Ruth: Lesson Eight
The Blessedness of Naomi (Ruth 4:13-22)
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the LORD made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Now these are the descendants of Perez: Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron of Ram, Ram of Amminadab, Amminadab of Nahshon, Nahshon of Salmon, Salmon of Boaz, Boaz of Obed, Obed of Jesse, and Jesse of David.
The narrative of the book of Ruth begins with the tragedies that befell Naomi, and the narrative ends with her blessedness.
The tragic circumstances of Naomi’s life left her bitter (1:20-21). She wanted to be called “Bitter” (mara) rather than “Pleasant” (Naomi). Yahweh had dealt “bitterly” with her and returned her to Bethlehem “empty.” She experienced her tragedy as Yahweh’s harsh treatment, and she named God as the one who “brought calamity upon” her.
How might we describe her feelings and situation? Shamed? Disappointed? Frustrated? Wounded? Hopeless?
However, through the hesed (mercy, loyalty) of Ruth and Boaz as well as the hidden footprints of God throughout the narrative, the book of Ruth ends with blessing rather than curse, hope rather than despair, and fullness rather than emptiness.
Ruth and Boaz marry, and Boaz “came to her” (consummating the marriage, we might say), and Ruth conceived. In fact, Yahweh “made her conceive” (literally, Yahweh gave to her pregnancy or conception), and the result was a son. What Ruth had never known in her barrenness and what Naomi had lost in death was renewed in the family of Elimelech—a son to bear the name, inherit the land, and support the family.
It is important to note that Naomi is blessed by the women rather than Ruth as the one blessed. Naomi has always been central to the story; it is about the honor and continuance of her family, particularly her husband’s name. A child is born! Indeed, “a son has been born to Naomi!” In fact, she became his nurse.
The women bless the newborn: (1) a renowned name; (2) a restorer of life for the elderly Naomi; and (3) his mother who is more to Naomi than seven sons. Most likely, the “name” is not Boaz, but the child will have a name, that is, a reputation that brings honor to the family. This “name” will ultimately include David, the second king of Israel. This son will provide and support Naomi in her old age. And Ruth will still be there as one whose love for Naomi has no measure.
The genealogy provides a hint as to why we have this story. It details the lineage of David, perhaps affirming his reign.
But the genealogy is not simply about David, though it climaxes there. Beginning with Perez (rather than Judah) it reminds us that Perez is the son of Tamar (already named in 4:12). Though unnamed, Rahab also lies in the backdrop. She born a son to Salmon, from whom Boaz descended (perhaps even the son of Salmon). These non-Israelite women—both were Canaanites—are part of the lineage of David, and remember Ruth is a Moabitess.
Ruth, a worthy character and filled with hesed, is the agent of Naomi’s redemption, just as Rahab redeemed her family and Tamar continued the lineage of Judah. To one degree or another, sexual scandal was associated with these women, and yet they are the ones whose initiative secured the lineage.
Perhaps in addition to the genealogy securing David’s position in the history of Israel/Judah, another important point is about women in Israel/Judah. While Judges 19-21 highlights the violent narratives against women as a witness to the chaotic and immoral condition of Israel, the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz affirms and honors women. This is, in part, an antidote to the violence present in Judges.
This antidote is found in hesed, which is an inherent characteristic of Yahweh, the God of Israel!