Questions From Readers

 Why did the man called s0-and-s0 say it would "ruin" his own inheritance if he married Ruth?  (Ruth 4:1, 6) 

Consider the example of Naomi  She was married to a man named Elimelech. When he and their two sons died, she was left without a breadwinner to care for her. (Ruth1:1-5)  Once back in Judah, Naomi directed her daughter-in-law Ruth to ask Boaz to act as a repurchaser  of the land. He was a close relative of Elimelech.  (Ruth 2:1, 19, 20; 3:1-4)  But Boaz realized that another relative, whom the Bible calls "So-and-so" was a closer relative. He thus had first claim to act as repurchaser. - Ruth 3:9, 12, 13. 

Initially, "So-and-so" was willing to help. (Ruth 4:1-4) Although it would involve some expense he realized that Naomi would be unable to bear a child who would inherit the land from Elimelech. The land would, in effect, be added to So-and-so's land inheritance, so this could be a good investment. 

But So-and-so changed his mind when he realized that Ruth was available for remarriage.  He said: "I am unable to repurchase it, for I may ruin my own inheritance." (Ruth 4:5, 6) Why did he change his mind?

Next time: Questions From Readers -Conclusion of Above Subject

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