Ruth 4:1-6
1 Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there, and behold, the redeemer of whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said, “Come over here, friend, sit down here.” And he came over and sat down.
2 Then he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down.
3 And he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, has to sell the plot of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech.
4 So I thought that I would 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 so that I may know; for there is no one except you to redeem it, and I am after you.’ ” And he said, “I will redeem it.”
5 Then 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.”
6 Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, otherwise I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption, since I cannot redeem it.”
Refusal of Redemption
At the city gate
The safest path for any professional to take in life is the straight and lawful path. Legal and just dealings increase one’s credibility and promise future prosperity. Let’s learn from Boaz’s actions. (1) Boaz went to the city gate right away and sat there to wait for the close relative with the right of redemption. The city gate served as a place of defense, meetings, and even as a court or marketplace. Boaz intended to conduct public business here to ensure that there would be no false rumors, regardless of the outcome. (2) The close relative arrived at the gate. Boaz was well aware that all of those who worked in the fields passed through the gate. (3) Boaz gathered ten elders there. It was necessary to have ten people to make legally significant decisions. Elders here refer to officials of the town, not necessarily elderly individuals. Through the judgment of these ten elders, the marriage would become official.
Boaz’ suggestion
Boaz initiates a conversation with the close relative, mentioning that Naomi, who had returned from the fields of Moab, was planning to sell her late husband Elimelech’s field. He gave the relative the option to redeem it, but if not, he was willing to do so himself. The relative initially agreed to it, but changed his mind when he heard that he must also take Ruth, the Moabite woman. It seems he held some prejudice against Moabites or perhaps feared losing his property to the child that Ruth might bear. Even today, many people choose to decline God’s invitation. The reasons can range from prejudices to concerns about economic loss. Some might claim to have good impression of Christianity but choose to distance themselves or even run away when asked if they would want to believe. It’s truly unfortunate. God has prepared a wonderful deal for you too. Are you gladly accepting it and making His blessings your own? Those who see the things with true value and seize them are the true masters of life.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father of Jesus Christ, may I be able to engage in lawful and just dealings. Give me the discernment to never miss the opportunities You provide. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.