Five times in the first two verses we read about people sitting down. It was to be a deliberate and final transaction; Boaz was to pay the price to redeem Ruth. When our Savior finished the work of redemption, He sat down (Mark 16:19; Heb. 1:3; see also John 19:30).
Boaz planned the marriage privately but paid the price publicly. The other kinsman was able to redeem but not willing. He was afraid of harming his own inheritance. Jesus has made us a part of His inheritance (Eph. 1:11–14). What a contrast between chapters 1–2 and chapter 4: from tears to joy, from hard labor to rest, from emptiness to fullness, from fear to peace and assurance. And the thing that made the difference was obeying the Word of God. When Ruth put herself at the feet of her redeemer and entrusted herself to him, he took over and changed everything.
In chapter 1, Ruth had nothing but her faith. In chapter 2, she lived on leftovers, and in chapter 3, she received generous gifts. But once she belonged to Boaz, everything he owned belonged to her. Ponder Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Corinthians 8:9.
