When Elimelech left Bethlehem (House of Bread) due to famine, he travelled with Naomi and his two sons, to Moab, in search of provision. A decade later, Naomi and her two daughters-in-law were widowed. When Naomi heard the rumour about bread back home, she prepared to return. What Naomi didn’t know, was the fullness of God’s provision, through Ruth the Moabites, a kinsman redeemer, and the Son of God.
Ruth the Moabitess
Naomi cared for her daughters-in-law. Thus, she encouraged them to part ways, to find security in their homeland. She could not provide for them any longer. One was okay with it, but not Ruth. Ruth saw no life apart from Naomi and made a covenant with her that centuries later, lovers repeat to one another on their wedding day. “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; Your people will be my people and your God, my God.”
A Kinsman Redeemer
Naomi knew she couldn’t provide the necessary male. She couldn’t produce the son necessary to provide for Ruth, nor the heir to keep her late husband’s inheritance. The Jewish law was beyond her capability. When she began to notice the extra provision Ruth brought home each day, it reminded her of a close relative who could fulfill this important role. She sprung into action.
The Son of God
Boaz was an honorable man, treating Ruth with compassion and provision. When confronted with her laying at his feet, he was honored that she considered him and not a younger man. He also knew that someone was ahead of him in regards to this position, but followed the legal customs of his day. In the end he gained Ruth as his wife. The men said, “May the Lord give you descendants by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah.” The women said, “Praise the Lord who has now provided a redeemer for your family. May this child be famous in Israel.” No one saw that from their union, the Redeemer for all mankind would come. God’s provision, the bread of life, the Lord Jesus. What Naomi didn’t know, was the fullness of God’s provision, through Ruth the Moabites, a kinsman redeemer, and the Son of God.