1 Samuel 11

1 Samuel 11:1

What Boaz Has Redeemed

Now that the first redeemer renounces the purchase, Boaz can openly testify of his desire to take Ruth to be his wife. He does this to maintain the name of the deceased. In this we can see a spiritual meaning. What Boaz says, means that the name of the deceased owner is preserved in the new life that will result from the new relationship.

In this we see the resurrection from the dead of God’s people. When God will accept His earthly people again to be His people, “what will [their] acceptance be but life from the dead?” (Romans 11:15). God will bring His people to life, that He may fulfill all His promises to them. All the people are witness to this action. Boaz begins and ends with the determination that the people are witnesses.

Boaz gets Ruth, as was included in the terms of sale. He doesn’t take her however as a slave, but he takes her to be his wife. For Ruth this is an overwhelming kindness. She, who at first was not entitled to anything, gets through the redemption by Boaz right to the full inheritance of Elimelech and Mahlon and Chilion. And not only that. Because Boaz takes her to be his wife, she also gets all the wealth of Boaz at her disposal.

This will be the surprise of the remnant in the future. They will realize that they have forfeited any right to possession in the land. To their surprise they will see that they are back in the land and enjoy all the blessing that the LORD has promised them. Above that, however, they will know that they are closely connected to the Giver of the blessing. Their Messiah is also their Husband (Hosea 2:16; Ishi is Husband).

1 Samuel 11:2

Blessings for the House of Boaz

The inhabitants of Bethlehem declare their consent to the joining of Ruth in her position of privilege as associated with Boaz, the man of Bethlehem. They are witnesses. Marriage and preparation for it are a matter where witnesses – like parents, friends, neighborhood – are present who rejoice at what they see and agree to it. They see that there is a new beginning. They rejoice so much about this that they make a comparison with Rachel and Lea, who form the beginning of the house of Israel. Rachel is mentioned first, Jacob’s beloved wife, but both women have built Jacob’s house. That’s how important offspring is.

In addition to the blessing with a view to offspring, the people and the elders also mention places in their blessing. With these places they connect powerful deeds and a glorious name. Ephrathah means ‘the fertile’ and Bethlehem means ‘house of bread’. The people wish Boaz a powerful performance that will bear fruit, that is a performance in the power of the Holy Spirit. The people also wish him to make a name for himself in Bethlehem, that is the name of David and beyond it the great David, the Lord Jesus, by Whom there will be food for all the people of God. Fruit is especially for God and food especially for God’s people. The Lord Jesus provides for both the desires of God and the needs of His people.

After the comparison with Rachel and Lea the people also draw the comparison with the house of Perez. Perez was born of an adulterous relationship between Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:13-30). The people know the history and see the comparison between Tamar and Ruth. The memory of Tamar is revived through the history of Ruth. Tamar was also involved in the so-called duty of a husband’s brother. Because Judah did not take this into account, Tamar came to an action that cannot be approved. Tamar gave up her honor because of Judah’s unfaithfulness, who failed to give his son Shelah to her as a redeemer. She then seduced Judah by deceit to beget a descendant with her. Boaz works in a completely different way. He does not use trickery and deceit, but acts completely publicly.

The similarity between Tamar and Ruth lies in the area of grace. The offspring wished for Boaz is granted him by the LORD, and that from one who belonged to a cursed people. God’s grace triumphs over a sinful act (Tamar) and over a cursed people (Ruth).

1 Samuel 11:3

Blessings for the House of Boaz

The inhabitants of Bethlehem declare their consent to the joining of Ruth in her position of privilege as associated with Boaz, the man of Bethlehem. They are witnesses. Marriage and preparation for it are a matter where witnesses – like parents, friends, neighborhood – are present who rejoice at what they see and agree to it. They see that there is a new beginning. They rejoice so much about this that they make a comparison with Rachel and Lea, who form the beginning of the house of Israel. Rachel is mentioned first, Jacob’s beloved wife, but both women have built Jacob’s house. That’s how important offspring is.

