I Have Bought All Ruth 4:9 - Equipped for Battle

The deal has been completed, and since the nearer kinsman has given up his right to redeem Elimelech's land, Boaz is next in line to do so. With this land comes Boaz' treasure which is Ruth the Moabite who will become Boaz' wife immediately. Boaz makes a declaration to the elders and all the people in chapter four and verse nine of the book of Ruth where we read:

And Boaz said unto the elders, and [unto] all the people, You [are] witnesses this day, that I have bought all that [was] Elimelech's, and all that [was] Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

Can we imagine Boaz' excitement as he now has the official word that he has become the rightful kinsman redeemer for all that was Elimelech's? His enthusiasm is exhibited as he makes this proclamation “unto the elders” (whom he had called at the beginning of this meeting) and “unto all the people” (which must have meant there were more people than just the ten elders, Boaz and the nearer kinsman around). This was a crowd, and Boaz wanted everyone of them to know what he was about to say.

Boaz said, “You are witnesses this day”. We discovered earlier in our studies that in order for there to be a true contract there were to be two or three witnesses for every word to be established, however, Boaz desires a crowd. Boaz desired that there be no mistake. What has just transpired is true and unbreakable with such a great crowd of witnesses, so he declared, “that I have bought all that was Eliemlech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.” Boaz was now rightful owner to all of Elimelech's belongings including that which would have passed down to his sons who were now deceased as well.

What a shining example this is of a wedding today. Before crowds of witnesses the groom takes his bride and declares to all of them that all she has is mine, and all I have is hers. So it is with Jesus. Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world, the bread of life, the way, the truth, and the life.” He further declared, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) He also declared, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 All of these words and more are declarations to the world that Jesus has bought all that was redeemable, and now He is entitled to have the bride. However, we shall have to wait until next time to see the culmination of that treasure.

Next time we will see Boaz talk about receiving Ruth as his bride, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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