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Ruth 4:7-10

 

Curiously, the name of the other relative is never actually mentioned in the story. Boaz would have known his name and would have called him by his name. This nearer relative’s name would have been required for the transaction to be legal.
But, in the telling of this story, the author intentionally avoids naming him or providing any important details about him…

Why do you think this is the case?

 

 

[Read Ruth 4:7-10]

 

 

The Hebrew used to describe how Boaz refers to this relative as “my friend” is peloni almoni which literally means “so-and-so”. This is the equivalent of calling him “what’s-his-name” or “John Smith”.

Some bible scholars think that this was the narrator protecting him from embarrassment. Why might there be embarrassment?

 

 

Other Rabbinic traditions say that this is poetic justice.
Why could this be understood this way?

 

 

Read Proverbs 22:1… what does this Proverb say about the importance of maintaining a good name?

 

 

Read Proverbs 3:3-4… how can we maintain a good name?

 

What stands out to you about Ruth 4:7?
What is this all about?

 

 

[Activity] Read Psalm 8:6 and Ephesians 1:22…

What do we learn from these two verses and how can we apply that to what’s happening in Ruth 4?

 

 

 

What reason does Boaz give for accepting responsibility?

 

What other reasons might there be?

 

 

With his part of the story finished, the nearer relative, Mr “What’s-his-name” disappears into the pages of history… his name forgotten.
Today, we only know the name of Boaz, the generous and gracious kinsman, who acted with extraordinary covenantal love… we also know the name Boaz is the ancestor of both Israel’s most beloved king and the world’s greatest King!

 

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end.” [Hebrews 6:10-11]

How does this part of the story from Ruth and this passage from Hebrews motivate you to continue to serve and help others?

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