translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: RUT

label: NET study note

text: Acquire the field . This probably refers to the right to redeem and use the field. See the note on the word “selling” in v. 3 .


text: I would ruin my own inheritance . It is not entirely clear how acquiring Ruth and raising up an heir for the deceased Elimelech would ruin this individual’s inheritance. Perhaps this means that the inheritance of his other children would be diminished. See R. L. Hubbard, Jr., Ruth (NICOT), 245-46.


text: Salmon appears to be an alternate spelling of Salmah in the preceding line.


text: The theological message of the Book of Ruth may be summarized as follows: God cares for needy people like Naomi and Ruth; he is their ally in this chaotic world. He richly rewards people like Ruth and Boaz who demonstrate sacrificial love and in so doing become his instruments in helping the needy. God’s rewards for those who sacrificially love others sometimes exceed their wildest imagination and transcend their lifetime.