recognition makes the reading of Ruth 2 to 4 vivid and plain.  Before turning to

Ruth, however, we must mention the other aspect of the Kinsman-Redeemer's work

-- that of the `avenger of blood'.  The word Goel or Gaal is translated

`avenger' or `revenger' in thirteen passages, and we are told in Numbers 35 that

cities of refuge were provided so that a man could get a hearing and a trial in

the event of having slain another without premeditation.  This aspect of the

Kinsman's duty does not, however, come into the story of Ruth.

With the information we have gathered, both as to the various words used

for kinship, and the law concerning the kinsman and his brother's widow, let us

return now to Ruth and read the story again in the light of these facts.  First

of all let us see the structure of the passage.

We have not felt justified in setting out the whole of the passage in

detail, but have given the sections, and set out the first one as an example, so

that the reader should find little difficulty in completing the structure if it

be deemed necessary.

Naomi's words in chapter 3 find a parallel in Ruth 1:9:

`The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her

husband' (Ruth 1:9).

`My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with

thee?' (Ruth 3:1).

A 3:1-9. a

Shall I not find rest for thee?

d  Is not Boaz of our kindred?

e  When Boaz finishes eating and drinking.

f  Mark the place where he shall lie.

g  Uncover his feet.

h  Lay thee down.

i  He will tell thee what to do.

i  All thou sayest I will do.

e  When Boaz had eaten and drunk.

f  He went to lie down.

g  Uncovered his feet.

h  Laid down.

c  Who art thou?

j  I am Ruth, thine handmaid.

k  Spread thy skirt over.

j  Thou art a near kinsman.

B  3:10-13.  Boaz explains about the nearer kinsman.  Promises

to redeem.

C  3:14-18.  Ruth assured.

B  4:1-6.  Boaz advertises the other kinsman.  Fulfils his

promise to redeem.

A 4:7-13.  The inheritance secured.  Ruth becomes wife to Boaz.