Monday, August 13

Boaz Negotiates for Ruth

Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.

Boaz found the next-of-kin that had first claim on marriage to Ruth (and to the land Naomi's husband had lost 10 years prior when he left Judah). It was customary that such a transaction would be witnessed by the elders to ensure it was carried out properly and fairly. 

Boaz laid out the terms of the agreement, indicating that the next-of-kin had first dibs on Naomi's husband's land. The next-of-kin was eager to obtain the land and quickly agreed to the proposal. But there's a catch... (tomorrow)

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Narrative Lectionary Text: Ruth 4:1-4

No sooner had Boaz gone up to the gate and sat down there than the next-of-kin, of whom Boaz had spoken, came passing by. So Boaz said, “Come over, friend; sit down here.” And he went over and sat down. Then Boaz took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, “Sit down here”; so they sat down. He then said to the next-of-kin, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our kinsman Elimelech. So I thought I would tell you of it, and say: Buy it in the presence of those sitting here, and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not, tell me, so that I may know; for there is no one prior to you to redeem it, and I come after you.” So he said, “I will redeem it.”