Study
2 From the Book of Ruth is: Ruth 3 and 4
With
this study we end the small book of Ruth to jump into the book of 1
Samuel tomorrow.
- How does the whole story show the Lord's loving-kindness to those who trust Him? Cf. La. 3:22-26, 31-33; Na. 1:7; Rom. 8:28.
- What example are we given in chapter 4 on matters affecting the rights of others?
Note.
3:12. 'Near kinsman': The Hebrew word (goel, meaning 'next of kin')
has a technical meaning in Hebrew law. The next of kin had certain
duties and privileges, among them being that of redeeming the land or
person of a kinsman who had been compelled to sell his land or
himself through poverty (cf. Lv.25:25 , 47-49. To draw a portion of a
kinsman's mantle over oneself (3:9) was the legal way of claiming
protection and redemption. A kinsman-redeemer must be able and
willing to redeem and pay the redemption price in full. Cf. 4:4-6;
Gal. 3:13, 14.
