Bible Commentaries
Ruth 4

Verse 1

5.

In the last chapter we learn how Boaz wrought for Ruth. In this work Ruth had no part. Boaz is seen alone when he goes "up to the gate" (v. 1). The gate was the place where judgment was dispensed. For justice must be satisfied before Ruth can be blessed, or the purpose of Boaz fulfilled. At the gate Boaz meets and settles every question that can be raised. Ten witnesses are called. They are told to sit down, as they do nothing but witness to the inability of the first kinsman, but, at the same time witness that his claims have been recognised and met. Does this not pass before us in picture the mighty work of our great Redeemer who alone went "up to the gate," the place of judgment? There, on the Cross, He settled every question between the believer and God. There too fully demonstrated the inadequacy of the law to meet our case, while fully recognising and meeting its just claims.

Thus every hindrance removed, the day of the marriage is reached, when Boaz "took Ruth and she was his wife." "And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses." They witness the blessing of Ruth, but they ascribe power and fame to Boaz; for they say to Boaz, "Acquire power in Ephratah, and make thyself a name in Bethlehem" (v. 11, N. Tr.).

Very blessedly does this happy ending to the story of Ruth foreshadow that great day in view of which the Church has been espoused to Christ, and for which we yet wait - the day of which we read "the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready." As the prophet John looks at this great vision he hears again as it were the praise of "the people that were in the gate and the elders," though now the praise has swollen to a mighty song of infinite power, for John heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord our God the Almighty has taken to Himself kingly power. Let us be glad and rejoice and give honour to Him.

The day of the marriage of the Lamb will be the great answer to the work of redemption. The glory is the answer to the cross. In that day the Bride will be infinitely blessed, but the Lamb will acquire power and fame. All the glory will be His, but more, in that great day the Lord Jesus will see of the fruit of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied. We too shall behold His face in righteousness and we shall be satisfied when we awake in His likeness.

Oh day of wondrous promise,

The Bridegroom and the Bride,

Are seen in glory ever,

And love is satisfied.