Ruth 4: From Redemption to Rejoicing

Ruth 4 reveals God’s providence and redeeming grace through Boaz, pointing to Christ who restores the broken, fulfills God’s promise, and gives eterna

Context

What began in famine and death now ends in fullness and life. Ruth 3 prepared the way for redemption; Ruth 4 fulfills it. Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, lawfully redeems Ruth before the elders at the city gate. Their marriage leads to the birth of Obed, restoring Naomi’s joy and securing the lineage that would lead to David and ultimately to Christ, our Redeemer.

Proposition

Trust the Redeemer who pays the price to restore your life and give you an eternal inheritance.

Boaz Secures Redemption (4:1–10)

Boaz publicly settles the matter of redemption with integrity and courage. The nearer kinsman refuses the duty out of self-interest, unwilling to endanger his own inheritance. Boaz steps forward in grace, willingly paying the cost to redeem Ruth and her family line. In him we see the reflection of Christ, who took on human flesh to become our kinsmen redeemer. He took our place on the cross, to redeem what we lost through sin. Just as Boaz fulfilled the law to save Ruth, Christ fulfilled all righteousness to save us. His cross satisfies God’s justice, and His resurrection secures our redemption forever.

The People Bless Ruth and Boaz (4:11–12)

The elders and townspeople bless Boaz and Ruth, asking that their house be like that of Rachel, Leah, and Perez—ancestors through whom God built Israel. This blessing shows that God’s plan of redemption extends beyond the individual. It reaches generations and nations. Ruth, once a Moabite outsider, now shares in the covenant blessings of Israel. This anticipates the gospel reaching to Gentiles through Christ. The Redeemer’s work always expands the circle of grace to include all who believe.

Naomi’s Restoration and Obed’s Birth (4:13–17)

Ruth conceives, and Naomi cradles the child with joy. The women praise the Lord who has not left her without a redeemer. Obed’s birth restores Naomi’s hope and continues the family line. The child of Ruth’s faith becomes the grandfather of David, from whose line comes the Messiah (Ruth 4:17; Matthew 1:5–6). Through this, we see God’s faithfulness in turning sorrow to joy and emptiness to fullness. Every believer can rest in the assurance that our Redeemer brings restoration far greater than what sin destroyed.

The Genealogy of Redemption (4:18–22)

The genealogy from Perez to David ties Ruth’s story to God’s covenant promise. What began as a family tragedy in Moab becomes a link in the chain leading to the Savior. God’s providence over generations shows that He never wastes the faithfulness of His people. Every obedient act, every step of faith, serves His redemptive plan that culminated in Christ—the Son of David, the eternal King.

Invitation

The story of Ruth ends where the gospel begins—with a Redeemer who pays the price for others’ restoration. Like Ruth, every sinner stands helpless apart from one who is both willing and able to redeem. Jesus Christ took our sin upon Himself at the cross, bearing the wrath of God that we deserved. His death fully satisfied God’s righteous judgment, and His resurrection proves the price was accepted. He lives to redeem all who call upon His name. If you have not trusted Him, call on the Lord today. Change your mind about sin and believe in the One who died and rose again for you. He will bring you out of emptiness into eternal life, giving you an inheritance that will never fade. 

For those who already know Him, the message of Ruth calls us to leave the spiritual Moab of compromise and return to wholehearted fellowship with the Redeemer, trusting Him to restore what was lost and to renew joy in His presence.