Boaz Settles the Matter

Now Boaz went up to the village gate and sat there. Then along came the guardian whom Boaz had mentioned to Ruth. Boaz said, “Come here, what’s-your-name, and sit down.” So he came and sat down.

Then Boaz said, “When you acquire the field from Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the wife of our deceased relative, in order to preserve his family name by raising up a descendant who will inherit his property.”

I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, the wife of Mahlon, as my wife to raise up a descendant who will inherit his property so the name of the deceased might not disappear from among his relatives and from his village. You are witnesses today.”

A Grandson is Born to Naomi

So Boaz married Ruth and slept with her. The Lord enabled her to conceive and she gave birth to a son.

I have seen ruthless, wicked people growing in influence, like a green tree grows in its native soil.

For foreigners attack me; ruthless men, who do not respect God, seek my life. (Selah)

O God, arrogant men attack me; a gang of ruthless men, who do not respect you, seek my life.

A generous woman gains honor, and ruthless men seize wealth.

Look, I am about to empower the Babylonians, that ruthless and greedy nation. They sweep across the surface of the earth, seizing dwelling places that do not belong to them.

Salmon the father of Boaz (by Rahab), Boaz the father of Obed (by Ruth), Obed the father of Jesse,

senseless, covenant-breakers, heartless, ruthless.