Ruth 4:9-12

9 Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon.

10 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!”

11 Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.

12 Through the offspring the LORD gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

Ruth 4:9-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO RUTH 4

This chapter relates how an offer was made to the nearest kinsman of Ruth to redeem her, and the field her husband left, which he refused to do, Ru 4:1-8, upon which Boaz redeemed both, and married Ruth before the elders of the city as witnesses, and who congratulated him and her on that occasion, Ru 4:9-12, to whom a son was born, called Obed by the neighbours, Ru 4:13-17 and the chapter is concluded with the genealogy of David, who sprung from him, Ru 4:18-22.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 8:2; Jeremiah 32:10,44
• 2. S Ruth 1:22
• 3. S Deuteronomy 25:5
• 4. S Deuteronomy 25:6
• 5. S Joshua 24:22
• 6. S Genesis 23:10
• 7. S Deuteronomy 25:9
• 8. S Genesis 4:19; S Genesis 29:16; Psalms 127:3; Psalms 128:3
• 9. S Genesis 35:16
• 10. Ruth 1:19
• 11. ver 18; S Genesis 38:29
• 12. Genesis 38:6,24