The book of Ruth is a very attractive little book, coming where it does in between the book of Judges, with its sad decline, and the book of First Samuel, which shows us the revival that came out of that decline. The introduction is very moving, because it all happened "in the days when the Judges ruled". This is most encouraging because it shows how that God is still working, no matter how bad things appear publicly. He is working in the most unlikely places, and through the most unlikely people. The end result of His working, is worship for Himself from the hearts of those that love Him. And the exaltation of Christ, great David’s greater Son.

THE BACKGROUND.

This beautiful story is set against a background of dismal failure. The book of Judges ends on a tragic note. "There was no king in Israel; and every man did what was right in his own eyes", This is a state of total anarchy, because what was right in the eyes of those that were living at a distance from God, would differ from person to person. What was right to one would be wrong to another, and vice versa. There is only one standard of absoluteness in this regard, and that is the word of God. It is in that book that we have a clear demarcation of good and evil. However in the days of the Judges, the law was ignored, or forgotten.

God had told His people that they were not to have a king like the nations. He was to be their King, and they were to be ruled by His word. But both God and His word were ignored, and the result was disaster. God had to teach His people that He was the source of their blessing. That every good and perfect gift came down from above, from Him in whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17. It was quite simple for God to teach His people this; all He had to do was to shut up the heavens; to allow famine to develop.

FAMINE.

As we have just seen, famines in the Old Testament were one of God’s ways of teaching His people through discipline. This is so even today, in the spiritual sense amongst God’s children. If there is no blessing, when His people gather to the name of the Lord Jesus. If there are no souls being saved, then we need to ask ourselves; Why? God loves to bless, and when He withholds His blessing there is a reason for this. In that situation we need to search our own hearts, and to give ourselves to earnest prayer.

However when famine came to Israel, Elimelech failed to do this. Instead he took the easy way out, he ran away from that place of blessing, Bethlehem, (house of bread); and went to the fields of Moab. There is always the temptation, when difficult times come, to run away from the trouble. However we never solve problems by running away from them. At such a time, things always seem to be worse than what they really are. Naomi confessed this ten years later, when she admitted, "I went out full".

Elimelech had an illustrious name, but he was not true to that name. His name means, "My God is King", however Jehovah was not the king of Elimelech’s life, he was king himself. He did his own will; he did what was right in his own eyes. So he took his family, and ran away to the country of Moab, and continued there. In other words, this was not just a visit, he settled down there, and he died there also.

Moab was the son of Lot, the product of a drunken and incestuous relationship between poor fallen Lot and one of his daughters. So that Elimelech could have claimed that the descendants of Lot were his relatives. Lot was the adopted son, & nephew of the great Abraham. Also when the children of Israel came into the Promised Land, they were not permitted to attack the Moabites, because God had given them that piece of territory as their inheritance. However they brought a solemn curse upon themselves, because they failed to meet the Children of Israel with bread and water. In fact they hired the wicked Balaam to curse their distant cousins. Because of this, God proclaimed that the Moabite was not to come into His congregation forever, even to the tenth generation. Deut. 23:3 It seems that they continued Lot’s drunken practices, and also turned to idolatry. Thus the Moabites were a drunken, immoral, idolatrous people. Their territory was hardly the place for a godly Israelite to settle his family. But poor Elimelech chose the easy path rather than stay and face the difficulties at Bethlehem.

The same temptation exists today, when spiritual famine comes amongst those people of God that gather to the name of the Lord Jesus alone. That is, there is always the temptation to run away, to choose the easy path. To accept fellowship with those that have no proper regard for the principles of holiness that are set out in God’s word. We may argue, "They are Christians also". Elimelech could put forward the same argument, as the descendants of Abraham, and the descendants of Lot were related. Let us be warned by what happened to Elimelech!

TRAGEDY STRIKES.

Though they ran away from trouble, and took the easy way out, yet trouble pursued them. Elimelech died. Spiritual death often comes to those in places of leadership that leave the path of the will of God. This made great problems for Naomi, because she is left a widow in a foreign land. Her name means "My pleasantness", but the experiences that she passed through were very bitter, and they made her bitter also.

