Ruth: A Story of RedemptionRuth: A Story of RedemptionA Study of the Book of RuthA Study of the Book of Ruth

Lesson 4 Ruth 4:1 – 22

“Redeemed!”

February 7, 2010

I.I. Introduction to Ruth, Lesson 4Introduction to Ruth, Lesson 4A. Valentines Day is approachingB. Naomi’s efforts at matchmaking (Ruth 3)C. Essential background to our text

1.Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38)2.Leviticus 25:23-28, 47-55 3.Deuteronomy 25:5-104.Jeremiah 32:6-44; 33:1-26

II.II. Boaz and the nearest kin (4:1-8)Boaz and the nearest kin (4:1-8)A. The story is toldB. Observations

1.Public process (contrast chapter 3)2.Providence (“behold”)3.Anonymous kin (“name” = 7X in chapter0 4)

4.Boaz’ dealings with the nearer kin5.The link between the land and levirate marriage6.Compare and contrast Boaz and the nearer kin7.The sandal exchange (Deut. 25:5-10)

III.III. Boaz acquires the land and Ruth (4:9-12)Boaz acquires the land and Ruth (4:9-12)A. The acquisition of Elimelech’s property (v. 9)B. Acquiring Ruth as his wife to raise up the name

of Mahlon, Ruth’s husband (v. 10).C. Witnesses bless Ruth and Boaz (vss. 11-12).

IV.IV. Marriage, sex, and a son (in that order – v. 13)Marriage, sex, and a son (in that order – v. 13)

V.V. Blessings pronounced by the women (vss. 14-Blessings pronounced by the women (vss. 14-17)17)A. Who is being blessed?

1.The Lord (v. 14a)2.The child (v. 14b)3.May the child bless Naomi (v. 15a)4.How blessed is Ruth, who has been the instrument

of blessing to Naomi (v. 15b).

B. Naomi becomes the child’s nanny (v. 16)C. The neighbor women name him Obed (v.17)

VI.VI. Genealogy (vss. 18-22)Genealogy (vss. 18-22)

VII.VII. Conclusion and ApplicationConclusion and ApplicationA. Judges and Ruth is about the Law, not legalism.B. Judges and Ruth is about God.C. The completion and fulfillment of God’s purposes

and promises is not dependent upon us, but upon God.

D. Ruth ends in praise, the praise of a city.E. The crises of Ruth are crises we face today, and

these are the starting point for God’s good word in us for His glory.

F. The providence of God and our participation in His purposes.

G. Putting sex in its proper place – comparing chapters 3 and 4.

H. About marriage & selfishnessI. About bearing childrenJ. About faith: doing what is right takes faithK. Our attitudes and actions have broad and long

term implications.

Copyright © 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPointpresentation of Lesson 4 in the series, Ruth: A Story of Redemption,prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for February 7, 2010. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.