Who Redeems Whom?
“He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Ruth 4:15 ESV
Restorer – Most biblical students are familiar with the Hebrew concept of the kinsman-redeemer. Christians often consider the Tanakh’s use of the term as a type of the Christ. But they might be shocked to discover that the real redeemer in the story of Ruth is Ruth herself, an outsider, a rejected one, a woman. Read again what the women of Bethlehem say to Naomi after Ruth conceives. The child of Ruth (later named Obed by the women) is called the redeemer of Naomi. That child is the product of Ruth’s hesed. It is Ruth’s actions that actually redeem Naomi’s life and provide Naomi once again with a reason to relish her own name.
Are you just a bit surprised to find that one of the strongest symbolic narratives about the kinsman-redeemer casts a woman, and a Gentile woman at that, in the role? Does this shake up your fixed idea of the gender specific bias about God’s actions in the lives of human beings? Does it add just that one extra bit of evidence that God does not relegate women to sub-par spiritual roles? If this Gentile woman from a prohibited ancestry can play the role of the redeemer, isn’t God ready and willing to have women play any role He chooses?
There is one other upside-down implication to this verse and its context. The story of Ruth turns out to be a story about Naomi. The beginning focuses on the emptiness and bitterness in Naomi’s life and her willingness to blame God for her misfortune. The end of the story focuses on the fulfillment, joy and subsequent significant consequences for Naomi and all of Israel. Although Ruth is the central figure in the plot, she is the vehicle by which God exercises His plans for Naomi and Israel. The two themes are interwoven in ways that demonstrate once more the invisible hand of the Lord behind the visible actions of men and women.
The Hebrew phrase, meshiv nephesh (“one who restores your life”) contains a wordplay since meshiv (restore) is derived from the root shuv (to return). Naomi used the same verb in 1:21 to complain that God returned her to Bethlehem empty. Now the women of the village remark that God has not abandoned her but instead has returned her life through the redeemer, the child of Ruth.
Perhaps Ruth is a story far deeper than merely a part of the genealogy of David and ultimately of Yeshua. Perhaps it is worth meditating on the invisible hand of God in the apparent tragedies of life. Perhaps it would be worthwhile considering the vital role God gives to this woman – and to all women who demonstrate hesed.
Topical Index: redeemer, restorer, meshiv nephesh, shuv, Ruth 4:15
If we apply this story to our lives we can fulfill scripture!
Just as Ruth the Gentile, was widowed from Naomi’s son, who came from Bethlehem Judah, we should realize that we were married into the family through Yeshua, who came from Bethlehem Judah, and is also no longer on earth.
Rom 11:19 – You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”
We need to bind our hearts and bodies to our mother-in-law Israel, and serve her in any way that presents itself. Isa 61:5 – Strangers will stand and pasture your flocks, And foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers.
In these humbling works, we bring help, comfort, love and joy. As Skip said, “Ruth is the central figure in the plot, she is the vehicle by which God exercises His plans for Naomi and Israel. The two themes are interwoven in ways that demonstrate once more the invisible hand of the Lord behind the visible actions of men and women.”
Out of Ruth’s humble works, directed by Naomi, God worked through Ruth to bring renewal to Naomi. – “Now the women of the village remark that God has not abandoned her but instead has returned her life through the redeemer, the child of Ruth.”
But none of this could have happened if Ruth had not reclaimed her place in the family of Naomi, and humbled herself to work hard and then to follow Naomi’s direction in the circumstances that unfolded.
Rom 11:11 – I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.
Rom 11:12 – Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!
Rom 11:15 – For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
Excellent!, Antoinette
Hey thanks Robin,
I work for a ministry that sees God’s heart for Israel, and help Jews to make Aliyah. I also volunteered for a year in Israel with an organization that helps the poor Olim stay in Israel. I hope to spend my life, God willing, in the awesome work that God is doing right now. What a time to be alive and able to participate! May we all come to experience His Shalom in His final Shabbat.
Antoinette W., Wow, just read your comments–it has been several years since I was able to pull up your own information–when you lived in Israel, and wrote things on Skip’s web. Even long before we could write comments on TW. ( we had our computer literally fried by lightning–and then lap-top learning problems==it goes on & on). The last I read was that you had returned to your home in Canada to help settle some “land issues with your husband seems that there were five children, most out of the nest, but one son left at home. —- Through the years I wondered how things had gone on for your choices. So it was great to see what you wrote above. It seems you are doing a good job in walking out what God has worked in.
So if you would, please post the web sites that you are on currently. I am now 79 and my husband of 60 years is 83. We have with spouses of the children 28 decendants. Currently, I am two weeks into recovery of major surgery.
We have been regularly doing locally one on one ministry in our Central TX area–without any strings attached for anyone to receive whatever we give to them. Going without a denominational or group backing us, it too has been difficult, but soooo rewarding from the Heavenly Father who holds us and sustains us. Thanks again for writing. sincerely, L.B.
