Christ in the story of Boaz and Ruth

Topic
Other

The beautiful relationship of Christ and His Bride, the Church, can be seen in the Levirate Marriage of Boaz and Ruth. Ruth 2:19 - 4:13

  • 1. What Was A Levirate Marriage?
    • A. This particular type of marriage was the marriage of a brother-in-law to his widowed sister-in-law (deceased brother's wife) living at the father's house (The younger brother not having yet married).


      •  
    2. What Was It's Purpose?
    • A. For the preservation of the name and family line of the deceased brother and to provide for his widows care.


      •  
    3. Scripture References:
    • A. Gen. 38:8 The original principle taught.
      B. Deut. 25:5,6 The law of Levirate Marriage.
      C. Lev. 25:25-28 The kinsman-redeemer relationship stated.


      •  
    4. What Were The Responsibilities Of A Kinsman-Redeemer-Bridegroom:
    • A. To be qualified as a kinsman: (He must be a legitimate, close kinsman.)
      B. To be qualified as a redeemer: (He must be capable to redeem from the debts and poverty of the indebted deceased.)
      C. To be a willing defender, protector, and go-between. :
      D. To be a willing bridegroom and provider for those he redeems.


      •  
    5. This Practice Seen In The Story Of Ruth And Boaz:
    • A. Naomi and Ruth were widows needing redemption and protection to preserve the line of Elimelech and Mahlon.
      B. Boaz alone qualified as kinsman-redeemer by virtue of his kinsman relationship and his ability to adequately redeem.
      C. The marriage of Boaz to Ruth preserved the line of Elimelech, but also produced the royal line of kingship in Israel. (Matthew 1:5)
      D. The tracing of the genealogy back to Perez also emphasizes the Levirate relationship in Ruth. It was just prior to the birth of Perez that the Levirate responsibility was first pronounced to Onan at the death of Er (Gen. 38:8).


      •  
    6. How This Pictures Christ And His Church:
    • A. Christ became one of the human race as a qualified Kinsman. (John 1:17)
      B. Christ provided full redemption by his payment of man's debt and His provision for man's salvation. (Romans 5:8-10; 1 Peter 1:18,19)
      C. Christ became man's able Defender and Go-between (1 Timothy 2:5,6)
      D. Christ fulfills this type as the heavenly Bridegroom taking a His bride whom He warmly welcomes and richly endows. (Matthew 9:15)