Tucked at the end of the book of Ruth is the transaction between Boaz, the kinsman redeemer, and the

other kinsman redeemer in order to determine who will redeem Ruth. It took place at the city gates and

at the end of the transaction. . .

Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from

Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the

Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife . . . Today you are witnesses!” (Ruth 4:9-10 CSB)

Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman

who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May

you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. Through the offspring the Lord gives

you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.” (Ruth

4:11-12)



After Ruth’s redemption, the people (witnesses) wished that the Lord would make her like the women

who built the family of Israel. God did just that: Ruth was the great-grandmother of David and an

ancestor of Christ.

Ruth, who faithfully refused to leave Naomi and choose the God of the Jews over the god of her people,

was redeemed. And as a result of her redemption, the Lord used her as part of His redemptive plan.

With amazing hindsight, we can see the beauty of what happened that day in Bethlehem that led to

another day in Bethlehem. Thousands of years later, we are witnesses to the redemption that “the

offspring that the Lord gave” through Ruth, available to all who will seek out God over other “gods.”

Today, as you think on what took place in Ruth’s life and on the day of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, bear

witness to those who don’t know of the redemption that is available to them. Share Ruth’s story. Share

Christ’s story. Share your story.

By LaRaine Rice