In addition to the blessing with a view to offspring, the people and the elders also mention places in their blessing. With these places they connect powerful deeds and a glorious name. Ephrathah means ‘the fertile’ and Bethlehem means ‘house of bread’. The people wish Boaz a powerful performance that will bear fruit, that is a performance in the power of the Holy Spirit. The people also wish him to make a name for himself in Bethlehem, that is the name of David and beyond it the great David, the Lord Jesus, by Whom there will be food for all the people of God. Fruit is especially for God and food especially for God’s people. The Lord Jesus provides for both the desires of God and the needs of His people.

After the comparison with Rachel and Lea the people also draw the comparison with the house of Perez. Perez was born of an adulterous relationship between Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:13-30). The people know the history and see the comparison between Tamar and Ruth. The memory of Tamar is revived through the history of Ruth. Tamar was also involved in the so-called duty of a husband’s brother. Because Judah did not take this into account, Tamar came to an action that cannot be approved. Tamar gave up her honor because of Judah’s unfaithfulness, who failed to give his son Shelah to her as a redeemer. She then seduced Judah by deceit to beget a descendant with her. Boaz works in a completely different way. He does not use trickery and deceit, but acts completely publicly.

The similarity between Tamar and Ruth lies in the area of grace. The offspring wished for Boaz is granted him by the LORD, and that from one who belonged to a cursed people. God’s grace triumphs over a sinful act (Tamar) and over a cursed people (Ruth).

1 Samuel 11:4

The Son of Boaz and Ruth

After Boaz has publicly and in accordance with the law acquired her to be his wife, he marries her. The rich man marries the poor Moabitess. She is united with the man of great wealth. The LORD blesses their intercourse with pregnancy, and the birth of a son. The LORD enabled her to conceive, so it is said here. This indicates that pregnancy is a gift from Him and not a personal achievement. People don’t make life. God gives it, even though unbelievers do not acknowledge it.

Ruth has been barren so far. No child was born of her marriage to Mahlon. Only in relationship with Boaz does she become fertile. Spiritually, we can only bear fruit for God if we have a relationship with the Lord Jesus if we abide in Him (John 15:4-5).

By the birth of her son, she helped lay the foundation for the birth of the Messiah. Thus the counsels of God are fulfilled. It begins in Moab with showing mercy to a single sinner who is totally outside of the blessing. From her the river of grace begins to flow, flowing into an ocean of endless glory that originates from the Son of God.

1 Samuel 11:5

The Son of Ruth Is the Son of Naomi

When the son of Boaz and Ruth is born, we no longer hear about Ruth, she is no longer spoken about. It is only about Naomi. The women again speak about Naomi (Rth 1:19). They show insight into God’s thoughts and praise the LORD for what He has done with Naomi. Her condition was hopeless. But through Ruth she receives new life.

The son of Ruth, whom she has in her arms, is for her the redeemer, the savior from her misery and hopelessness. In Boaz she gained hope for redemption. Ruth’s son is the fulfillment of that hope. They speak of the redeemer as a refresher or restorer of the soul. Naomi, who hated life, who returned from the land of Moab as a destitute and bitter woman, now springs up, refreshed. In her old age, she gains vitality and joy of life.

The “women” (Rth 4:14) not only point to Ruth’s restoration, but also to Ruth’s love for Naomi. Ruth has not taken Naomi’s place. For Ruth, the current blessing is linked to her attachment to Naomi. She doesn’t forget this, despite her loving relationship with Boaz. The remnant of Israel will always remember its relationship with ancient Israel. They are a new people, but they were born in ancient Israel. They receive the blessings promised to ancient Israel. In them, ancient Israel is restored in accordance with God’s thoughts about His Israel.

Naomi recognizes the child as her own child and takes care of it. One day the remnant like an abandoned widow will embrace the Lord Jesus and say: “A Child is born to us” (Isaiah 9:6). In Him is all their salvation, and all the promised blessings will be given to them, “for as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore, also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

The “neighborhood women” (Rth 4:17) – a smaller, more intimate circle than the women of the city (Rth 4:14) – give the son the name Obed, which means ‘servant’ or ‘worshiper’. In the union of the two meanings we see that the true service of a believer is to worship God. At the same time, there is also a practical side to serving. The son of Ruth will be a servant of Naomi. In spiritual terms, it is also true that the Lord Jesus, the great Son of Boaz, the true Servant, will serve His people. Both Boaz and Obed are a picture of the Lord Jesus.