They had two sons, Mahlon, (meaning sickness), and Chilion, (meaning pining). These were not robust and healthy boys, one could hardly expect them to be so, having such a father. After the death of her husband Naomi chose to remain in the country of Moab. She then married her two sons to Moabite girls, but they both died, leaving no children. It seems that Naomi broke other laws of God, by causing these mixed marriages

So Naomi’s problems only multiplied. Not only was she a widow in a foreign land, but also now she has two widowed daughters in law. However there was still something about her that attracted Ruth in particular. Despite her back-slidden condition, there was still something of dignity and character that Ruth could not find in her own people. The situation in Bethlehem had now changed and the famine had ended. God had visited His people and was giving them bread. The tidings of this revival had spread far and wide. Naomi had heard it in the country of Moab.

THE GREAT DECISION.

This led Naomi to make the wisest decision of her life. She would go back to the place that she had left It is always a wise decision when a backslider decides to return to the Lord, to get right with God. To go back to those that they have left, and to occupy again the place that is theirs amongst God’s people. If one such should happen to read this, let me plead with you. "Go back, get right with God and His people!" Troubles do not last forever, when sin and failure are confessed and forsaken, the blessing will return.

The way back is never easy, the path of rebellion and compromise often is. Now that Naomi had made up her mind to return, she had the problem of her two Moabite daughters in law. How could she take them back to Bethlehem, when she knew that God had said that the Moabite was not to come into His congregation forever? Perhaps they would be shunned and ostracized as unclean foreigners, by the people at Bethlehem. This would only add to their misery and hers. When we decide to do the right thing, then Satan will always bring doubts into our mind. But lets go ahead and do what is right whatever the consequences!

What a sad situation Naomi was in now. So she decided to urge her two daughters in law to return to their own people, (drunken, immoral and idolatrous though they were), and to the gods that they worshipped. This was like sending them to hell, because only in Jehovah the God of Israel was salvation to be obtained. She pointed out to them the futility of her ever having sons that might become their husbands. The situation was hopeless. It would be easy for them to get a husband amongst their own people, but they would be sacrificing eternal blessing as a consequence. Orpah decided the cost of accompanying Naomi back to Bethlehem was too great. Though she loved Naomi, kissed her and wept at their parting, yet she went back. The pleasures of sin were too nice for her to give them up. So she went back, and we never read of her again.

RUTH’S COMMITTAL.

Naomi then tried to tempt Ruth to make the same decision as Orpah. She says to Ruth, "Your sister in law is gone back unto her people and her gods, return after your sister in law". What sad counsel this was, advising this poor Moabite to forget all the good things that she had seen in her mother in law, and the things that she had heard from her. She advises her to go back into total spiritual darkness. However her counsel only drew out form Ruth the most beautiful committal. Her mind was made up; nothing would make her go back. She was truly converted. The people of Moab were no longer her people, but the people of Naomi, the people of God were now her people. Jehovah was her God. Even though His word had said that she could never come into His congregation, yet she hoped in the mercy of God. Though Naomi was away from Jehovah, yet there was still something about her that Ruth could not find in the women of Moab.

She bade Naomi to cease her pleading; it was only grieving her heart. She clung to her mother in law. She would never leave her. Such commitment is beautiful to see, sadly it is very rare today. Even within the marriage bond, the vows that couples take, in the presence of God and many witnesses, are regarded so lightly, and broken so easily.

Not only did she commit herself to Naomi, but to Naomi’s people, and Naomi’s God. She had no authority in the light of God’s holy law to do this. It plainly stated that such as she was never to come into Jehovah’s congregation forever. Yet in spite of such a firm denial and the discouragement that it brought; she dared to hope in the mercy of God. God is always pleased when one hopes in His mercy. He delights in mercy, He is rich in mercy, and through His prophet He said, "I desired mercy and not sacrifice". Hosea 6:6 And "I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy". Exodus 33:19. As the hymn says, "This is thy grand prerogative, and none can in that honour share". The Publican that cried to God for mercy went down to his house justified. Luke 18:14. God was listening when Ruth made this lovely committal, and He determined to bless her. Not only did He show mercy to her, but poured His abundant grace upon her. It has been said, "Mercy sees that we do not get what we do deserve, but Grace sees that we do get what we do not deserve".

