Who Is the Redemption Man in Ruth 4?
The redemption man in Ruth 4 is Boaz, not the unnamed kinsman who had the first right and gave it up. Boaz's costly, public faithfulness preserved a family line that led to David.
Ruth 4:9–10: Boaz Buys the Land and Ruth
Ruth's husband before Boaz was Mahlon, and Boaz becomes her husband through a public, witnessed transaction at the town gate. Boaz names both purchases together and states his purpose: to raise up the name of the dead.
Ruth 4:1–10: What Redemption Really Costs
Ruth 4 shows redemption as a kinsman taking on the whole cost of restoring a family that would otherwise vanish. The nearer kinsman backs out once the price includes Ruth, while Boaz accepts it before witnesses.