We are only two posts away from completing our study of Ruth. Yesterday you were asked several questions. As you attempted to answer each, I'm sure you became aware that some of the questions could have many possible answers. Below are "informed" speculations to two of yesterday's questions for you to ponder. Remember, in studying the Bible we are not always told what we want to know, but what we need to know.
"ANSWERS"
#1 4:3 Who appears to own the land at this point?
Several possibilities:
1) Naomi still owns the land - but is destitute & is forced to sell;
2) Elimelech had sold the land before leaving for Moab - & by law, Naomi retains the right of redemption; however, w/no funds to do so – Naomi is dependent upon a kinsman-redeemer to do it for her;
3) One commentary suggested that the land had been passed from Elimelech to Mahlon (Ruth’s husband) before Mahlon died and - at the death of Mahlon, ownership had then passed to Naomi & Ruth jointly (notice how 4:5 reads)
#3 After Boaz explained "part 2" of the deal, how did the kinsmen respond? What was his reason?
What could have been the factors in his refusal?
Could Ruth’s Moabite (culture?) been a factor in his refusal?
(another thought – if only Naomi was left & he had been required to marry her (beyond child-bearing age) – do you think he would have been more agreeable?)
Perhaps the “first option” kinsman-redeemer already had property and maybe a son & a wife … ? He realized that marrying Ruth and fathering male children could complicate not only his own estate – but also his life!! Nothing is ever said of any family Boaz might have – since he was older – he could have been a widower – no way to know.
Now that your mind juices are flowing let's get started on today's assignment...
ASSIGNMENT:
Read Ruth 4:7-22
Jot down the answer to the following questions in your notebook...
1. In verses 7-8 we read about a "sandal removal" custom. What do you remember about this from the Deut 25 passage we read that described this practice?
A look deeper...
4:7 refers to the sandal custom of earlier times in Israel of the redemption or transfer of property. The custom dates back to the days of Abraham & is referred to in some of the covenants that ancient Hebrews could enter into among themselves.
It was an important part in an inheritance covenant – once a father’s blessing had been bestowed upon a son, 4 sandals were placed at the corners of the man’s land – sandals held down by rocks. These were considered sacred boundary markers & could not be moved by anyone. (optional Deut. 19)
Sandals were also an important part of the Hebrew marriage ceremony. The groom would remove his bride’s sandals, wash her feet and place new sandals on them – signifying her ownership of all that was his.
2. The Bethlehem elders issue a three-fold blessing to Boaz. Fill in the blanks below:
1) May the Lord make (Ruth) like _______ & ____
2) May you have standing in _________& be famous in _________
3) May your family be like that of _____
3. In verse 13 it says “The Lord enabled her to conceive.” What is the underlying truth here? one we’ve seen all through this story.
4. What was the reaction of the women of Bethlehem when Ruth bore a son? Who received the credit for the fullness that Naomi realized after her years of emptiness?
Extra Credit
Do you know what the significance could possibly be of the number 7 is in verse 15 ?
