Ruth 4:14

And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed [be] the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

And the women {H802} said {H559} unto Naomi {H5281}, Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068}, which hath not left {H7673} thee this day {H3117} without a kinsman {H1350}, that his name {H8034} may be famous {H7121} in Israel {H3478}.

Then the women said to Na'omi, "Blessed be ADONAI, who today has provided you a redeemer! May his name be renowned in Isra'el.

Then the women said to Naomi, โ€œBlessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel.

And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be Jehovah, who hath not left thee this day without a near kinsman; and let his name be famous in Israel.

Commentary

Ruth 4:14 marks a pivotal moment of joyous restoration in the biblical narrative of Ruth and Naomi. After a period of immense sorrow and loss, the women of Bethlehem pronounce a profound blessing upon Naomi, recognizing God's faithful hand in her life.

Context

This verse comes at the triumphant conclusion of the book of Ruth. Naomi, who had returned to Bethlehem from Moab declaring herself "Mara" (bitter) due to her losses, is now witnessing the fulfillment of God's providence. Her daughter-in-law, Ruth, has married Boaz, the wealthy kinsman-redeemer, and has just given birth to a son, Obed. The community's blessing underscores the transformation of Naomi's fortunes from desolation to abundance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Faithfulness: The women acknowledge that it is the LORD who has "not left thee this day without a kinsman." This highlights God's active involvement in the lives of His people, orchestrating circumstances to bring about blessing and redemption, even when things seem bleak.
  • The Kinsman-Redeemer (Go'el): The central figure in this restoration is the kinsman. The Hebrew word is go'el, signifying one who has the right and responsibility to redeem, protect, or avenge a close relative. Boaz fulfilled this vital role, not only by marrying Ruth and securing their land but also by ensuring the continuation of Naomi's family line. This concept foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Christ, our great Kinsman-Redeemer.
  • Restoration and Legacy: The birth of Obed signifies the complete restoration of Naomi's hope and future. The desire that Boaz's "name may be famous in Israel" speaks to the importance of lineage and reputation within the covenant community. This child, Obed, would later become the father of Jesse and the grandfather of King David, thus placing Ruth and Boaz in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "kinsman" is the Hebrew go'el (ื’ึนึผืึตืœ), which carries significant legal and social weight, meaning "redeemer," "avenger," or "next-of-kin." It describes one who steps in to restore what was lost or protect what was vulnerable, such as property, freedom, or family name.
  • "Famous in Israel" (ื™ึดืงึธึผืจึตื ืฉึฐืืžื•ึน ื‘ึฐึผื™ึดืฉึฐื‚ืจึธืึตืœ - yikkare' sh'mo b'yisra'el) emphasizes the public recognition and honor associated with fulfilling the duties of a kinsman-redeemer. It speaks to the lasting impact and good reputation of Boaz's righteous actions within the community.

Practical Application

Ruth 4:14 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness Endures: Even in seasons of deep loss and despair, God is actively working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes and restore hope. Trust in His timing and provision.
  • Community Support: The women's blessing highlights the importance of a supportive community that acknowledges God's work and celebrates His blessings. We are called to encourage and uplift one another.
  • The Greater Redeemer: The story of Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, points us to Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price to redeem us from sin and death, bringing us into God's family. Understanding the go'el concept deepens our appreciation for Christ's redemptive work.
  • Legacy of Righteousness: Boaz's actions created a legacy that transcended his immediate family, impacting the entire nation of Israel and ultimately the world through the Messiah's lineage. Our faithful obedience can have far-reaching, unforeseen consequences for good.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 12:2

    And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

  • Luke 1:58

    And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

  • Matthew 1:5

    And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

  • Matthew 1:20

    But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

  • Isaiah 11:1

    ยถ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

  • Isaiah 11:4

    But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

  • Ruth 4:21

    And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,
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