As soon as he can, Boaz goes forth to fulfill his duty as kinsman-redeemer. The obstacle to his pledge is a nearer relative to Elimelech. The first part of the redemption concerns the parcel of land. This is easy to fulfill and lucrative as well for though it costs money, it is an investment which would increase the wealth of the buyer. The second part of the redemption is the deal breaker: marriage of the widow. The son born of such a marriage would own the property. The nearer relative could not or would not fulfill this duty for it would place him in jeopardy.
But this story has a happy ending. Boaz carries out the redemption. Naomi no longer has to worry about how she will live. The godly and humble Boaz marries the righteous and devoted servant Ruth, but at great cost to himself. Not only does he have to sacrifice to purchase land he would realize no profit from, the son that Ruth bears, Obed, is legally considered the son of Kilion. Obed is also considered the son of Naomi, who can now truly fulfill her name and be joyful in the great blessing the Lord has given her despite her past transgressions. But Obed is a source of greater joy for all Israel. He is to be the grandfather of David the King who would lead Israel out of the darkness of apostasy and idolatry that marked the years of the judges.
The price Boaz pays reminds us of the price Jesus paid to redeem us from the bondage of sin and Satan. He did this first by coming to earth as a man, and then by dying on the cross. He, though the sinless Creator of all things, suffered and died at the hands of those He had created. His sacrifice and that of Boaz set an example for us to follow Christ in our life even though it costs us dearly to serve His Kingdom.
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