09. Ruth 4:1-7 — "The Levirate Marriage"

Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Levirate Marriage

Levirate marriage is not mentioned in the book of Ruth, but the concept of kinsman redeemer is displayed when Boaz marries Ruth. Levirate marriage is a custom in which a man is required to marry his brother's widow if his brother died without leaving a child. The purpose of this custom was to ensure that the deceased brother's name and property would be passed on to his offspring. In the book of Ruth, Naomi planned to provide security for herself and Ruth by arranging a levirate marriage with Boaz.