Notes by Mary Van Nattan unless marked otherwise.
Ruth 4:10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day. Boaz was going to bring up the name of Mahlon on his inheritance as Moses said (Deuteronomy 25:5-10, Matthew 22:24). However, God over-ruled in this, as we see in Ruth 4:21, Matthew 1:5, and Luke 3:32, giving Boaz credit for Obed. Thus, Boaz was placed in the line of Christ. The other kinsman missed out on this blessing when he chose his own inheritance over fulfilling his lawful duty, Ruth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. 1 Samuel 15:22 .......Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. What blessings are we willing to turn down in order to keep our pet things nice or unmarred? It may be a bigger blessing than we know at the time! God will find someone else to give it to who will obey Him.
graphics by mary vannattan
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