Studies in Ruth

Boaz, the Kinsman Redeemer (Ruth 2-4)

In this lesson from the book of Ruth we are going to be looking at Boaz as the Kinsman Redeemer. Boaz in the book of Ruth is a type of Jesus Christ. As the redeemer for Ruth he is a picture of Jesus Christ who is our redeemer from the bondage of sin. We will show this by looking at some of the ways that Boaz is a type of Jesus Christ in the book of Ruth. We will also give some biblical necessities for redemption according to the Law to show how Jesus Christ meets these necessities in redeeming us from sin.

Boaz as a type of Jesus Christ:

1)  Boaz was a kinsman to Ruth (Ruth 2:1)

• Jesus Christ became our kinsman by taking on flesh and being born of woman (Hebrews 2:9-18)

2)  Boaz was a mighty man of wealth (Ruth 2:1)

• Jesus was wealthy and yet became poor to redeem us (Psalm 50:10 ; 2 Corinthians 8:9)

3)  First words spoken by Boaz were “the Lord be with you” (Ruth 2:4)

• Jesus was God manifest in the flesh (John 1:14 ; 1 Timothy 3:16)

4)  Boaz provides and protects Ruth (Ruth 2:8-9)

• Jesus does these things for us (Philippians 4:19)

5)  Boaz invites Ruth to come and dine (Ruth 2:14-15)

• This reminds us of Jesus in John 21:12.

6)  Boaz makes arrangements for the wedding (Ruth 4:1-13)

• Jesus does this for his bride (John 14:1-6)

7)  Boaz tells the other Kinsman “I am after thee” (Ruth 4:4)

• Jesus refers to himself as “I am” (John 8:58)

8)  Boaz speaks of purchasing Ruth to be his wife (Ruth 4:10)

• Jesus has purchased us (1 Corinthians 6:19-22)

Three key things regarding redemption:

1)  Must be according to the Law (Leviticus 25:25 ; Deuteronomy 25:5-10)

• Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law and did what it could not do in regards to redeeming us

(Matthew 5:17 ; Galatians 4:4-5)

2)  Kinsman must be willing (Leviticus 25:48-49)

• Jesus was definitely willing to redeem us (Hebrews 2:9-18)

3)  Kinsman must be able to Redeem (Ruth 4:4-6)

• Jesus like Boaz was able to redeem, because he could do what no one else could (John 10:11-18)