THE RETURN JOURNEY.

When Naomi saw that Ruth was steadfastly minded to go with her, she left off speaking to her. It must have seemed a long journey back, a journey that was marked by silence. Naomi had a great burden on her spirit, and perhaps many doubts were passing through her mind. Though it seems that she never spoke to Ruth, yet probably she was crying out to God in her heart all the while.

Whenever any soul seeks to get right with God, and to go back to the place that they have left, the place that God had given them; then Satan will spare no effort to try to discourage them. He will fill the mind of such a person with grave doubts, and with great fears. Perhaps this accounts for Naomi’s silence. Was she thinking, "What is going to happen to us? Perhaps the village people will not want us any more? It is more than ten years since we went away; perhaps someone else will be living in our house? Perhaps they will shun this lovely daughter in law of mine? Poor soul what a bitter thing for her to experience". Then the grief of the loss that she had sustained in Moab ate into her soul. When she went away she had a husband, and two sons, now she has no one, except this poor Moabitish maiden, and Jehovah left. What will it be like to live in that empty house? It would be full of memories of happier times.

However what ever her thoughts and doubts may have been, she had no need to worry. When they arrived, the house was still there waiting for them. The place that she formerly had in the hearts of her village sisters was still there. When she entered the village, the women gathered around them. They were so glad that she had returned. What a welcome they gave to her and to Ruth. "Is this Naomi?" they asked, but the poor backslider replied, "Call me not Naomi, (my pleasantness), but call me Marah, (Bitterness). For the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. Then she recalled that things were not quite so bad as they had imagined when they went away. This is often so, wisdom is to wait and to be patient, and only after much prayer to act in leaving any thing or company.

THE BARLEY HARVEST.

The time of their return is important to note. Barley is the first of the grains to be harvested, and it represents the principle of resurrection. 1Cor 15:20 & 23. A moral and spiritual resurrection was about to take place in the life of Naomi. She had tasted death and the bitterness and sorrow that it brought; now she was to taste the wonder and thrill of a new life. She had made a mess of her own life, but now she had given up all to Jehovah. Now she would witness the wonder and miracle of His arrangements, and their timing.

First there was the house to be put in order. It had been empty for more than ten years, except for spiders and other insects. She was faced with the result of years of neglect, but she had a willing helper in her sweet daughter in law. It is always so, when restoration takes place in any life, after a period of backsliding. True restoration requires that we get rid of all those things in our lives, that years of neglect have allowed to enter and to take up residence. Things that are grieving to the Holy Spirit, and are contrary to the word of God. These things we must judge, confess, and get rid of them from our lives.

After this work of cleansing their residence, then Ruth became aware of the provision that God had made for such as herself and Naomi. She was not content to remain at home, and in laziness to be a burden on her mother in law. It was through that dear lady that she had come into such blessing thus far, and she was quite willing to do something in return for the kindness that had been shown to her.

We are not told that she prayed, and sought the guidance of God as she went out to glean in the fields. She had not heard of such a thing in her former land, nor had she been taught as we are, to seek the face of the Lord in everything. Nevertheless God had His eye on her for blessing, and He had a plan for her life. Such a wonderful plan! Likewise He also has a plan for our lives. We are His workmanship, and have been created in Christ Jesus for good works. God himself has prepared those works beforehand for us to walk in them. Eph. 2:10. Let us then yield our lives to His control each day. Let us seek his will, that He may lead us in the right path, so that those good works may be accomplished for His glory.

Though there is no evidence that Ruth had sought the guidance of God as to where she was to glean; yet He had his hand over her life and guided her to the portion of the field that belonged to Boaz. The AV. says that her hap was to light on that portion of the field that belonged to Boaz. Another translation says, "She chanced to light upon the allotment of Boaz". But we know that there was no ‘chance’ in it, God had ordained this to take place. Some would say, "How lucky she was", but there is no such thing a luck or chance in the ways of God.

The name Boaz, means ‘In him is strength’, and we are told that he was a ‘mighty man of wealth’. He represents the Lord Jesus, and as the story unfolds he was the one through whom Ruth was to become personally related to ‘Great David’s Greater Son’. It is said of our Lord Jesus that His riches are unsearchable. Eph. 3:8. Thus the God under whose wings she had come to trust, guided her to the one that in type represents our Lord Jesus.

