This sermon explores the climactic events of Ruth chapter 4, focusing on the biblical concept of redemption. Beginning with a reminder that God is sovereign and trustworthy in all circumstances, the message dives into the legal and cultural intricacies of the kinsman-redeemer law.
The sermon explains how this law, rooted in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, was designed to protect vulnerable families and keep property within the family line. We see this principle in action as Boaz goes to the city gate—the place of legal matters—to settle the redemption of Naomi's land and Ruth's future. The term "redeem" is defined as "to buy back by paying a price," setting the stage for the drama that unfolds.
When the closer kinsman initially agrees to redeem the land, Boaz introduces a crucial condition: the deal includes marrying "Ruth the Moabitess" to preserve the name of the deceased. This selfless act, which combines land redemption with levirate marriage, proves too costly for the other man. His refusal highlights Boaz's own noble character, as his priority was not financial gain but the preservation of the family line, ultimately securing his place in the lineage of Christ.
