The Beginning:
During a famine, Naomi’s family had lived in Moab, where her sons married Moabite women. After the deaths of her husband and sons, Naomi returned to Bethlehem with Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, who committed herself to Naomi and to Israel’s God. In Bethlehem, Ruth went to glean grain to provide food for them and happened to glean in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband.
The Middle:
Boaz noticed Ruth and treated her with protection and generosity, recognizing her loyalty to Naomi. Naomi then explained that Boaz was a potential “redeemer” (a close relative who could act to preserve the family’s welfare), and Ruth approached Boaz at the threshing floor, requesting that he “spread [his] wings” over her—an appeal for covenantal protection through redemption. Boaz agreed but explained that there was a nearer kinsman with the first right to redeem. He promised to settle the matter lawfully and promptly.
The End:
At the city gate before the elders, Boaz presented the case: the nearer kinsman could redeem Naomi’s land, but redemption also involved taking Ruth as wife to raise up the family name. The nearer kinsman declined, and Boaz publicly accepted the responsibility, confirming the transaction by the customary transfer of a sandal. Boaz married Ruth, and their son Obed was born, bringing renewed hope to Naomi and establishing a family line that led to King David.
This story shows God’s covenant faithfulness working through ordinary obedience and lawful compassion in Israel’s community life. Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer highlights the biblical theme of redemption: preserving family inheritance, protecting the vulnerable, and restoring hope amid loss. Ruth’s inclusion as a foreigner who seeks refuge under the LORD’s “wings” also emphasizes God’s widening mercy within His covenant purposes, as His providence advances the line through which Israel’s kingship is sustained.
Gleaning (Ruth 2) reflects Israel’s commanded provision for the poor and the foreigner (cf. Leviticus 19:9–10), and the legal proceedings at the city gate (Ruth 4) fit the ancient Near Eastern practice of conducting contracts and public witness where elders sat as recognized community authorities. The sandal exchange functions as a tangible sign of transferred rights in the redemption arrangement.
“I am Ruth… Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” — Ruth 3:9
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Where did Boaz present the redemption case before the elders?
2. What customary action confirmed the redemption transaction when the nearer kinsman declined?