RUTH THE GLEANER.

Ruth asked permission of Naomi first to go and glean, and having received her permission and blessing, was guided sovereignly by God to the field of Boaz. Perhaps Naomi had told her of the provision that God had made in His law for the widow, the fatherless and the stranger. It is possible also that they were in some need. Gleaning was a hot and tiring work, with little reward. It involved picking up the straws of grain that were missed by the reapers. She was very diligent in this work, and has become an example that should be followed by all young believers.

When we are saved, there comes a desire to learn, and to understand the word of God. Usually new believers begin to read the scriptures, but find them difficult to understand. This sometimes leads to them being discouraged. However God does not make the scriptures difficult to understand so that we might be discouraged, but rather to test our sincerity. To gain an understanding of the teaching of the word of God calls for diligence and patience. It must have seemed to be a slow, heavy boring work for Ruth, as she picked up straw after straw. However she kept at it, and was determined not to give up. She did not waste her time by lazily sitting in the cool of the ‘house’ or shelter provided for the workers in the field. I remember when the Lord brought me back to Himself after a period of wandering. I determined that I would waste no more time. So I attended all the Bible readings, (a form of discussional Bible studies), that I could. I also concentrated on what was being said, and tried my hardest to take things in. But I became frustrated with myself, and would often rebuke myself for being so slow to learn. It seemed that all that I heard went in one ear, and out the other. However I discovered in later years, that all had not gone out the other ear at all. Much of it had gone down into my subconscious mind, and in later years, when ministering the word to others, the Holy Spirit would bring to my mind, what I thought that I had forgotten. I record this for the encouragement of my fellow believers. Don’t be discouraged keep at it. Paul said to Timothy, "Consider what I say; and the Lord will give you understanding in all things". 2Tim. 2:7 Remember the promise of the Lord Jesus, John, 7:17, and claim it by faith as your own.

THE VISIT OF BOAZ

Ruth must have been impressed with the happy relationship that existed between Boaz and his workers. When he entered the field, he encouraged his workers by seeking for them the greatest blessing, the presence, (and help) of Jehovah. They responded by seeking to call down upon their master the blessing of Jehovah. Boaz then said to the overseer, "Whose damsel is this?" He then received a full history of Ruth, and a commendation of her diligence.

Here we have some teaching for Elders or overseers. This man had been watching Ruth; he had seen her diligence and devotion to the task of gleaning, even though the rewards were so meager. This should be our attitude also to those that the Lord saves and sends amongst us. He commended her attitude; she humbly asked permission to glean amongst the sheaves. She was not like many today, insisting on her rights, and demanding this or that. Here we see the attitude that the Lord will bless.

Boaz received the commendation given by his overseer, then turned to the newcomer and spoke directly to her, with words of encouragement. The One whom Boaz represents loves to take account of every one that turns to Him in faith. He loves to provide for them, and to encourage them in every right action and desire. "Hearest thou not my daughter", let my young brothers and sisters rake this to their own hearts. Let us daily listen to His voice as He speaks to us. He is just as interested in you as Boaz was in Ruth.

The hand of God had guided her to the field of Boaz, and he exhorts her not to leave his field. It sometimes is a real question for new converts once they come to Christ. Where will I meet? With whom shall I gather? Which Church shall I attend?

It is important to meet with those that gather to the name of Christ alone. To gather with those that acknowledge the rights of God over them, who accept the absolute authority of Christ and the word of God. Once you find such a company, then don’t leave them. "Go not to glean in another field", would be the words of our Boaz to you. Seek the company of those that are truly His. The fellowship of true believers, as we are told in 2Tim 2:22-23. There are many today that look for ‘lively entertainment’, but Boaz’ exhortation to Ruth was "Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them". If our eyes are on the world, or even on worldly Christians, we may readily go astray. True Christianity is a serious business, not a matter of lighthearted entertainment. If our eye be single, then our whole body will be full of light. Matt. 6:22. Keep your eye on ‘Christ the first fruits’ as we have seen earlier.

RUTH’S RESPONSE.

