Dr Paul Allen

Jan van Scorel, Ruth and Naomi in the fields of Boaz. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Naomi has been left without a husband and without an heir and, Ruth, her daughter-in-law, has asked their relative Boaz if he will become a kinsman-redeemer. If he accepts, he will take all that belongs to Naomi and he will marry Ruth; the first child born to them will not be considered his child, but the child of Naomi and her now-dead husband, Elimelech . This child will not carry on Boaz’s name and family line, but Elimelech’s. Though it is a significant commitment and a significant sacrifice, Boaz is willing. Before he can do this, though, he must see if this other relative, who is more closely related to Naomi, will accept the role.  For that reason Boaz calls this man into a formal legal proceeding. He is a little bit crafty, first telling this man only that Naomi is seeking to sell all the land that belonged to Elimelech. He asks if this man will be willing to buy the land. At leas...

English: By Rembrandt. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Matthew 1:2–11 “Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab , and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth , and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king” (vv. 5–6). It is not difficult to understand the reasons why Matthew and John were the most widely quoted gospels among the early church fathers. John, for example, writes some of the boldest words about Jesus ’ divinity in the New Testament. Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ teaching ministry, and sections like the Sermon on the Mount (chap. 5–7) were widely memorized early on in the life of the church. In fact, Matthew was read aloud more often than even the gospel of John in the years immediately following the death of the last apostle. Matthew’s gospel is placed first in the New Testament canon largely because of its clear connection to the Old Testament . Certainly, the apostles all wanted to show how Christ and His church fulfill God’s prom...

Summer, or Ruth and Boaz (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Naomi entreating Ruth and Orpah to return to the land of Moab by William Blake, 1795 (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Ruth in Boaz's Field (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) The narrative at the center of the book of Ruth (Ruth 3:1-8) depicts the scheming of Naomi and Ruth to attract the attention of Boaz, their kinsman-redeemer. The rest of the story (and history) hinges on Boaz's response to their efforts. What will it be? Will he prove himself a kinsman-redeemer and redeem these needy women? Will he portray righteousness and Christ -likeness? As the story unfolds, Ruth follows her mother-in-law's advice and after perfuming and adorning herself with fine clothing, she hides herself in Boaz's threshing house until he has feasted and drunk. Then, once he has fallen asleep, Ruth positions herself at Boaz's feet and waits for him to notice her. Startled, Boaz awakens and immediately questions Ruth's identity. Rut...

Naomi entreating Ruth and Orpah to return to the land of Moab by William Blake, 1795 (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) We do a great injustice to sacred Scripture by contenting ourselves with quaint stories and life lessons as if they were the prime products of our study of God 's word. The book of Ruth has undoubtedly received its fair share of undervaluation at this point. For example, the theme of marriage occupies much of the story, but when viewed as an idealized romance between faithful Ruth and godly Boaz, the rich theology of this book passes right under the noses of many of its admirers. Before the story is about this couple, it is about God. The book of Ruth is first and foremost about the covenant faithfulness of the LORD to ensure the arrival of our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ . Before the story is about this couple, it is about God. It has been said that Ruth 1:1-7 may be viewed as a microcosm of the entire book. It is in itself a movement from emptiness to fullness...

Madonna of humility by Fra Angelico, c. 1430. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Buried in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew chapter one is a gospel treasure. That treasure is five women. Their inclusion in the list is notable because it’s a patrilineal genealogy — a record of fathers and sons. Their inclusion is also notable because they were among the most notorious women in Biblical history. Tamar The first mentioned is Tamar ( Matthew 1:3 ). Remember her? Tamar entered the royal bloodline of the Messiah by disguising herself as a prostitute and seducing her father-in-law, Judah, so he would make her pregnant. Honestly, Judah had it coming because he had denied her justice, but it was an ugly affair all around (see Genesis 38). Rahab The second is Rahab ( Matthew 1:5 ). She didn’t have to disguise herself. She had been a prostitute. And a Gentile! A Canaanite, no less. Not a desired pedigree. She and her family were the only survivors of Israel’s conquest of Jericho because she hid th...

English: Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 2:2-20) Русский: Руфь и Вооз (Руфь 2:2-20) (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) "And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not." ( Ruth 2:16 ) This verse contains the unusual instruction of Boaz to his servants concerning Ruth, after she asked if she could glean after the reapers in his field of barley. Not only did Boaz allow her to do so, but also commanded his servants to "let fall some of the handfuls of purpose" for her, thus making her task easier. It is interesting that the same Hebrew word, basically meaning "take a spoil," is used twice in this verse, once translated "let fall" and once as "of purpose." The word for "handfuls," used only this once in the Bible , evidently refers to a hand's "grip." Although all the translations seem to have difficulty with it, Boaz seems actually to be saying, in effect...