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Book of Ruth - Chapter 3 - Verse 13

3:13
Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Ruth, Naomi advises Ruth to wait until the morning to see if Boaz, a close relative of Naomi's deceased husband, will act as a kinsman redeemer. A kinsman redeemer was a male relative who had the obligation to marry the widow of a deceased relative in order to continue the family line and provide for her. If Boaz chooses to fulfill his duty as a kinsman, Ruth should allow him to do so, but if he refuses, Naomi promises to take on the responsibility herself. This demonstrates the importance of family relationships and caring for one another within the cultural context of ancient Israel. The verse highlights the concept of loyalty and responsibility to one's family members, as well as the faith in God's provision and protection. The narrative of Ruth and Boaz also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ as the ultimate redeemer who would sacrifice himself for the redemption of humanity.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Ruth provides a glimpse into the ancient Hebrew practice of the 'kinsman-redeemer.' In the context of this passage, Ruth's mother-in-law Naomi is advising her to wait until morning to see if Boaz, a potential kinsman-redeemer, will fulfill his duty to marry Ruth and redeem her family's land. The term 'kinsman' in this verse refers to a male relative who has the right to redeem a family member from a difficult situation, such as widowhood or poverty. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes God's faithfulness in providing for His people through human relationships and acts of justice. The word study reveals that 'kinsman's part' signifies the duty of the kinsman to redeem and protect the family's inheritance. Ultimately, this passage highlights the themes of loyalty, provision, and God's sovereignty in the lives of His followers.

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