“Ruth the Gentile”
Hi Antoinette,
Long time no see and good to have you back, do you still maintain your web site?
I always found it very illuminating and a lot of fun to snoop around in 🙂
Yesterday someone shared an old movie about Israel with Angela Dickinson in it
And it made me think of the time long ago when I lived on the beach in Del Mar
In an old redwood house, actually a room in the back of a garage, with “Ruth” Irish
I think Ruth was about 80 at the time and I was an undergraduate student
Ruth was a very strict conservative old lady, but my surfer friends from that area
Who were not exactly strict and conservative, all looked up to her with respect
And like her a lot
When Ruth died her daughter, named Mary Redman, moved down from Pasadena
On one Halloween night, I was in the living room of Mary’s house with her kids
There was knock on the door, and when I opened the door Angie Dickinson
Burt Bacharach, and their autistic little girl were standing at the door trick of treating
I don’t remember if was Dressed to Kill, but in more that one of her movies
I had been swept away by her performance 🙂
Michael, I loved your story above, even if I did remember when you wrote it years back. There is something that grabs my attention about “octogenarians”! I ALSO APPRECIATE YOU & YOUR FRIENDS TREATING HER KINDLY! So sad to say that most do not want to acknowledge them at all! Sometimes not even their own grown children. —Truth—LaVaye
“APPRECIATE YOUR FRIENDS TREATING HER KINDLY!”
Hi LaVaye,
Yeah, my friends were brothers who grew up in the hills above Del Mar
Their grandparents lived in LA and had a vacation home on the beach
It was across the alley from Ruth’s house, so they knew Ruth very well
My first wife had attended High School in Del Mar, so I knew them through her
When we split up, I lived for free in the vacation home before moving into Ruth’s garage
For me, it was like living in Paradise, one big happy family on the beach 🙂
It dawned on me this morning that I had met another Ruth at that time
Family friends from Berdoo had moved to the hills in Pacific Beach
And at a sort family party of mostly guys, a friend of our father’s named Todd Friend
Had bought this younger woman named Ruth to the party
Now I’m not not a very sociable person to begin with
And don’t typically have much to say at parties
But Ruth came over to me and for some reason we just connected
We ended up walking up to this park that looked out over the ocean
And we just sat there and talked about all sorts of things
After a while, my friend Jim who is like my younger brother
Realized that Mike and Todd’s date were missing from the party
And shortly thereafter Ruth and I looked down the road and saw all these guys
Walking up the hill
When Jim got closer, with a bewildered look and big smile
He asked why I hadn’t told them we were leaving
I smiled and told him that it didn’t occur to me 🙂
Ruth ended up marrying the State Architect under Jerry Brown
During Brown’s first reign as Governor
Michael,
” I am not a very sociable person to begin with-and usually have little to say at parties.”
This statement to me is totally inconsistent with what I have seen you write through the years: even to the fact that you have had three wives. and seem to have met many prestigious people.
btw— the older movie that you spoke of: Angie D.in a story of Israel– ?name, VHS or now in DVD ? where can it be found?—- Or you perhaps may have a professional movie theater in your home–and know none of what I am asking. We are very limited in movie knowledge, and yes, very conservative, too. –one husband one wife for 60 years– makes everyone shake their heads in disbelieve.–Really though we must work hard each single day. And I often state on each anniversary, we really celebrate–because we are not sure that we will make it another year! Thanks for responding. LaVaye
http://www.youtube.com/watchv?=0jCWegQseTk&feature=share&list=PLF4C1BD687FC15A31
Hi Lavaye,
The movie is Cast A Giant Shadow and it is on the YouTube URL above
Just two wives really, the other marriage was to help a friend
Her son was here with me a couple of weeks ago
I’m his GodFather 🙂
~ He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him ~ (Ruth 4:15)
Perhaps we all could us a paradigm shift in the way we think. There is much for us to ‘glean’ here. The beginning of Ruth’s story (it starts a mess) focuses on the emptiness and bitterness in Naomi’s life and her willingness to blame God for her misfortune. Didn’t Solomon say, ~ better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof? ~ And aren’t we all a little bit (or a lot) guilty of this same perverted thinking? Do we also tend to “blame God” when “things” aren’t going our way? “Life” is not fair? Oh?.. – according to who?.
Two eternal things are at play in the story of Ruth. Both are wonderful and both are critical to every being who draws breath. We need to know these words: “Providence” (God supplies all of our needs ~ He opens His hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing ~ ) and Sovereignty (God does have a plan- He does ‘nothing’ randomly- everything (everything) serves a Purpose- His purpose.
Three things are at play in this story of Ruth and we will come to know (hopefully sooner than later), “Ruth are us.” These three things are: a mess, a miracle and a message. Does this sound familiar? It ought to; the same pattern is repeated again and again in God’s Book. Not only is it written, but it is played out in our own lives, again and again; a mess, a miracle and then a message.
