Divine Redemption and God’s Greater Plan: A Reflection on Ruth 4:13
Ruth 4:13 (NIV) says:
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.”
Explanation: This verse is the high point of the story of Ruth, highlighting important ideas like redemption, loyalty, and God’s guidance. After Ruth and Boaz are married, God blesses them with a child, which brings happiness to them and plays a big part in the future of Israel.
Redemption and Marriage: Boaz, as the “kinsman-redeemer,” takes responsibility for Ruth and Naomi by marrying Ruth. This action ensures that their family line continues and their inheritance is protected. This idea of redemption is important in the Bible because it shows how things can be restored and made whole again.
God’s Blessing: The fact that God allowed Ruth to conceive shows that He is in control of life. Ruth had no children as a widow, but now, with God’s blessing, she has a son. This is a sign of how God restored both Ruth and Naomi’s family.
Family Line and the Messiah: The birth of Ruth and Boaz’s son, Obed, is not only important for their family but also for Israel. Obed becomes the grandfather of King David, and from David’s line, the Messiah (Jesus) is born. This makes this moment important not just for Ruth and Boaz but for God’s bigger plan for saving the world.
God’s Faithfulness: The marriage of Boaz, an Israelite, to Ruth, a Moabite, shows that God welcomes outsiders into His family. Even though Ruth was not from Israel, she plays a major role in the history of God’s people. This reminds us that God’s love and mercy are available to everyone who seeks Him, no matter their background.
This verse shows how God takes care of Ruth and Boaz personally, and also how their story fits into His greater plan for the world.