God of Israel (Ruth 2:12).
In Ruth 3, Naomi instructs Ruth to present herself to Boaz as a kinsman redeemer. The concept of the kinsman redeemer comes from Leviticus 25:25–49 and Deuteronomy 25:5–10, where God established laws for protecting the lineage and property of an Israelite family. A kinsman redeemer was a close relative who had the right and responsibility to redeem a family member’s property, marry a widow, and preserve the family line.
Boaz, recognizing his role as a kinsman redeemer, responds to Ruth with kindness and integrity. However, he acknowledges that another relative is a closer kinsman. In Ruth 4, Boaz negotiates with the closer relative at the city gate, ultimately securing his right to redeem Ruth and Naomi’s inheritance.
Jesus as the Ultimate Kinsman Redeemer
The role of Boaz in Ruth’s life foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ as our ultimate Kinsman Redeemer:
A Willing Redeemer: Boaz willingly took on the responsibility of redemption, even when it involved personal cost. Similarly, Jesus willingly laid down His life to redeem us. In John 10:18, Jesus says, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.”
A Close Relative: To qualify as a kinsman redeemer, Boaz had to be a close relative. Jesus, by taking on human flesh, became our brother and fulfilled this requirement. The writer of Hebrews declares, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same” (Hebrews 2:14).
Redemption through Payment: Boaz redeemed Ruth and Naomi by paying the necessary price to secure their inheritance. Jesus, in a far greater act, redeemed us by paying the price of sin with His blood. Paul writes in Ephesians 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
Restoration and Inclusion: Boaz’s redemption of Ruth restored her and Naomi to a place of security and honor. Even more, Ruth, a Moabite, was brought into the covenant community of Israel and became part of the lineage of the Messiah (Matthew 1:5). In Christ, we too are brought into the family of God, no matter our background, as Paul writes in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek…for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Ruth’s Faith and Redemption’s Fruit
The Biblical account of Ruth also highlights the role of faith and obedience in receiving redemption. Ruth’s choice to leave Moab and follow Naomi to Bethlehem mirrors our decision to turn away from the world and follow Christ. Her humility and boldness in approaching Boaz reflect the believer’s reliance on God’s grace and provision.
Boaz’s actions point to Christ’s love and sacrifice, but they also remind us that redemption involves restoration. Through Boaz’s redemption, Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David, placing her in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:17). This highlights God’s providence and His ability to bring beauty from ashes, as He did for Naomi and Ruth.
Theological Themes in Ruth
The book of Ruth is rich in theological truths. First, it underscores God’s providence. From Ruth’s arrival in Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:3) to Boaz’s willingness to redeem, every step of the story reflects God’s hand. Second, it emphasizes God’s inclusive grace. Ruth, a Moabite, becomes part of the covenant people, prefiguring the inclusion of the Gentiles in Christ’s salvation (Ephesians 2:11–13). Finally, the Book of Ruth reveals God’s redemptive love. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, Jesus redeems us from sin, restoring us to fellowship with God and securing an eternal inheritance.
My Final Thoughts
The account of Ruth and Boaz is not just an inspiring narrative of loyalty and love—it is a picture of the gospel. Boaz, the kinsman redeemer, points us to Jesus Christ, who willingly paid the ultimate price to redeem us from sin and death. As Ruth took refuge under Boaz’s protection, we are called to take refuge under the wings of Christ, our Savior. In Him, we find redemption, restoration, and an eternal inheritance. Just as Naomi and Ruth found hope through Boaz, we have a living hope through Jesus Christ, the ultimate Kinsman Redeemer. As Paul writes in Colossians 1:13–14, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
