Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 4:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 4:3
"And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s:"

Elimelech was Noami's husband. If Boaz was his brother then he was an older man. That was the first I realized Ruth and Boaz were not of the same age. Boaz would have been Ruth's husband's uncle. That makes it more understandable why Boaz mentions she hasn't gone after young men.

"And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
(Ruth 3:10-11)

So if Boaz was closer to Naomi's age why didn't he marry her? It had to do with the Levirate marriage law. It was a question of raising up children. Naomi was a widow but already mentioned she could not have more children. Ruth however as a childless widow could have children and preserve the deceased's family line.

Day 3823