The neighborhood women are in a broader sense a picture of the surrounding peoples, the neighboring peoples, who will come to the acknowledgment that there is a God Who serves and invigorates His people. The old Israel – the Israel under the law or the old covenant, and not the apostate Israel – is finally free of worries and enjoys what the true Boaz has done for her. At the same time, it is a new, young people who are connected to this Boaz and not to Mahlon, although the son must be ascribed to him after the duty of a husband’s brother. This is the situation for Israel in the kingdom of peace under the reign of the great Son of David.

1 Samuel 11:6

The Son of Ruth Is the Son of Naomi

When the son of Boaz and Ruth is born, we no longer hear about Ruth, she is no longer spoken about. It is only about Naomi. The women again speak about Naomi (Rth 1:19). They show insight into God’s thoughts and praise the LORD for what He has done with Naomi. Her condition was hopeless. But through Ruth she receives new life.

The son of Ruth, whom she has in her arms, is for her the redeemer, the savior from her misery and hopelessness. In Boaz she gained hope for redemption. Ruth’s son is the fulfillment of that hope. They speak of the redeemer as a refresher or restorer of the soul. Naomi, who hated life, who returned from the land of Moab as a destitute and bitter woman, now springs up, refreshed. In her old age, she gains vitality and joy of life.

The “women” (Rth 4:14) not only point to Ruth’s restoration, but also to Ruth’s love for Naomi. Ruth has not taken Naomi’s place. For Ruth, the current blessing is linked to her attachment to Naomi. She doesn’t forget this, despite her loving relationship with Boaz. The remnant of Israel will always remember its relationship with ancient Israel. They are a new people, but they were born in ancient Israel. They receive the blessings promised to ancient Israel. In them, ancient Israel is restored in accordance with God’s thoughts about His Israel.

Naomi recognizes the child as her own child and takes care of it. One day the remnant like an abandoned widow will embrace the Lord Jesus and say: “A Child is born to us” (Isaiah 9:6). In Him is all their salvation, and all the promised blessings will be given to them, “for as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore, also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

The “neighborhood women” (Rth 4:17) – a smaller, more intimate circle than the women of the city (Rth 4:14) – give the son the name Obed, which means ‘servant’ or ‘worshiper’. In the union of the two meanings we see that the true service of a believer is to worship God. At the same time, there is also a practical side to serving. The son of Ruth will be a servant of Naomi. In spiritual terms, it is also true that the Lord Jesus, the great Son of Boaz, the true Servant, will serve His people. Both Boaz and Obed are a picture of the Lord Jesus.

The neighborhood women are in a broader sense a picture of the surrounding peoples, the neighboring peoples, who will come to the acknowledgment that there is a God Who serves and invigorates His people. The old Israel – the Israel under the law or the old covenant, and not the apostate Israel – is finally free of worries and enjoys what the true Boaz has done for her. At the same time, it is a new, young people who are connected to this Boaz and not to Mahlon, although the son must be ascribed to him after the duty of a husband’s brother. This is the situation for Israel in the kingdom of peace under the reign of the great Son of David.

1 Samuel 11:7

The Son of Ruth Is the Son of Naomi

When the son of Boaz and Ruth is born, we no longer hear about Ruth, she is no longer spoken about. It is only about Naomi. The women again speak about Naomi (Rth 1:19). They show insight into God’s thoughts and praise the LORD for what He has done with Naomi. Her condition was hopeless. But through Ruth she receives new life.

The son of Ruth, whom she has in her arms, is for her the redeemer, the savior from her misery and hopelessness. In Boaz she gained hope for redemption. Ruth’s son is the fulfillment of that hope. They speak of the redeemer as a refresher or restorer of the soul. Naomi, who hated life, who returned from the land of Moab as a destitute and bitter woman, now springs up, refreshed. In her old age, she gains vitality and joy of life.

