Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Ruth 4 and Psalm 48

Clearly Boaz had fallen in love with Ruth, and wanted to redeem her through marriage. But a dark cloud loomed over their future. There was, in fact, an even closer relative – one who had the first right to redeem Naomi and Ruth. As I read this account, I was reminded of Jesus’ teaching that we ought to be wise as serpents but innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Boaz dealt with this nearer relative in absolute honesty and integrity, yet with a remarkable degree of shrewdness.

First he highlighted the property that needed to be purchased in order to redeem Naomi. It must have been good land, because the man leapt at the opportunity to add it to his “portfolio”. Then, very shrewdly, Boaz mentioned that Ruth would come as part of the deal, because she was Naomi’s widowed daughter-in-law. And then he mentioned … drum roll … “She is a Moabite”. At this, the relative’s tune changed so quickly one almost gets whiplash. Prejudice against Moabites ran deep in Israel, and Boaz had depended on it. In a dramatic twist, the closer relative declines to take his responsibility, Boaz is free to marry Ruth, redeem the land, and provide generously for the widows for the rest of their lives. And of course he does so with the greatest joy!

Lord my God, help me to be as wise as a serpent, but as innocent as a dove in all my dealings today. May I live with honesty and integrity, wisdom and discernment, courage and endurance, all for the glory of Your name. Amen.