Levirate Marriage: The Story of Ruth and Boaz

Levirate marriage was an ancient custom designed to ensure the continuation of a family line and to provide for widows. This study explores this practice through the lens of Ruth and Boaz's story, examining its significance in biblical genealogy and God's redemptive plan.

What is Levirate Marriage?

Levirate marriage was a practice where a man would marry his deceased brother's widow if the brother died without a male heir. The firstborn son of this union would carry on the name of the deceased brother.

If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. (Deuteronomy 25:5, KJV)

The Story of Ruth and Naomi

The book of Ruth begins with tragedy: Naomi loses her husband and two sons in Moab. Her daughter-in-law Ruth chooses to return with her to Bethlehem.

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God (Ruth 1:16, KJV)

Ruth Meets Boaz

In Bethlehem, Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband.

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband... The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. (Ruth 2:11-12, KJV)

Naomi's Plan

Recognizing Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer, Naomi instructs Ruth to approach him, essentially requesting him to fulfill the role of a levir.

And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. (Ruth 3:2, KJV)

Boaz's Response

Boaz agrees to marry Ruth, but first offers the right to a nearer kinsman, who declines.

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. (Ruth 4:6, KJV)

The Marriage and Its Significance

Boaz marries Ruth, and they have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David.

So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. (Ruth 4:13, KJV)

Conclusion

The story of Ruth and Boaz illustrates how the practice of levirate marriage served both to provide for widows and to continue family lines. More importantly, it shows how God used this custom as part of His plan to bring about the lineage of David and ultimately, Jesus Christ.