May I share my personal testimony of how my Savior redeemed me? Have I ever “blamed God” when things weren’t going my way? This “blame-game” is pandemic. Blaming God. Never, ever, never “blame God” for anything. God is and remains and always will be nothing but “good.” Listen, with acute hearing to the word of God: (these are not my words).. “For the LORD is good and His love endures forever..” Why is He good? Because He is God and God is love.
Now, break out your slingshots and fire away. Bring it. I want to hear it all.. “But what about this, or what about that or what about my complaint?” How about we ask Job? He lost it all..- Have you? Job lost everything except the one thing- His faith in the Sovereignty of God. It took a lot of patience and perseverance, even questioning, but God was ever Faithful to His righteous servant, Job. Job’s story started out a mess, didn’t it?
Or even in the creation of the world, – it began a mess, then God intervened, Elohim saw, then Elohim spoke and said, “let there be”- and it so.
For forty years, a large group of people went round and round on an eleven day journey to the Promised Land. I imagine it was a lot like herding cats, or pushing jello up a hill, but Elohim was Faithful to provide- even in a barren wasteland, no one lacked for anything. Why? Because God is good..- all the time.. and to every one.
Shall we continue? God saw Hagar. He is the God that sees. God saw and God spoke: “Hagar, where are you going?” What is the direction of your life? Turn around.. “repent”- go home. God saw the wandering son, who spent all his substance in riotous living.he too, was a mess. God saw, God spoke, the son remembered, the son repented, he headed home, the Father ran to meet him- there was great rejoicing.. a man, a mess, a miracle, a message.. – Is there more? Are there “others?”
Why don’t we just write a book? Uhh.. could it be- one has already been written? – Is the word of God sufficient to tell these things? Friend, “more than..”- abundantly so.
Let us review our own “misfortunes..” Have I (gettin’ personal now..) ever known trouble, sorrow or affliction? Draw near, so I may laugh on your lapel.. But what have I lost, and what have I gained? Ask Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.. (remember them?) What remained “after” these went through the fiery furnace? (a testimony?) Is there wisdom in sorrow? Is joy a byproduct of pain? May I (too) say with David, (you also may testify..)- “it is good for me that I have been afflicted?” (Psalm 119.71) Good? Good. Why? – because, ~ He, (God) does all things well.. This is called (let’s name it for what it is) the Sovereignty of God. Hallelujah for our Sovereign (always Good) Shepherd. Have you seen it? Do you know it? Then, we will.. “rejoice evermore!” (1 Thessalonians 5.16)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q-uOxtRKBY
Thank you for sharing this beautiful song and your writing that is
full of your love of God.
EL ROI……what a wonderful name….
………The God who sees me………Sees not to condemn……but to help……and save.
EVERYONE’s story changes dramatically when God comes alongside!
Acts 16: 26
“And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”
God’s presence shakes and terrifies the guilty, –but proclaims deliverance to the captives, and the opening of the prison-doors to them that are bound; and sets at liberty them that are bruised.
MICHAEL, THANKS BUT TRIED THREE TIMES, ALL THREE SAID THIS CHANNEL IS CLOSED.( WITH BIG FACE picture. ) I will see if I can locate it elsewhere, now that I have the name of the movie. L.B.
I’d like to tell a story here. My great-grandmother came to the U.S. as a result of persecutions the Jewish people were experiencing in Europe and Russia. She was very young, and as she said to my mother, “Green”. Two of her 3 girls married outside of the faith, and she refused to call my father by his first name because it was Christian.
But she loved us, and even though she only spoke Yiddish, and I English, I could see it in her eyes. She was an Orthodox Jew who practiced her faith meticulously for her whole life. In my life, now that I am learning about the Hebraic view, I see so much of who she was, and who my grandmother was, and how much their lives as Jews impacted mine. As I learn more about Yeshua, I get closer to them. It is now my job to go to the cemetery every year to say prayers because my father is too old. It is a mitzvah that I am so happy to do. Also, as I know now, I am carrying on their lives, and doing mitzvoth for them, and as my great grandmothers Ashkenazic culture believes I am raising them up in heaven. Like Ruth for Naomi, I love my great grandmother and my grandmother. I feel like I am part of Israel, even though, technically, I would not be considered Jewish. Just a story….thanks for listening..
Cheryl, A VERY INTERESTING ONE, TOO! THESE ARE THE TYPES OF STORIES, PERSONAL AND REAL THAT WE CAN ALL CHERISH NO MATTER OUR STAGE IN JEWISH OR CHRISTIAN FAITH. — PLEASE, ALL WHO READ, KEEP THESE REAL LOVE STORIES GOING UNTIL THE MASTER OF THE WEB SITE SAYS NO MORE! LaVaye—-
Your story touched my heart Cheryl. I trust you are well. It certainly sounds as though you are! Blessings to you.
I love the word plays you pull out, Skip. Makes the reading and understanding so very rich. I also love the interaction that your readers have. Family stuff.