The “women” (Rth 4:14) not only point to Ruth’s restoration, but also to Ruth’s love for Naomi. Ruth has not taken Naomi’s place. For Ruth, the current blessing is linked to her attachment to Naomi. She doesn’t forget this, despite her loving relationship with Boaz. The remnant of Israel will always remember its relationship with ancient Israel. They are a new people, but they were born in ancient Israel. They receive the blessings promised to ancient Israel. In them, ancient Israel is restored in accordance with God’s thoughts about His Israel.

Naomi recognizes the child as her own child and takes care of it. One day the remnant like an abandoned widow will embrace the Lord Jesus and say: “A Child is born to us” (Isaiah 9:6). In Him is all their salvation, and all the promised blessings will be given to them, “for as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore, also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

The “neighborhood women” (Rth 4:17) – a smaller, more intimate circle than the women of the city (Rth 4:14) – give the son the name Obed, which means ‘servant’ or ‘worshiper’. In the union of the two meanings we see that the true service of a believer is to worship God. At the same time, there is also a practical side to serving. The son of Ruth will be a servant of Naomi. In spiritual terms, it is also true that the Lord Jesus, the great Son of Boaz, the true Servant, will serve His people. Both Boaz and Obed are a picture of the Lord Jesus.

The neighborhood women are in a broader sense a picture of the surrounding peoples, the neighboring peoples, who will come to the acknowledgment that there is a God Who serves and invigorates His people. The old Israel – the Israel under the law or the old covenant, and not the apostate Israel – is finally free of worries and enjoys what the true Boaz has done for her. At the same time, it is a new, young people who are connected to this Boaz and not to Mahlon, although the son must be ascribed to him after the duty of a husband’s brother. This is the situation for Israel in the kingdom of peace under the reign of the great Son of David.

1 Samuel 11:8

The Son of Ruth Is the Son of Naomi

When the son of Boaz and Ruth is born, we no longer hear about Ruth, she is no longer spoken about. It is only about Naomi. The women again speak about Naomi (Rth 1:19). They show insight into God’s thoughts and praise the LORD for what He has done with Naomi. Her condition was hopeless. But through Ruth she receives new life.

The son of Ruth, whom she has in her arms, is for her the redeemer, the savior from her misery and hopelessness. In Boaz she gained hope for redemption. Ruth’s son is the fulfillment of that hope. They speak of the redeemer as a refresher or restorer of the soul. Naomi, who hated life, who returned from the land of Moab as a destitute and bitter woman, now springs up, refreshed. In her old age, she gains vitality and joy of life.

The “women” (Rth 4:14) not only point to Ruth’s restoration, but also to Ruth’s love for Naomi. Ruth has not taken Naomi’s place. For Ruth, the current blessing is linked to her attachment to Naomi. She doesn’t forget this, despite her loving relationship with Boaz. The remnant of Israel will always remember its relationship with ancient Israel. They are a new people, but they were born in ancient Israel. They receive the blessings promised to ancient Israel. In them, ancient Israel is restored in accordance with God’s thoughts about His Israel.

Naomi recognizes the child as her own child and takes care of it. One day the remnant like an abandoned widow will embrace the Lord Jesus and say: “A Child is born to us” (Isaiah 9:6). In Him is all their salvation, and all the promised blessings will be given to them, “for as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore, also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

The “neighborhood women” (Rth 4:17) – a smaller, more intimate circle than the women of the city (Rth 4:14) – give the son the name Obed, which means ‘servant’ or ‘worshiper’. In the union of the two meanings we see that the true service of a believer is to worship God. At the same time, there is also a practical side to serving. The son of Ruth will be a servant of Naomi. In spiritual terms, it is also true that the Lord Jesus, the great Son of Boaz, the true Servant, will serve His people. Both Boaz and Obed are a picture of the Lord Jesus.

The neighborhood women are in a broader sense a picture of the surrounding peoples, the neighboring peoples, who will come to the acknowledgment that there is a God Who serves and invigorates His people. The old Israel – the Israel under the law or the old covenant, and not the apostate Israel – is finally free of worries and enjoys what the true Boaz has done for her. At the same time, it is a new, young people who are connected to this Boaz and not to Mahlon, although the son must be ascribed to him after the duty of a husband’s brother. This is the situation for Israel in the kingdom of peace under the reign of the great Son of David.

