In today’s reading, Naomi advises Ruth to position herself to be redeemed with Naomi’s land by the hand of Boaz. One obstacle remains: a kinsman nearer than Boaz, who in accordance with Moses’s Law desires to redeem the land, but not the Moabite woman who would come with it to raise up children to her late husband’s name. After refusing this responsibility, as was hoped for by both Boaz and Naomi, the responsibility of redemption falls to Boaz, and he and Ruth are soon wed. The book concludes with a brief genealogy revealing Boaz and Ruth as the grandparents of David, king of Israel.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission