Ruth Chapter 4: Redeemed and Restored
Ruth chapter 4 brings this beautiful story to its joyful conclusion. It shows us that God can turn sorrow into gladness, emptiness into fullness and apparent defeat into victory.
Boaz Goes to the City Gate
Boaz had promised Ruth that he would settle the matter of her redemption. Early the next morning, he went to the city gate. In those days, important legal and business matters were decided at the gate before respected witnesses.
When the nearer relative passed by, Boaz invited him to sit down. Boaz also gathered ten elders of the city to witness their conversation.
Boaz explained that Naomi was selling the land that had belonged to her late husband, Elimelech. Because this man was the nearest relative, he had the first right to redeem it.
At first, the man answered:
“I will redeem it.”
— Ruth 4:4
However, Boaz then explained that redeeming the land also involved taking Ruth the Moabitess as his wife. This would preserve the name and inheritance of Ruth’s deceased husband, Mahlon.
The nearer relative changed his mind because he feared it might endanger his own inheritance. He told Boaz:
“Redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.”
— Ruth 4:6
The Sandal Seals the Agreement
In Israel, the removal and exchange of a sandal confirmed such a transaction. The nearer relative removed his sandal and gave Boaz the legal right to become Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer.
Boaz then announced before the elders and all the people that he had purchased everything belonging to Elimelech and his sons, Chilion and Mahlon. He also declared that Ruth would become his wife.
Boaz was willing to accept the responsibility, pay the price and preserve the family name. What the nearer relative was unwilling to do, Boaz willingly undertook.
The elders and the people answered:
“We are witnesses.”
— Ruth 4:11
They prayed that Ruth would be blessed and that the family of Boaz would become great in Bethlehem.
Boaz Marries Ruth
Boaz took Ruth as his wife, and the Lord blessed them with a son. Ruth, once a poor foreign widow gathering leftover grain, now had a husband, a home and a child.
The women of Bethlehem praised God and said to Naomi:
“Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman.”
— Ruth 4:14
They declared that the child would renew Naomi’s life and comfort her in her old age. They also praised Ruth, saying that her love was worth more to Naomi than seven sons.
Naomi held the baby in her arms and cared for him. The woman who had returned to Bethlehem believing that God had left her empty was now surrounded by love and blessing.
Obed, the Grandfather of David
The child was named Obed. Obed later became the father of Jesse, and Jesse became the father of King David.
Ruth could never have imagined this when she left Moab. She was a foreigner, a widow and a woman with no earthly prospects. Yet because she trusted the God of Israel, the Lord placed her in the family line of King David—and ultimately in the earthly family line of Jesus Christ.
Ruth’s life became part of God’s great plan of salvation.
Boaz—a Picture of Christ Our Redeemer
Boaz provides us with a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ. A kinsman-redeemer had to be related to the person in need, willing to redeem them and able to pay the required price.
Jesus became like us by taking upon Himself human flesh. He willingly came to rescue us, and He paid the price for our redemption with His own precious blood.
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
— Ephesians 1:7
Boaz redeemed Ruth from poverty and uncertainty. Jesus redeems us from sin, condemnation and eternal separation from God.
God Was Working Through It All
When Naomi returned to Bethlehem, she said:
“I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty.”
— Ruth 1:21
But Naomi’s story was not finished. She could only see what she had lost, while God could see what He was preparing.
Throughout the Book of Ruth, God worked quietly through ordinary events:
- Ruth chose to remain with Naomi.
- Ruth went to glean in the field of Boaz.
- Boaz noticed and protected her.
- Naomi recognised that Boaz was a near relative.
- Boaz willingly became Ruth’s redeemer.
- Ruth gave birth to Obed.
Every event became part of God’s perfect plan.
A Message for Us Today
Ruth chapter 4 reminds us not to judge our whole story by one painful chapter. Naomi experienced loss, grief and bitterness, but God had not abandoned her. Ruth faced uncertainty, poverty and loneliness, but God was directing her steps.
You may be passing through a time when you cannot understand what God is doing. Your circumstances may appear empty, and your future may seem uncertain. But the God who guided Ruth is still working today.
Remain faithful, trust His Word and wait upon Him. God can open a door that no one else can open. He can restore what sorrow has taken and bring new hope from the darkest situation.
Most importantly, Jesus Christ is willing and able to redeem everyone who comes to Him in faith. The price has already been paid upon the cross.
Ruth began her journey as a grieving widow from Moab, but her story ended with redemption, restoration and a place in the family line of Christ.
What appeared to be an ending was actually the beginning of something greater.
“And they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.”
— Ruth 4:17
God had not forgotten Naomi. He had not overlooked Ruth. And, child of God, He has not forgotten you.
Written for George’s Bible Ministries.com
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!4th September 2026
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