1 Samuel 11:9

David’s Genealogy

This genealogy is an appendix. The end of the book is reached. Yet the genealogy is part of it. It makes clear that the book of Ruth describes events that fit into God’s plan of salvation. He carries out this plan of salvation throughout the generations. This plan of salvation from God also incorporates our responsibility. Ten names are mentioned here, the number of responsibility.

Of the last two names we can make the following remarks. Jesse means “the LORD confirms”. He has shown this in this book. Out of Jesse is born David. His name means ‘beloved’. With this the book ends with: love. This can be seen throughout the book. Love is the theme of this book, in which we can see the love of Boaz for Ruth, and the love of the LORD for His people. That love can be seen in the great Son of David, the Lord Jesus. He is the Beloved of the Father, and He is the Beloved of all who belong to His people.

1 Samuel 11:10

David’s Genealogy

This genealogy is an appendix. The end of the book is reached. Yet the genealogy is part of it. It makes clear that the book of Ruth describes events that fit into God’s plan of salvation. He carries out this plan of salvation throughout the generations. This plan of salvation from God also incorporates our responsibility. Ten names are mentioned here, the number of responsibility.

Of the last two names we can make the following remarks. Jesse means “the LORD confirms”. He has shown this in this book. Out of Jesse is born David. His name means ‘beloved’. With this the book ends with: love. This can be seen throughout the book. Love is the theme of this book, in which we can see the love of Boaz for Ruth, and the love of the LORD for His people. That love can be seen in the great Son of David, the Lord Jesus. He is the Beloved of the Father, and He is the Beloved of all who belong to His people.

1 Samuel 11:11

David’s Genealogy

This genealogy is an appendix. The end of the book is reached. Yet the genealogy is part of it. It makes clear that the book of Ruth describes events that fit into God’s plan of salvation. He carries out this plan of salvation throughout the generations. This plan of salvation from God also incorporates our responsibility. Ten names are mentioned here, the number of responsibility.

Of the last two names we can make the following remarks. Jesse means “the LORD confirms”. He has shown this in this book. Out of Jesse is born David. His name means ‘beloved’. With this the book ends with: love. This can be seen throughout the book. Love is the theme of this book, in which we can see the love of Boaz for Ruth, and the love of the LORD for His people. That love can be seen in the great Son of David, the Lord Jesus. He is the Beloved of the Father, and He is the Beloved of all who belong to His people.

1 Samuel 11:12

David’s Genealogy

This genealogy is an appendix. The end of the book is reached. Yet the genealogy is part of it. It makes clear that the book of Ruth describes events that fit into God’s plan of salvation. He carries out this plan of salvation throughout the generations. This plan of salvation from God also incorporates our responsibility. Ten names are mentioned here, the number of responsibility.

Of the last two names we can make the following remarks. Jesse means “the LORD confirms”. He has shown this in this book. Out of Jesse is born David. His name means ‘beloved’. With this the book ends with: love. This can be seen throughout the book. Love is the theme of this book, in which we can see the love of Boaz for Ruth, and the love of the LORD for His people. That love can be seen in the great Son of David, the Lord Jesus. He is the Beloved of the Father, and He is the Beloved of all who belong to His people.

1 Samuel 11:13

David’s Genealogy

This genealogy is an appendix. The end of the book is reached. Yet the genealogy is part of it. It makes clear that the book of Ruth describes events that fit into God’s plan of salvation. He carries out this plan of salvation throughout the generations. This plan of salvation from God also incorporates our responsibility. Ten names are mentioned here, the number of responsibility.

Of the last two names we can make the following remarks. Jesse means “the LORD confirms”. He has shown this in this book. Out of Jesse is born David. His name means ‘beloved’. With this the book ends with: love. This can be seen throughout the book. Love is the theme of this book, in which we can see the love of Boaz for Ruth, and the love of the LORD for His people. That love can be seen in the great Son of David, the Lord Jesus. He is the Beloved of the Father, and He is the Beloved of all who belong to His people.