2014-03-16 - Here's God Working

Ruth ~ Part 28

Here’s God Working: The last few verses complete this section and serve as a bridge to the next. Ruth describes Boaz’s concern for her and instructions to stay with his women. Naomi confirms the wisdom of his words and encourages Ruth to continue going to his fields where she will be safe and productive.

And Ruth continues in the fields of Boaz, throughout the harvesting of both barley and wheat. And silently, behind the scenes, God continues to work.

The Law of the Kinsman-Redeemer: It is interesting to note what Jewish commentary says of Naomi’s comments about Boaz being their kinsman-redeemer.

“This man is closely related to us, he is one of our redeeming kinsman. The redeemer is the next of kin, who is obligated to redeem the property which his impoverished relative was compelled to sell (see Leviticus 25:25)

‘I no longer question this man’s motives — he is our close relative, and he is fulfilling the verse — ‘do not hide yourself from your own flesh’ [Isaiah 58:7] (Ibn Yachya). The Iggeres Shmuel quotes a homiletic interpretation: – from him will eventually descend our Redeemer, a reference to the Messiah.” ¹

Once again, we see just how close the Jewish scholar can get, and still totally miss the truth. Here we see the recognition that the Messiah would be a descendent of Boaz, but when He came they didn’t recognize Him. Praise the Lord - one day the Jewish people will recognize the Savior whom they did not accept before. They will turn to Messiah as a nation, and will be restored to their national relationship, with God at the center of His program. But meanwhile, back to an explanation of the Law of the Kinsman-Redeemer.

To be continued.

1. Zlotowitz, Rabbi Meir, Translator and compiler, , Mesorah Publications, Ltd., Brooklyn, NY, 1994, p. 104.

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