His Name Will Be Famous! Ruth Chapter 4 Ruth 4:14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! Boaz is a key figure in the story of Ruth because he acted as a kinsman-redeemer, protecting Elimelech’s family inheritance by marrying Ruth. However, here was someone closer in the family lineage than Boaz. The purchase of property and marrying Ruth needed to be presented to him first. Boaz went to this man and told him about the land and about Ruth. The man was not interested in claiming his rights. So in the presence of 10 witnesses, the agreement was made and the shoe was given. What is so significant about a shoe? The sandal symbolized the man’s property rights. To give up the sandal meant he would no longer walk on that property and claim it as his; he had transferred the rights to another. Because of this public vow, Boaz now had every legal right to purchase Naomi’s deceased husbands land and marry Ruth the daughter-in-law. Ruth gave birth to Obed which means servant. Ruth 4:17 And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. Eventually, Jesus was in this lineage. Remember, Jesus Himself came not to be served, but to serve. Mark 10:45 God calls us to serve those with whom we are in relationship. Jesus the suffering servant. Isa. 53 Not only was Boaz, Ruth's kinsman redeemer, name made famous according to Ruth 4:14, but so is Jesus. Psalm 45:17 I will make your name famous from now on, so people will praise you forever and ever. Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 72:17 His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed. Jesus is our Boaz, and His name is the famous one forever!