Ruth’s response to these words of encouragement was to fall on her face before the one that had shown such kindness to her. Her heart was filled with wonder and she exclaims ‘Why’, this question will constantly arise in the hearts of those that come to Christ. Why should He take an interest in me? Why should He love me so? This question will never be answered, even in eternity. We will never be able to understand why the blessed Lord Jesus has set His love upon us.

The Poet has written: That thou should’st take delight in me,

Yet be the God thou art,

Is darkness to my intellect,

But sunshine to my heart!

The wonder of the love of God to us. That which has been expressed in the person and work of Christ, we will never be able to understand. However we do not have to understand it, but just to accept it, and to rejoice in it. His is a love that passes knowledge. Eph. 3:18-19

Boaz then revealed the fact that many had testified of the moral worth of this Moabite maiden. The kindness that she had shown to her widowed mother in law. The fact that she had left her own people, and come to a people that she had not known before. These people she had made her own people. But more than this, she had come to trust under the wings of Jehovah. He was now her God. These things meant very much to Boaz, and where they are seen in us, they mean so much more to our blessed Savior. We are told in Ephesians 6:1-3 how God our Heavenly Father appreciates such qualities in His children. Ruth confessed her unworthiness, because she was like us, a sinner of the Gentiles. She gladly confessed, "I am not like one of thine handmaidens".

FELLOWSHIP.

Boaz then invited Ruth to share in their fellowship. He made her to feel that she was one of them. Ruth was happy to take up this invitation; she enjoyed this unexpected provision. She partook of the same food that was enjoyed by her benefactor and his workers. Ruth was not selfish in this matter; she reserved some so that she could take it home to her mother in law. Thus she sets a good example for us all, because when we think of others and we share with them what we enjoy, then we experience a special blessing from God.

The reapers were also instructed to encourage Ruth’s diligence, by leaving behind ‘handfuls of purpose’. Here is some instruction for the reapers amongst us today. Often ministers of the word try to impress others by using big words, and lofty theological expressions. This only discourages those that are younger in the faith. I have been told that the art of teaching is the ability to make profound things simple. We should never make it our aim to impress others, and to capture the admiration of those to whom we minister. Rather it is our responsibility to make provision for those that are young in the faith, and to teach the truth simply, clearly and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

When the day was done, Ruth beat out the grain that she had gleaned. The day had been long, and at times weary. Perhaps she thought that she was getting very little for her efforts. But she beat out what she had gathered up, and found that she had an ephah of barley. This was more than enough for food for her and Naomi for five or six days.

We can learn several things from these actions. First we see that Ruth was not one for outward show. She did not like others bind up what she had gathered, and march home with it on her head, so that all could see the reward of her industry. Second. She did not want to carry useless straw home to her mother in law. Many today give great importance to size. Like the wood, hay and stubble of 1Cor. 3:12, it has size but not weight. Third. By threshing and winnowing, she not only removed the straw but the chaff also, and what she took home with her was pure grain. Ruth must have made use of the threshing floor of Boaz; this place was later to play an important part in her life, and in the plan of God. It is a sad characteristic of the day in which we live that many that claim to be believers, are feeding on chaff, but they do not want the solid food of the word of God.

SOMETHING TO GIVE.

When Ruth returned to her home, she had something to give to her mother in law. Not only did she have a good quantity of barley, but she also brought out what she had reserved of her lunch, and gave it to Naomi. It is so wonderful when we are able to share with others what we have enjoyed ourselves. It must have brought much joy to Ruth to see Naomi enjoying what she had reserved for her.

Paul when speaking to the elders from Ephesus, quoted the words of the Lord Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive". Acts. 20:35. So often we live on the wrong side of the ledger, we want others to give to us. Like the Horseleach’s two daughters, we cry "Give, Give". Prov. 30:15. Let us learn from Ruth and her actions.

If we are diligent in searching the scriptures, and refuse to be discouraged however little we seem to gather, then we too will surely have something to share with others, and also something to offer to God.

