Boaz Redeems Ruth

In Bethlehem, Naomi instructed Ruth to wash, anoint herself, and go to the threshing floor where Boaz was winnowing barley. Ruth was told to wait until Boaz had finished eating and drinking and had lain down, then to uncover his feet and lie there (Ruth 3:3-4). When Boaz woke at midnight and discovered a woman at his feet, Ruth identified herself and asked him to spread his wings over her as a redeemer. Boaz acknowledged that while he was a close relative, there was one kinsman closer than he. He instructed Ruth to remain until morning and gave her six measures of barley to take to Naomi (Ruth 3:15-17).

Boaz went to the town gate and sat down until the closer relative passed by. In the presence of ten elders of the city, Boaz informed the man that Naomi was selling a parcel of land belonging to Elimelech. The relative initially agreed to redeem the land, but when Boaz stated that the purchase included acquiring Ruth the Moabite to perpetuate the name of the dead, the relative declined (Ruth 4:5-6). The man removed his shoe and gave it to Boaz to signify the transfer of the right of redemption. Boaz then announced to the elders and the people that he had bought the land and acquired Ruth as his wife (Ruth 4:9-10).

The elders and people at the gate witnessed the transaction and prayed that the woman entering Boaz's house would be like Rachel and Leah. Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. The text does not say how much time passed before she conceived, but the Lord gave her conception and she bore a son (Ruth 4:13). The women of the town told Naomi that the child would be a restorer of life and a nourisher of her old age, noting that Ruth loved Naomi and was better to her than seven sons (Ruth 4:15).