BOAZ’S ENCOUNTER WITH THE KINSMAN-REDEEMER: AN EXEGESIS OF RUTH 4:1-6
It is clear to any reader of the book of Ruth that Boaz and Ruth had fallen in love with each other before Boaz works out the redemption plan for Naomi. As a rich and strong man, Boaz would abusively use his influence to marry Ruth illegally, without observing the Law and the traditions of his people. However, as it is demonstrated in the first paper in this book, Boaz faithfully, though skillfully and tactfully, pursued the legal processes in marrying Ruth. In this, Boaz and Ruth set an example to follow for believers seeking marriage.
THE JUDGMENT OF THE NATIONS: AN EXEGESIS OF JOEL 3:1-3
Any reader of the prophet Joel quickly understands that chapter three is a prediction of the judgment of the nations. However, some questions seem not clearly answered in the chapter and those which are answered seem unsatisfied. Such questions will include the when, the who, the where and the when of the judgment. In the second paper of this book, I show that the main exegetical role of 3:1-3 is to present only skeletal answers to these questions before expanding them in the rest of the chapter.
ISRAEL’S FAKE REPENTANCE: AN EXEGESIS OF HOSEA 6:1-3
Hosea 6:1-3 has been interpreted variously by exegetes. While some view it to record the Hosea’s call of the people to repentance, others see it as portraying the prophet’s prayer to the Lord on the behalf of the people. Still, another group view it as a lament of the people before the Lord, that is, the people’s repentance. However, in the third paper in book, I expose the pericope as portraying instead God’s people’s fake repentance, thus advocating for the views of some other scholars.
THE ULTIMATE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED: AN EXEGESIS OF MALACHI 3:19-20
After God has rebuked his people for various sins in Malachi 1–3, chapter 4 shows the future retributions of both the wicked and the righteous. In 4:1-3 (3:19-21 in the Hebrew Bible), God speaks of these retributions as the ultimate difference between the wicked and the righteous. In the fourth paper of this book, I seek to understand what this ultimate difference is all about, before drawing subsequent conclusions and recommendations.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- THE CONTEXT OF RUTH
- The Settings of Ruth: Author, Date, Outline and Message
- The Outline and Message of Ruth
- The Structure of Ruth 4:1-6
- EXEGESIS
- The gathering at the gate (4:1-2)
- The Case Explained Resulting in a Complication (4:3-4)
- The Case Clarified and the Resolution (4:5-6)
- LESSONS AND APPLICATION
- Comparing the African and Jewish traditions on Levirate Marriage
- Lessons from 4:1-6 and their Application
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work delves into the encounter between Boaz and his unnamed kinsman in Ruth 4:1-6, a crucial step in Boaz's marriage to Ruth. The author argues that Boaz, despite facing internal conflict and external pressure, navigates the legal process leading to his marriage with tact and faithfulness. The work will explore the context of Ruth, analyze the passage in detail, compare African and Israelite traditions on levirate marriage, and apply the lessons learned to the African context.
- The legal process of levirate marriage in the Book of Ruth
- Boaz's character and motivations in the encounter with the kinsman
- The role of tradition and law in shaping the narrative
- Comparative analysis of levirate marriage in African and Jewish contexts
- Application of lessons from Ruth 4:1-6 to contemporary African contexts
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter lays out the thesis of the work, focusing on Boaz's careful and faithful navigation of the legal process leading to his marriage to Ruth. It outlines the four main parts of the study: context of Ruth, exegesis, comparative analysis of levirate marriage, and application of lessons.
- The Context of Ruth: This chapter examines the historical and literary context of the book of Ruth, including its author, date, outline, and message. It also provides a detailed overview of the specific passage in Ruth 4:1-6.
- Exegesis: This section delves into the detailed analysis and commentary of Ruth 4:1-6. It explores the gathering at the gate, the explanation and complication of the case, and the clarification and resolution of the situation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This study focuses on the Book of Ruth, specifically the passage in Ruth 4:1-6, which details the encounter between Boaz and his unnamed kinsman. The work examines themes of levirate marriage, legal processes, character analysis, tradition, comparative studies, and application of biblical lessons to contemporary contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Boaz legally marry Ruth?
Boaz followed the legal process of levirate marriage by meeting the closer kinsman-redeemer at the city gate. He skillfully presented the case of Naomi's land, ensuring that the legal and traditional requirements were met before he could claim the right to marry Ruth.
What is the main message of the exegesis of Joel 3:1-3?
The passage serves as an introduction to the judgment of nations, providing skeletal answers to when, who, and where the judgment will occur, which are then expanded upon in the rest of the chapter.
Why is Israel's repentance in Hosea 6:1-3 considered "fake"?
The exegesis argues that the people's plea for healing was superficial and lacked a genuine change of heart, portraying a "fake" repentance rather than a sincere return to God.
What does Malachi 4:1-3 say about the righteous and the wicked?
It describes the future retribution where the wicked will be like stubble in a fire, while the "sun of righteousness" will rise for those who fear God's name, marking the ultimate difference between the two groups.
Does the book compare Jewish and African traditions?
Yes, the work includes a comparative analysis between African and Jewish traditions regarding levirate marriage to draw lessons applicable to contemporary African contexts.
- Citation du texte
- Jean Musavuli (Auteur), 2015, Old Testament Exegesis. Anthology of 4 Essays, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/416982
