Question 1

What is happening at the city gate in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The city gate was where legal and public matters were settled. In this passage, Boaz goes there early, sits down, and waits for the nearer relative to pass by. When the man comes, Boaz calls him over and gathers ten elders as witnesses. They discuss Naomi’s land and who should redeem it. The gate setting shows that what happens is not private but official and witnessed by the community, so everyone knows the decision is fair and binding.

Question 2

Who is the kinsman redeemer in this story and what does he do?

Accepted Answer

A kinsman redeemer was a close relative who could buy back family land or protect a family’s name when they were in trouble. In this story there are two: first, an unnamed closer relative, and then Boaz. The unnamed man has the first right to redeem Naomi’s land but refuses when he learns it includes caring for Ruth and raising up a child for the dead man’s name. Boaz then steps in, buys the land, marries Ruth, and takes on the full responsibility with joy.

Question 3

Why does the nearer kinsman refuse to redeem the land and marry Ruth?

Accepted Answer

At first the nearer kinsman agrees to buy Naomi’s land, because that sounds like a gain for him. But when Boaz explains that redeeming the land also means taking Ruth as his wife and raising up a child in Mahlon’s name, the man changes his mind. He says he cannot redeem it or he might harm his own inheritance. In other words, he fears the cost to his own family and property. His choice shows a heart more focused on protecting himself than on caring for his wider family.

Question 4

What is the meaning of taking off the shoe in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage explains that, in former times in Israel, taking off a shoe and giving it to another person was a way to confirm a transfer of rights. When the nearer kinsman removes his shoe and hands it over, he is making a public sign that he is giving up his claim to redeem the land and Ruth. The elders and people watching see this act as a witness that Boaz now has the right to redeem. It is like signing a contract in front of everyone so there is no dispute later.

Question 5

Why do the people bless Boaz and Ruth with names like Rachel, Leah, and Pharez?

Accepted Answer

After Boaz redeems the land and takes Ruth as his wife, the elders and people at the gate speak a blessing over them. They ask the Lord to make Ruth like Rachel and Leah, who had many children and helped build up the people of Israel. They also speak of the house of Pharez, a family line within Judah that grew strong. By using these names, they pray that Boaz and Ruth will have a fruitful family, a respected name in Bethlehem, and children who will continue the family line in strength.

Question 6

What does this passage show about God’s care for Naomi and Ruth?

Accepted Answer

Naomi began in sorrow, having lost her husband and sons. By this chapter, God has quietly arranged events so that a faithful man, Boaz, steps in to redeem the land and marry Ruth. God then gives Ruth a son, and the women say that the Lord has not left Naomi without a kinsman. The child will restore her life and care for her in old age. Naomi holds the baby close, and the neighbours say a son has been born to her. It shows God providing comfort, family, and a future after deep loss.

Question 7

Why do the women say Ruth is better to Naomi than seven sons?

Accepted Answer

In that culture, having sons was seen as a great blessing and strength for a family. When the women say Ruth is better than seven sons, they are honouring Ruth’s deep love and loyalty. Ruth left her own country, stayed with Naomi through hardship, worked to provide for her, and now has given birth to a child who will care for Naomi in her old age. The women see that this devoted daughter-in-law, who truly loves Naomi, is of greater value to her than even a large number of sons.

Question 8

What is the importance of Obed being the father of Jesse, the father of David?

Accepted Answer

The passage ends with a short family line that runs from Pharez down to David. Obed, the baby born to Boaz and Ruth, grows up to be the father of Jesse, and Jesse becomes the father of David. This shows that from this union of a man from Judah and a Moabite widow comes the future king of Israel. It means that God used the quiet faithfulness of Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi to bring about a royal line. Their small family story fits into God’s larger plan for His people.

Ruth 4:1

Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

Boaz Redeems Ruth

Boaz Marries Ruth

The Line of David

Boaz Redeems Ruth

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Ruth 4:1

Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

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Boaz Redeems Ruth

Boaz Marries Ruth

The Line of David

Boaz Redeems Ruth

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