May I have a WORD with you?

Ep 098 (S6E5) Ruth - Part 4: From Misery to Hope

• John • Season 6 • Episode 5

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References: 

  • The significance of the town gate.
    • That justice may be done, though not in an arbitrary way
      • Remember from Ruth: Part 1 - Deut 25:7-10
      • Consider the Magna Carta of 1215 & a jury of peers
    • The family redeemer - rights and responsibilities
      • Rights - v 4: he wants the land
      • Responsibilities - v 6: he doesn’t want the risk of responsibility  -  SO
  • “In those days…” (in former times, in the olden times…)
    • The author’s parenthetical explanation of a practice no longer observed.
      • The taking off of the sandal (shoe)
        • Ref. Joshua 1:3 - where you set foot - land
        • A surrendering of rights, rather than a humiliation per Deut 25:10
      • The land and the widow are entrusted to Boaz
  • The elders as witnesses - vs 9-11a עֵד (ayd) - witness, testimony
    • Septuagint - μάρτυς (mar'-toos) - see Acts 1:8
    • Job 16:18-22 - a witness in heaven, 19:25-27 (Redeemer)
      • We who are followers of Christ are witnesses to Christ’s Redeeming power
  • Blessing: “May…” vs 11, 12, 14, 15
    • … Ruth be fruitful.
    • … Boaz be prosperous.
    • … the Lord’s people be blessed.
    • … Obed become Naomi’s strength and provide for her.
      •  עוֹבֵד  (o-bade') - Servant - Grandfather of King David
  • Transition: from misery to hope (genealogy)