ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Ruth 4

Ruth 4:1–12 Scene 4: Boaz Arranges Redemption at the Gate. Both verb and noun forms of “redeem” occur throughout this scene (compare 2:20; 3:9; 12; 13; 4:14).

Ruth 4:1–2 The city gate served as a combined town hall and courthouse (compare 2 Sam. 15:2; Job 29:7–17; Prov. 22:22; 31:23; Amos 5:10). Elders witnessed transactions (Ruth 4:4, 9–11; see Deut. 25:7) and decided legal cases (see Deut. 21:19; 22:15).

Ruth 4:3–6 Redemption is referred to here in terms of buying and selling (vv. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10; Ps. 74:2; Jer. 32:7). When the “redeemer nearer” learns that Ruth will become his wife as part of the transaction, he changes his mind. Apparently he was concerned that any son born to him and Ruth would share the inheritance already planned for his present children.

Ruth 4:7–8 in former times. The practice must be explained since the readers of the book of Ruth no longer do this. exchanging. Transferring the right of redemption (v. 6). sandal. A symbol of this exchange (compare Ps. 60:8; Amos 2:6; 8:6).

Ruth 4:10 Moabite (see note on 1:22). To preserve the family property, Ruth was bought (redeemed) to be Boaz’s wife (see 4:13; Deut. 25:5). not be cut off from among his brothers. That is, from his clan relatives (Ruth 4:3). from the gate. Men of this family may have held prominent positions in the gate. His . . . place refers to his social standing.

Ruth 4:11 Rachel and Leah. Through childbearing they built up the house of Israel, that is, established and continued Jacob’s family (Deut. 25:9; Ps. 127:1, 3). Through Boaz’s offspring, David’s family, or “house,” was built (2 Sam. 7:11, 26). David’s selection as king was the pride of Ephrathah and Bethlehem (see note on Ruth 1:2; see 1 Sam. 17:12).

Ruth 4:12 Perez. Ancestor of the preeminent Judean Perezite clan (Num. 26:20–21) and of prominent leaders (1 Chron. 9:4; 27:2–3; Neh. 11:4–6; Matt. 1:3). Tamar, Judah. See Gen. 38:6–8. offspring. See Ruth 4:17; Ps. 89:4, 29.

Ruth 4:13–17 Conclusion: Naomi Blessed with a New Family. The conclusion serves as the reversal of the introduction. The Lord, through Ruth’s love, restores Naomi’s life.

Ruth 4:13 The word son sounds like “built up” (v. 11). The son is the one through whom the house (1:9; 4:11; 12) is built.

Ruth 4:14 Calling the heir a redeemer indicates that he is the one in whom redemption is realized.

Ruth 4:15 Naomi had complained that the Lord had “brought me back empty” (1:21). But now, he will be a restorer of life for her. who loves you. Ruth’s love for Naomi has been steadfast throughout the book (see 1:16–17). The number seven expresses completion, or fullness; this is the answer to Naomi’s complaint against God (see note on 1:20–21).

Ruth 4:17 son . . . to Naomi. Elimelech’s heir (v. 9). The Lord, through Ruth, also rewards Naomi (2:12) and gives her rest (1:9; 3:1). The childless widow became the grandmother of Obed, who was the grandfather of David.

Ruth 4:18–22 Genealogy: Extended Blessing. Looking backward and forward, this genealogy (compare 1 Chron. 2:5–15) shows how the Lord repaid and rewarded Ruth, as Boaz desired (Ruth 2:12). The Lord brought about a new family line which became, through David, the greatest in all Israel. Jesus’ genealogy includes three foreign women—Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth (Matt. 1:3, 5).

Ruth 4:18 Perez. See notes on v. 12 and Matt. 1:3. In a genealogy, the word “fathered” can mean fathered a later descendant; thus biblical genealogies, including this one, may skip generations.

Ruth 4:20 Nahshon, Aaron’s brother-in-law, was a leader among the Judean clans (Ex. 6:23; Num. 1:7; 10:14).

Ruth 4:21 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab (Matt. 1:5; see Josh. 6:25).

Ruth 4:22 Boaz and Ruth’s family eventually includes David. From David will come the Messiah.