THE BOOK OF RUTH

Isa.62: continued. v.4 There is a change of name and also a change of status. Now called Hephzibah, meaning my delight is in her. The Lord Jesus loved his church and gave himself for her. She is a purchased possession. Beulah, means to be married. v.5 The language used is significant, as a Bridegroom rejoices over his bride. So your God will rejoice over you. This certainly manifests a great desire and longing to fulfill all the grand and glorious purposes of the Lord in His church. v.7-8 As the Bride is exhorted not to be silent and passive but to be faithful in prayer until we see the final results. Give the Lord no rest, worship him, praise Him, seek Him, give Him no rest until He establishes that beautiful New Jerusalem. He delights in seeing the desire and longing of His people as they express to Him their love. As it was evident that Boaz was determined to complete the law of redemption, so Christ looks forward to the marriage of the Lamb.

Ruth 4:1 The kinsmen restoring the family of Elemelich. They meet in the gate of the city. The gate was the place where the judges and officials of the city met together to settle all matters. v.2 Ten men of the elders called upon to sit with them in judgment of this matter. Ten is the number of the law. However there were twelve men sitting together. that is the number of Apostolic leadership. The woman in Rev.12 is crowned with a diadem of twelve stars. Showing that she will be lead by Apostolic government. v.3 A field to be redeemed. Jesus said that the field was the world. Satan has nothing whereby he can redeem anything. It is Christ who is the redeemer. The conflict has been over this world. We know that in the ultimate Jesus will triumph for He will establish a thousand years of peace on earth. v.5-6 The unnamed relative desired the land and offered to redeem it. On learning that Ruth was to be part of the transaction, he immediately declined for he feared that he might harm his own estate. Certainly there is no love lost between Satan and the Bride of Christ. They are mortal enemies. He will bite her heel and she will crush his head.

Ruth 4:7-9 A strange manner of sealing the contract. The removal of the shoe and the spitting in the face according to Deut. 25:9-10. To spit in the face would show utter contempt and disdain. The elders were witnesses to the transaction of the transfer to Boaz.

4:10 I have acquired Ruth. His concern for whatever property was involved was minimal. The desire of his heart was completed in the purchase of Ruth. Perhaps Boaz could have taken Ruth sooner to be his wife but he was obedient to the Law and must fulfill all it demands. In purchasing a bride Boaz became a type of the purchase of a bride by the Lord Jesus. The people of God are always a people purchased. Ps.74:2 Christ died and shed His blood, not only to purchase a people unto Himself but that in the ultimate He might have a Bride. The initial purpose of Calvary was to redeem the church. Acts 20:28 The conclusion of His act of redemption is a church absolutely and fully inundated with His glory. A bride of righteousness and true holiness. Made like unto Christ. A fitting companion for Him. Capable of satisfying the requirements of the scriptures. She must acquire all His nature and attributes. She must be like Him. Her life in detail surrendered to Him and to His will. Eph.5:27.

Leave a Reply