Then He Said to the Redeemer, “Naomi Has Sold the Piece of Land Which Belonged to Our Brother Elimelech.”

Boaz did not employ many long, empty phrases before he came to the point; he hit the nail right on the head. This was further proof that he was a wise man, and the fact that he was the spokesman for his own case in the presence of the city’s ten elders shows that he was an extremely mighty man.

Boaz was about to perform one of the works that had been prepared for him beforehand. Naomi alluded to that when she said that this man would not rest before he had concluded the matter that day. There are many things in our life that must be done if we are to enter into rest. As soon as these things have been accomplished, we feel so safe and rest so securely. These are works done in God. Boaz was in the process of performing a work that would give him a deeper rest in God. This was not the first time Boaz had performed such works, seeing that even Naomi knew about it. Such works achieve their purpose and will succeed. He who does not rest before he has carried out these works will soon be a wise and mighty man, for God will fight for him in all his ways and will take on his case wherever he goes, for we who have believed enter into rest. Heb. 4:3.

The first and closest redeemer should have informed himself about the poor person’s case in order for him to act righteously, but Boaz had to inform him of the circumstances. This shows that he was not at all awake when it concerned the others’ rights and their welfare. He didn’t even look into his simple responsibility as the closest redeemer. Therefore he was not a mighty man either.