Chapter 4 - Boaz Went Up to the Gate and Sat Down There

In ancient Israel, the gate was a place for keeping counsel and judgment. That is where the elders of the town and its wisest men were to be found. A fool does not open his mouth in the gate. Now the mighty man Boaz sat in the gate to bring Ruth’s case to a conclusion. It wasn’t easy to ignore Boaz.

“These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace . . . .” Zech. 8:16.

We understand from what Naomi said that Boaz was a respected man in the gate, a man who gave judgment for justice as well as peace. Therefore she was in the right when she said, “The man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.” It was an important matter that was at hand that day: a soul would be redeemed and brought to a place of rest.

We must work while it is still day, which is what Boaz did. However, as far as Ruth was concerned, this day was the darkest night; therefore she was told to sit still. The matter that was to be dealt with on that day was not a small thing in Ruth’s eyes. If the other redeemer and nearer kinsman would redeem the field as well as her, then Ruth would become his lawful wife. But if he was unwilling to redeem the field as well as her, then Boaz had promised to redeem her and marry her. She loved Boaz, for during all this time she had kept close to him and had not gone after the young men. The matter would be decided today, and Ruth was to sit still. He who believes does not act hastily, but in such instances he can only sit still in God’s power.