Naomi was quick to ask in whose field Ruth had toiled, and sought to call down the blessing of God on the person that had shown compassion to this foreigner. When Ruth told her that the man’s name that owned the field where she had toiled was Boaz, Naomi was full of joy. And she blessed Jehovah, for she could see His hand in all this. He had not left off His kindness to both the living and the dead. Ruth had been guided to the field belonging to the Redeemer, yet she had no knowledge of all these things. Jehovah had not dealt with them after their sins, or rewarded them according to their iniquities. Psalm 103:10 What a gracious and loving God He is!

Ruth then revealed what Boaz had said to her, that she should keep near his young men, until his harvest was ended. These were young men that could be trusted; she would be safe in their company. Others might take advantage of her, and use her to gratify their own lust, but not the young men of Boaz. Naomi confirmed the wisdom of this advice; Ruth should take up the kind offer, that none should meet her in any other field. So it was that day after day, she continued this tiring work, which promised such little reward. Her diligence and industry was to be seen each day, and no doubt with similar results and reward. Thus she proved her faithfulness, and God marked her out for future blessing. She also dwelt all this while with her mother in law. Though they were never hungry again, and no doubt their poverty was ended, yet she was content to remain with the one to whom she owed so much. Naomi had learned much through her failures, and had gained great spiritual wealth through her experiences.

Let me here exhort our younger brothers and sisters. We live in a day when, (in Western Assemblies), the elder brethren are often despised. Younger men that have been to Bible School or seminary and are able to show off fascinate people. They may have diplomas, degrees or even a doctorate, but the ‘good degrees’ are only gained in the school of God. 1Tim. 3:13. Yet often those that are their spiritual fathers are despised, and even rejected, as their Master was. Isaiah 53:3.

My dear younger brothers and sisters, there are many things in life that can only be learned by experience. Seek the fellowship of those that have gone on with God during their life, and have proved their worth. You will profit from fellowship with them, more than you will ever gain from those of your own age.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.

Naomi appreciated so much what God had done for her, and the worth of her daughter in law, but she was not selfish, she was concerned for the future of this dear girl, her life was before her, and she would seek rest for her. Thus she gave her some advice that she was never to regret. She wanted her to understand the real nature of Boaz, the redeemer, the mighty man of wealth. Boaz was their near kinsman, and he had the right of redemption.

But Ruth had to make known to him the desires of her heart. She was to prepare herself; she was advised to attend to her cleansing. We cannot make too much emphasis on the importance of personal holiness. Heb 12: 14. Without this no one can see the Lord. There is no hope of our entering into the joy of an intimate relationship with Christ, if we want to play with this filthy world. Holiness means that we are wholly His and wholly for Him.

She was to anoint herself also. This represents the fragrance of the Holy anointing oil of the Holy Spirit. Holiness is beautiful, and it is fragrant also. She also was to put on her best clothes, and these speak of the beauty of a Christ like character. These clothes were what she was to be seen in. Several times in the New Testament we are told to "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ". Rom. 13:14, Gal. 3:28, Eph. 4:24, Col. 3:10. Thus suitably prepared she went down to the threshing floor, where the harvest was being winnowed. This was an occasion of great joy and we are told of such a time in the experience of Christ in Hebrews chapter twelve. verse two. Ruth did not show herself, but kept hidden until the redeemer had laid himself down and gone to sleep. Thus he rested in the joy of all that he had accomplished. Then quietly she took her place at his feet. This is the place for you and I to take, just as the poet has written:

Low at They feet Lord Jesus,

That is the place for me.

There have I learned deep lessons,

Truth that has set me free.

Free from myself Lord Jesus,

Free from the chains of sin.

Chains of bondage that bound me,

Never shall bind again!

At midnight, the man stirred and behold a woman lay at his feet. It was then that Ruth revealed her hearts deepest desires. She wanted him to redeem her. He was all that she desired. The expression of these desires touched the heart of the redeemer. She had not sought for popularity. She had not gone after riches or anything else, she wanted above all else to be redeemed, and she knew that there was only one that could do that for her.

What a beautiful picture this is of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. He alone could pay the price of our redemption, and He was willing to do that even though the cost was so great. But there was one that had a prior claim, and Boaz wished to do everything righteously. He revealed his willingness to do for Ruth all that she asked. He would grant her all that she desired. He gave her this assurance and sent her away before one could know another. This is to show that our intimate relationships with Christ are very secret. They are not something to be trumpeted about to others. So Ruth was sent home laden with tokens of the kindness of Boaz.

