Ruth 3:12
And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Boaz is being remarkably transparent by immediately pointing out that while he is a kinsman, there's another, closer one who has the legal right to act first. This isn't just about respecting custom; it's about Boaz's deep integrity, refusing to step ahead of someone else's established claim, even if it means losing his own opportunity.
Ruth has just bravely approached Boaz on the threshing floor, following her mother-in-law's instructions, seeking his protection as a kinsman-redeemer. Boaz, impressed by her virtue, declares he'll do what's right for her, but pauses to reveal there's another family member with a prior claim to redeem her and her late husband's land.
Boaz's response isn't just about his own feelings for Ruth. There's a deeper, legal and social obligation at play here.
In ancient Israel, a 'kinsman-redeemer' (called 'ga'al' in Hebrew) had specific duties. If a man died leaving no sons, his closest male relative could step in to:
Boaz acknowledges his role as a kinsman, but immediately points out that even this role has layers of priority. This wasn't just a romantic proposition; it was a matter of family legacy, social order, and economic stability.
Why doesn't Boaz just claim Ruth for himself immediately? His integrity shines through his careful adherence to custom.
Boaz could have easily taken advantage of Ruth's vulnerable position and Naomi's bold plan. However, his character is defined by his deep sense of honor and justice. He knew that:
His immediate response is not 'yes' or 'no' to Ruth, but a declaration of the legal situation, demonstrating a commitment to doing what is right, not just what is personally desirable.
Understand the original words
go'el · Hebrew Noun
A kinsman who has the legal right and responsibility to restore the inheritance or freedom of a relative who has become impoverished or enslaved, often associated with the Levite law regarding land and family preservation.
Boaz's statement highlights the ancient Israelite legal and social custom of the kinsman-redeemer (go'el), a vital role for preserving family lines and property, especially in challenging times.
c. 1177 BC
Approximate end of the Exodus era
The period of the Judges, marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance, saw the Israelites struggling to maintain their identity and land.
c. 1160 BC
Death of Elimelech and sons
Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion emigrate from Bethlehem due to famine, and tragically, the sons marry Moabite women and then die, leaving Naomi widowed and childless.
c. 1160-1150 BC
Ruth's loyalty and return to Bethlehem
Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, pledges loyalty to Naomi and returns with her to Bethlehem, a significant act of commitment to Israel and its God.
c. 1150 BC
Ruth gleans in Boaz's field
Ruth seeks sustenance by gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Elimelech, who shows her unexpected favor and protection.
This passage introduces the concept of the 'kinsman-redeemer,' a foundational idea in Ruth's story, highlighting the legal and social obligations tied to family lineage and land.
Deuteronomy 25:5-10This law directly addresses the duty of a brother-in-law to marry a deceased brother's widow, clarifying the 'kinsman's duty' that Boaz is navigating and ultimately fulfilling.
Matthew 1:5-16This genealogy shows Ruth and Boaz's son, Obed, as an ancestor of King David and Jesus, illustrating how Ruth's story and Boaz's honorable actions fit into God's larger redemptive plan for Israel and humanity.
Jeremiah 32:7-8This prophetic passage describes Jeremiah buying a field from his kinsman, mirroring the 'kinsman-redeemer' role and showing God's faithfulness in restoring property and hope, a theme echoed in Ruth's situation.
gillRuth 3:12: "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
And now it is true, that I am thy near kinsman,.... Her husband and he being brothers' sons, so own cousins: howbeit, there is a kinsman nearer than I, who was, the Jews say (w), the brother of her husband's father, and so his uncle, which was a nearer relation than an own cousin. (w) Midrash Ruth, ut supra. (31. 4. & 34. 2) Jarchi in loc.
clarkeRuth 3:12: "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
There is a kinsman nearer than I-- It is very likely that Naomi was not acquainted with this circumstance. Some have supposed that there was a brother of Elimelech remaining, who was nearer than Boaz, who is supposed to have been only a nephew; the former, therefore, must have a prior right.
Boaz is being remarkably transparent by immediately pointing out that while he is a kinsman, there's another, closer one who has the legal right to act first. This isn't just about respecting custom; it's about Boaz's deep integrity, refusing to step ahead of someone else's established claim, even if it means losing his own opportunity.
Ruth has just bravely approached Boaz on the threshing floor, following her mother-in-law's instructions, seeking his protection as a kinsman-redeemer. Boaz, impressed by her virtue, declares he'll do what's right for her, but pauses to reveal there's another family member with a prior claim to redeem her and her late husband's land.
Ruth has just bravely approached Boaz on the threshing floor, following her mother-in-law's instructions, seeking his protection as a kinsman-redeemer. Boaz, impressed by her virtue, declares he'll do what's right for her, but pauses to reveal there's another family member with a prior claim to redeem her and her late husband's land.
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c. 1150 BC— this verse
Naomi's plan and Ruth's approach
Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz on the threshing floor, appealing to his responsibility as a kinsman-redeemer to marry her and secure their future.
c. 1150 BC
Boaz acknowledges the nearer kinsman
Boaz, while willing to act as redeemer, informs Ruth that there is a closer kinsman with a prior right, demonstrating his adherence to custom and honor.
"And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I." — Boaz is being remarkably transparent by immediately pointing out that while he is a kinsman, there's another, closer one who has the legal right to act first. This isn't just about respecting custo…
