What's in It for Me?

In this fourth step in Ruth's story, she moved toward the anticipated resolution. In a touch of irony, a piece of property, rather than the widow, was the basis for the bargain. Ruth, however, was still the key participant, and eventually the deal turned on what seemed to be a combination of levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) and kinsman-redemption (Leviticus 25). Boaz cleared the way to marry Ruth (verses 1-8), publicly announced his commitment to her (verses 9-10) and received hearty approval as blessings for fruitfulness were given verses11-12).