She returned to her mother in law, and shared the good news of their impending redemption. She produced the barley that Boaz had given her, as a token both of his kindness and his sincerity.

Naomi was ecstatic at hearing the news, and advised Ruth to wait patiently for the outcome. She assured her that Boaz would not rest until he had completed the matter.

THE NEARER KINSMAN.

There remained but one obstacle to the granting of Ruth’s desire. There was another kinsman who was nearer and had first claim. Boaz went to the gate of the village and sat down there. When the nearer kinsman came he was asked by Boaz to sit down, while the village elders gathered. When told that Naomi wished to sell the parcel of land that belonged to Elimelech, he was minded to buy it. But when told that he must also buy it from Ruth the Moabitess, he then confessed, "I cannot redeem it for myself". I suggest that this nearer kinsman represents the Law. The law was given first; it had the prior claim. The law stated that the Moabite was not to come into Jehovah’s congregation forever. The law could not accomplish the redemption of the guilty Gentiles. No man is justified by the law Gal. 3:11. Rom. 3:20. We are told that "what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh", Rom. 8:3. The Lord Jesus, our Redeemer has willingly done this, He has paid the price in full. On the cross He cried, "It is finished". Nothing more needs to be done. The price has been paid. Righteousness has been satisfied. He gave the law; He met its righteous claims. The law revealed the righteousness of God, but the Cross revealed both His righteousness, and His wondrous love.

THE KINSMAN-REDEEMER.

The man with the prior claim forfeited his legal right, and drew off his shoe in testimony to that fact. When we look back to the letter of the law, this was meant to be a token of disrespect. Deut. 25:9. But here we do not see any spitting in the face of the one that declined his responsibility. This shows us that the Lord Jesus did not come to make void the law, but to do what the law could not do, to make it honourable Mat. 5:17.Neither does the teaching of the gospel cast a slight upon the law. Rom. 3:31.

Boaz then comes forward to declare his intention, and his willingness to pay the price. Not only did he buy the property, but also he bought Ruth to be his wife. All was done righteously, in the presence of honourable and competent witnesses. The hymn writer could say.

How God can save, yet righteous be.

Peter tells us that we have not been redeemed by corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but by the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and with out spot. 1 Pet. 1:18-19. Paul also tells us that we are not our own, we have been bought with a price, (O what a price), 1Cor. 6:19-20.

Thus the righteous ground had been laid, whereby Ruth became both the wife, and the possession of Boaz. The passage we have just quoted in 1Cor. 6, tells us that there is intended to be an intimate relationship between Christ, (the Redeemer), and the individual saint that He has redeemed. This relationship is compared with the fulfillment of a relationship between a man and his wife, which culminates in a sexual act. So he that is joined to the Lord is said to be "one spirit". This spiritual union produces from the depth of the believer’s inner being, the sweetness of adoration; and of worship.

Thus the culmination of the relationship between Boaz and Ruth was that a son was born. They gave him the name of Obed, which means worship. Those men that sat in the gate, (who were to represent the rights of God), with one voice sought to call down the blessing of God on this union. So it was that Ruth came into the royal line, and her son became the ancestor of the King of Kings.

It seems fitting to point out, that true worship, (in spirit and in truth), will always result in the exaltation of Christ.

But before we leave this lovely book, we must notice the great joy, and the sweet peace that must have filled the soul of Naomi, as she took the little baby into her arms, and became nurse to it. The women of the village also blessed Jehovah, because He had not left this poor desolate widow with out one to carry on the testimony that her husband so sadly compromised. This child was not like her own two sons, that were both weak and sickly boys. But he was to father a child later in his life, and that child was to be the father of David, who was Israel’s greatest King, until the advent of "Great David’s greater son." The One that calls Himself the "Root and offspring of David, the bright and Morning Star".

This is a beautiful end to a lovely story. May God give you and I an ever-increasing appreciation of the wonder of God’s ways, and of the Glory of His Son! May He help us to profit from the many lessons that this lovely book would teach us. May His Holy Name be glorified!

Charles E. Wigg. 28.12.02.