Ruth 4

Now it is at this point in the story that we encounter a little bit of a twist. Boaz informs Ruth that yes he is a close relative but in fact there is a closer relative and it falls to him to have first option to redeem Ruth. Boaz, being the gracious man that he was, says that he would intercede on her behalf and see if this closer relative is willing to perform the task. In the meantime Boaz graciously keeps her safe and in the morning sends her on her way with a large amount of grain, in fact the measure used is considerably larger than indicated in The New International Version or other modern translations where it is referred to as just a measure or scoop. The older translations refer to an old measure called an ephah. An ephah is actually equivalent to approximately 24kg or 24 bags of flour. Boaz gave Ruth 6 ephahs, that is 6 x24 = 144 kg. What this demonstrates is that Boaz was extremely generous and gives us an insight into the heart of God where Grace truly abounds.

So who is this 'closer relative?' I would like to suggest that it is 'the law', it is what we call the ten commandments. These were given by God to Moses in order to set out a way of life for the Jews, Gods chosen people, so that, if adhered to,  they would enjoy a life free of strife and trouble. The trouble is the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Paul refers to being free from indwelling sin in Romans 8:1-4 where he talks about there being no condemnation to those who are in Christ and how the law of the spirit of Christ has made us free from the law of sin and death. He goes on to say that what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh. He condemned sin in the flesh that the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

So back to our story, Boaz recognises that there is someone who is a closer relative to Ruth and knows that he has to be given a chance of redeeming. What we find as we read through this story is that this closer relative is willing to acquire the land and material possessions of Elimalech but unable to commit to the responsibility of taking on Ruth. What this demonstrates is that a life lived in 'the flesh' or lived without God and His saving Grace is unable to fulfill and keep the law. This story shows a higher way and serves to indicate that “by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8 kjv

Ruth was 'saved' or redeemed by Grace and was established into the house of Boaz and gave birth to a son called Obed who in turn fathered a son called Jesse, who in turn fathered a son called David, who later became the king of Israel and who was described as 'the friend of God'. I think this little story of a young women in a foreign land and a mans world shows us that life is not lost by circumstances but actually gained through Grace, the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who offered Himself on a cross so we could be free from the power of sin and death.