Boaz has made his opening
statements, and the proposal has been made. He has called and
propositioned the nearer kinsman and told him of Elimelech's land who
was a close relative. This property now rightfully may be purchased
by the kinsman redeemer who is the next closest in line to Elimelech.
Since property was a valuable commodity in those days, when the offer
of the land was presented by Boaz, this kinsman redeemer was very
interested. Let's continue with our story in chapter four and verse
four where we read Boaz saying:
And I thought to
advertise you, saying, Buy [it] before the inhabitants, and before
the elders of my people. If you will redeem [it], redeem [it]: but if
you will not redeem [it, then] tell me, that I may know: for [there
is] none to redeem [it] beside you; and I [am] after you. And he
said, I will redeem [it].
Boaz
knew it was necessary to inform this nearer kinsman about the land
formerly owned by Elimelech. As we shared in earlier studies,
whenever a property was left by a deceased man, the property was to
be redeemed by the next nearest kinsman. Boaz told this kinsman, “And
I though to advertise you, saying Buy it before the inhabitants, and
before the elders of my people.” The normal custom was that a
price would be paid for the property, and the land would be kept in
the family. “The elders” and “my people” were to be witnesses
as Boaz obeyed the custom and laws of the land of Israel by offering
this nearer kinsman the property first. We must, however, keep in
mind that the property was not Boaz' keen interest. Ownership of the
land was simply a means to obtain what he really desired which was
Ruth.
Next
Boaz gives this kinsman an out. He said, “If you will redeem it,
redeem it: but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may
know.” We can see with our mind's eye as these ten witnesses
are sitting around as Boaz engages this nearer kinsman. Perhaps the
kinsman's attention is fast upon Boaz as he shares with him. Now the
moment of decision has been presented, and the choice must be made.
Let us remember this decision will affect the rest of Boaz, Ruth and
Naomi's lives. Will this kinsman redeem the land or not? But there is
more to Boaz' comments.
In
addition to drawing Boaz' attention to the available land, he also
desires that there is a reason for his calling this meeting. Boaz
said, “for there is none to redeem it beside you; and I am after
you.” Boaz informed this nearer kinsman and the other ten
witnesses who were watching that he was next in line to inherit the
ownership of this land should this kinsman forsake it. Perhaps some
of these elders knew this already, but this nearer kinsman may not
have known. Whichever the case, it is now established before
witnesses that Boaz is next in line which puts him exactly where he
desires to be at this point.
Finally
we read the kinsman's answer, “I will redeem it.” This
could have been the end of our story. The kinsman desired the land,
and since the offer was made, he was willing to “buy it back” as
was his duty and privilege to do. He was to be the rightful owner,
and since he made this decision before Boaz and the ten elders, he
was to own the land. However, there is more that he must do, and we
shall find out what that is in our next study.
Next
time we will watch as Boaz presents part “B” of his offer to the
nearer kinsman, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites,
www.amazon.com
; www.barnesandnobles.com
; download
to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
No comments:
Post a Comment