3 He then said to the next-of-kin, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our kinsman Elimelech.
4 So I thought I would tell you of it, and say: Buy it in the presence of those sitting here, and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not, tell me, so that I may know; for there is no one prior to you to redeem it, and I come after you.” So he said, “I will redeem it.”
5 Then Boaz said, “The day you acquire the field from the hand of Naomi, you are also acquiring Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead man, to maintain the dead man’s name on his inheritance.”
6 At this, the next-of-kin said, “I cannot redeem it for myself without damaging my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
Prayer Focus: When initially given the opportunity to redeem the property of Elimelech, the first in line says absolutely. It sounds like a good business deal. However, when he learns that he also acquires Ruth, the widow of the dead man’s son, he changes his mind. According to the law of levirate marriage, if he goes through with this deal, he is supposed to father a child with Ruth so that the property remains in Elimelech’s family. He recognizes this arrangement will not benefit his own family, so he turns it down. Pray that you will not make a quick decision that appears to be to your advantage without considering all the consequences. Always look for who might be hurt by your choice.
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