This final chapter resolves the legal case discussed earlier, marks the climax of the romance, and shows the overall outcome of the story between Naomi and Ruth. The events happen in the town square and are part of an official ceremony. Afterwards, the marriage of Boaz and Ruth and the birth of their son Obed are described. The book ends with the genealogy of David.
Boaz aims to act legally, so he calls ten elders from the community to serve as qualified witnesses to the upcoming public act. Boaz wisely begins by discussing the field that needs to be redeemed, avoiding mention of the “Moabite woman.” The relative, who has the right to redeem the field, initially agrees to buy it but then withdraws because the Moabite woman could threaten his interests and those of his family. As a symbolic act of relinquishing his rights, the relative removes his sandal and hands it to Boaz (Dt 25:7-10). Boaz then solemnly declares before the witnesses that he accepts all responsibilities. The elders bless Boaz for his generosity and invoke the matriarchs of Israel: Rachel and Leah. They also mention Tamar, possibly because she is a foreigner like Ruth. According to the Hebrew Scriptures, only Tamar and Ruth fulfill the law of levirate marriage.
The chorus of women who spoke at the beginning (1:19) to express Mara’s grief and desolation now does so to honor the God of widows and foreigners, for He has resolved all difficulties. Thus, the story of Ruth and Naomi concludes; despite the atmosphere of indifference and helplessness surrounding them, they remain a model for our Christian community.