How is Boaz a Redeemer?

In the book of Ruth, Boaz is called by an interesting title: "Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel," (Ruth 4:14 NASB1995). However, what is the meaning of this title?

To understand this, we need to take a deep look at the book of Ruth. Ruth was married to her husband Elimelech; however, this is not long-lasting. "Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons," (Ruth 1:3 NASB1995). Not only did her husband pass, but her sons too did shortly after (Ruth 1:5). Ruth, who is with Naomi, went out where she met a man named Boaz (Ruth 2:1-7). Boaz was a nobleman who was kind to Ruth. He fed her and praised her for her faithfulness to Naomi (Ruth 2). Naomi is happy as Boaz is a relative (Ruth 2:20). Boaz marries Ruth so that he can redeem her (Ruth 4:11-13).

Ruth and Naomi needed a redeemer, an heir who would continue their family line allowing Elimelech's inheritance to stay with Ruth and Naomi. As Dr. Gill writes: "Boaz, to whom the name of kinsman, or redeemer, more properly belonged; and who appeared to have done the office and duty of such an one, by redeeming the estate of his kinsman, and marrying his widow, the effect of which was, that a son was born, who would be heir of the estate," (Gill).

References:

Image by Philips Galle

Wolever, Terry. John Gill's Exposition of the Old and New Testaments: Some Background on the First Three Editions. United States, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2018.

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