Ruth 4:14

"So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and he went in to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she bore a son."

Key Reflection

In Ruth 4:14, we see the culmination of Boaz’s legal marriage to Ruth after Boaz had acquired Elimelech's property and fulfilled his kinsman-redeemer obligations (Ruth 3-4). This narrative not only solidifies their familial bond but also aligns with ancient Hebrew cultural norms where marriage was often seen as a means to preserve lineage and ensure the continuation of family responsibilities. The phrase "the LORD enabled her to conceive" underscores the divine blessing that ensured Ruth's fertility, highlighting God’s role in this union beyond mere human action.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Without a kinsman -i. e. Boaz, not the infant Obed.

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