Why did the first kinsman redeemer refuse to marry Ruth?

Response

In Ruth 4:3–4, Boaz speaks to the first kinsman redeemer of Ruth and explains, “Naomi, who has returned from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. I thought it was important to bring this matter to your attention and suggest that you purchase it in the presence of those seated here and the elders of my people. If you wish to redeem it, go ahead. But if you do not, please let me know. You have the first right to redeem it, and I am next in line.”

Initially, this man saw acquiring more property as a good opportunity. However, after initially accepting the offer, Boaz informs him, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the deceased, in order to preserve the name of the deceased with his property” «Then Boaz said, On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the deceased, to perpetuate the name of the deceased on his inheritance. », (Ruth 4:5). The man then changed his mind, stating, “I cannot redeem it because it might jeopardize my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I am unable to do so.”

Why did the man change his mind and decline to marry Ruth? What did he mean by “endanger my own estate”? Several possibilities exist. Firstly, the man may have been unwilling to spend the money to purchase the land, provide for a marriage, and support Naomi.

Secondly, the notion of jeopardizing his own estate or inheritance could imply that he believed the added responsibility of another spouse would further divide the inheritance he had planned for his current family members.

Thirdly, it is possible that the man was not as affluent as Boaz and lacked the means to buy the land, a spouse, and take on the responsibility of Naomi. It is likely that a combination of these factors influenced his decision.In his mind.

Essentially, the initial kinsman redeemer believed that accepting another wife (which was permissible in the case of a widow in a family) was a duty he could not or would not be willing to undertake. Boaz promptly seized the opportunity to publicly affirm that he was next in line and would marry Ruth and take possession of the land, with many witnesses present. Verses 11–12 depict the people’s response: “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who both contributed to the building of the family of Israel. May you achieve renown in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem. Through the offspring the Lord grants you by this young woman, may your family be as prosperous as that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

Boaz did honor his commitment to wed Ruth “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son.” (Ruth 4:13) and later had a son with her named Obed. Obed brought happiness to the family, including Naomi, who assisted in raising him. Obed would eventually become the grandfather of King David and an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5-6).