Ruth 4

Chapter Summary

Ruth chapter 4 begins with Boaz going to the city gate to meet with the relative who had the right to redeem Ruth. Boaz cleverly convinces this relative to relinquish his right, allowing Boaz to purchase the land and marry Ruth (Ruth 4:1-6). After the transaction is complete, Boaz and Ruth get married and have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:13-17). The chapter concludes with a genealogy that highlights the significance of Ruth's inclusion in the family of King David and, ultimately, in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:18-22). This narrative demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the book of Ruth, which tells the story of a Moabite woman who becomes part of the family of King David and, ultimately, part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. The chapter is set in the context of the Old Testament narrative, highlighting God's faithfulness and provision in the lives of His people. The story of Ruth serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and redemption, demonstrating how He works through the lives of ordinary people to achieve His purposes.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. It also highlights the importance of kindness, integrity, and faithfulness in the life of a believer, demonstrating how these qualities can be used to serve others and bring glory to God.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of Ruth's marriage to Boaz and the birth of their son, Obed. It highlights God's provision and faithfulness in the lives of His people, demonstrating how He works through the lives of ordinary people to achieve His purposes. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, as seen in Ruth 4:14.

Voices from the Church

“The story of Ruth is a beautiful illustration of God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, demonstrating how He works through the lives of ordinary people to achieve His purposes.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The chapter highlights the importance of faith and loyalty in the life of a believer, emphasizing the need to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Redemption of Ruth (Ruth 4:1-6) — Boaz goes to the city gate to meet with the relative who has the right to redeem Ruth, convincing him to relinquish his right and allowing Boaz to purchase the land and marry Ruth.
2. The Marriage of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:7-12) — Boaz and Ruth get married, and the community celebrates their union, highlighting the importance of family and community in the biblical narrative.
3. The Birth of Obed (Ruth 4:13-17) — Boaz and Ruth have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, emphasizing the significance of Ruth's inclusion in the family of King David and, ultimately, in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
4. The Genealogy of Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:18-22) — The chapter concludes with a genealogy that highlights the significance of Ruth's inclusion in the family of King David and, ultimately, in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
5. Conclusion (Ruth 4:18-22) — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.

Core Doctrines

Providence

The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.

Redemption

The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, demonstrating how God works through the lives of ordinary people to achieve His purposes and bring salvation to His people.

Faith

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and loyalty in the life of a believer, highlighting the need to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Family

The chapter highlights the importance of family and community in the biblical narrative, demonstrating how God works through these relationships to achieve His purposes.

Lessons from Ruth 4

1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.
2. Faith and Loyalty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and loyalty in the life of a believer, highlighting the need to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
3. Redemption and Restoration — The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, demonstrating how God works through the lives of ordinary people to achieve His purposes and bring salvation to His people.
4. Family and Community — The chapter highlights the importance of family and community in the biblical narrative, demonstrating how God works through these relationships to achieve His purposes.
5. Trust in God's Goodness — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.

Themes from Ruth 4

1. Redemption — The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, demonstrating how God works through the lives of ordinary people to achieve His purposes and bring salvation to His people.
2. Faith and Loyalty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and loyalty in the life of a believer, highlighting the need to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
3. Providence — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.
4. Family and Community — The chapter highlights the importance of family and community in the biblical narrative, demonstrating how God works through these relationships to achieve His purposes.
5. Trust in God's Goodness — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.

Questions for Meditation

1. How does the story of Ruth demonstrate God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people?
2. What qualities does Boaz exhibit in this chapter, and how can believers apply these qualities to their own lives?
3. How does the chapter highlight the importance of faith and loyalty in the life of a believer?
4. What significance does the genealogy at the end of the chapter hold, and how does it relate to the larger biblical narrative?
5. How can believers apply the themes of redemption and restoration to their own lives, trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ruth 4

	Sermon	Description
	The Book of Ruth #3 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Ruth and the importance of faith. He highlights how Ruth's faith led to immense blessings in her life, including being in the di
	Christ in You by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of man's relationship with God. He explains that man is only truly man when he has God in him, and losing God means losing ev
	(The Book of Ruth) 4. Boaz and the Nearer Kinsman by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of Jesus' blood to redeem and transform our lives. He emphasizes that Jesus can make something beautiful out of our brokenness and
	(The Book of Ruth) 5. the Happy Ending by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker shares personal testimonies to illustrate his message. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's sinfulness and coming to the cross for redempti
	Ruth - Part 6 by John McGregor	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a godly heritage and how it can still happen today. Despite the challenges and distractions of the world, the preac
	Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c
	When Redemption Rules by Stewart Ruch	The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the story of God as told in the Bible in order to live without fear. The speaker draws a parallel to the suc
	When God Writes Your Story by Stewart Ruch	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of small and how every person's life is small until it becomes significant through Jesus. He uses the story of Ruth as an example
	The Kinsman Redeemer by G.W. North	G.W. North explores the concept of the Kinsman Redeemer, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of redemption as presented in both the Old and New Testaments. He highlights that redem
	Our Daily Homily - Ruth by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer reflects on Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing, emphasizing that God's plans often unfold in ways we cannot immediately understand. Despite her losses, Naomi's

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ruth 4

This chapter is a beautiful illustration of God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people. The story of Ruth and Boaz demonstrates how God works through the lives of ordinary people to achieve His purposes and bring salvation to His people. The chapter highlights the importance of faith and loyalty in the life of a believer, emphasizing the need to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. The genealogy at the end of the chapter serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision, demonstrating how He works through the lives of His people to achieve His purposes and bring glory to Himself. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?