(4)

The introduction into that genealogy of a Moabitess illuminates the character of

the God of all grace, prefiguring the acceptance of the Gentile, and

indicating something of the gracious work of the Saviour.

(5)

But perhaps more important than all is the light this book throws upon that most

important typical figure, the Kinsman-Redeemer.

If we turn to the first chapter of Ephesians, we find there a twofold presentation of

(1)

REDEMPTION  FROM  BONDAGE.--"In Whom we have redemption

through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His

grace" (1: 7).

(2)

REDEMPTION  OF  A  POSSESSION.--"Which is the earnest of our

inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession" (1: 14).

In the first passage the word aphesis ("forgiveness") is used, meaning "setting free

from bondage" (see Luke 4: 18). In the second passage, sin and bondage are not in view.

The figure is an "earnest" now, in view of a "possession" then; and as the possession had

been forfeited, redemption is essential. It is this second aspect of redemption that finds

so beautiful an illustration in the Book of Ruth, and makes its study so profitable.

The central and longest portions of the book revolve round the figure of Boaz as the

Kinsman-Redeemer (gaal).  The word gaal and its derivatives, which are variously

translated "redeem", "right", "right to redeem" and "kinsman", occur no less that

twenty times in these central chapters.

The simplest analysis of the book seems to be as follows. The first chapter puts us in

possession of the circumstances that involved the forfeiture of the inheritance, while the

closing verses of the fourth chapter reveal its redemption.

A | 1: 1-22.

Sons dead.

No more sons possible.

Inheritance suspended.

B | 2: 1-23. Kindness to living and dead.

\ Kinsman-

B | 3: 1 - 4: 13. Name of dead not cut off. / Redeemer.

A | 4: 14-22. Better than seven sons.

Genealogy to David.

Inheritance redeemed.

After the death of Elimelech, the two sons married two women of Moab, and lived

together for ten years. In both cases the marriages were childless, and at the death of the

two sons, three widows were faced with a serious problem. Elimelech's inheritance

which passed on to Mahlon and Chilion was temporarily suspended owing to the fact that

no child had been born to either of them. This gives point to the otherwise rather strange

reference that Naomi makes to the idea of the two widows waiting until she, Naomi,

might re-marry and have further sons--a far-fetched argument to our ears, but not so