Ruth Chapter 4 — The Redemption and the Line of David
Boaz officially redeems Naomi's family land and marries Ruth after a closer relative declines the responsibility. Their son, Obed, is born, establishing the lineage of King David.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Ruth 4:10
“Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, I have purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance...”
This verse marks the official legal commitment Boaz makes to redeem the family line and property.
Ruth 4:14
“The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you today without a near kinsman. Let his name be famous in Israel.””
It shows the community's recognition of God's hand in providing for Naomi's future.
Ruth 4:17
“The women, her neighbors, gave him a name, saying, “A son is born to Naomi”. They named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.”
This verse establishes the crucial link between the events of Ruth and the lineage of the future King David.
Chapter Summary
In the final chapter of the book, Boaz goes to the city gate to meet with the closer kinsman-redeemer. In the presence of ten elders, Boaz presents the opportunity to buy Naomi's land. The relative initially agrees, but when Boaz explains that the purchase includes marrying Ruth to preserve the family name, the relative declines to protect his own inheritance. Following the custom of the time, the transaction is finalized by the exchange of a sandal. Boaz then publicly takes Ruth as his wife to restore the name of the deceased. The community blesses the union, and Ruth gives birth to a son named Obed. The women of the city celebrate with Naomi, noting that Ruth has been better to her than seven sons. The book concludes with a genealogy tracing the family line from Perez through Boaz to Jesse and finally to King David, highlighting the historical importance of Ruth's story in Israel's royal history.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closer relative was willing to purchase the property alone, but he refused when he realized he must also marry Ruth. He stated that taking on this additional responsibility would endanger his own inheritance and financial estate.
According to ancient Israelite custom, taking off a sandal and giving it to another person served as a formal, public way to finalize a transaction or the transfer of legal rights and property.
Obed was the son of Ruth and Boaz. He was cared for by Naomi and is identified in the text as the father of Jesse and the grandfather of King David, placing him in the direct lineage of Israel's monarchy.
Study Note
The town gate was the central hub for judicial and commercial activity in ancient Israel, functioning much like a modern-day courthouse.
Related Chapters
Leviticus Chapter 25
This chapter explains the laws regarding the redemption of land by a kinsman that Boaz follows in Ruth 4.
Matthew Chapter 1
The genealogy of Jesus Christ includes Boaz, Ruth, and Obed, showing the long-term impact of this redemption story.
1 Samuel Chapter 16
This chapter introduces David, the grandson of Obed, fulfilling the legacy established at the end of Ruth.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.