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Commentary
I was a little confused this morning by the ending of Ruth. Levirate marriage was intended to preserve a patrimony. In the case of Ruth, it was the patrimony of Elimelech, her father-in-law. The nearest kinsman-redeemer—Whatshisname—was too concerned with preserving his own patrimony to risk it by taking responsibility for Ruth. That opened the way for Boaz, who was willing to venture (risk) his patrimony by marrying her.
Here’s the confusing thing. The genealogy at the end of the book mentions Boaz, but not Elimelech. The preservation of Elimelech’s patrimony seems to have been subsumed in Boaz’ patrimony. Then it occurred to me: maybe that’s the point!
Venture on Him; venture wholly
Let no other trust intrude