“Ho, Such A One!” – 1/24/25
Ruth 4:1 introduces an intriguing phrase associated with the “nearer kinsman” Boaz knew. Did we notice that from Ruth 3:12-4:12, we are never given this person’s name? The reason for this omission is known only to God (Deut. 29:29), but it never fails to fascinate me when I see God not naming certain people at any point in the Bible. Why was this done? What purpose does it serve to omit certain people’s names? It’s a mystery that invites us to contemplate the unfathomable ways of God. Ultimately, I have to be satisfied in the knowledge that God’s cause/purpose is not served by us knowing the name of this person that Boaz knew.
In studying this phrase, I find it interesting that some versions will substitute “such a one” for the word “friend” or something similar. The Septuagint refers to this person as “hidden one.” It is said that even today, if someone offers anonymous donations to the synagogue, this person is referred to as “Almoni Peloni” (concealed person). It is similar to us saying, “Mr. Anonymous,” “Mr. ‘X’,” or “John Doe.”
Placing ourselves beside Boaz that day, we know he didn’t say, “Hello, Mr. Anonymous” or “Hello So-And-So.” Boaz called the man by name and asked him to sit down. Therefore, it makes me think God made a point of not revealing the name or perhaps telling the writer of Ruth, “Do not write his name.” Such a practice is not unheard of in Scripture (Deut. 29:29; Dan. 12:4, 9; Rev. 10:4).
When God is silent on something, we have no right to conjecture about His reasoning, so I will not conjecture either. I will just observe that the language of Ruth 4:1 suggests that God made a point of making sure we never knew the name of the man who refused the Levirate marriage to Ruth. This was not a random omission.
The practice of not identifying people is not uncommon. In my library, I have a book by Herbert Lockyear titled “The Unnamed Men And Women Of The Bible.” This catalog features people who served God’s purpose, yet God chose not to name them. It is enlightening to consider how many people (whose identities are known only to God) played crucial roles in God’s plan. Consider the following:
The man who told Joseph where to find his brothers (Gen. 37:15). Without him, the rest of Joseph’s history never happens.
The girl who told Naaman how to be healed (II Kings 5:3).
The servant who told Naaman what to do to be healed (II Kings 5:10).
The servant who corrected Naaman (II Kings 5:13).
References to unnamed brethren serving God in the heat of persecution (Rom. 16:14-15; Col. 4:15; Phil. 4:21-22; Heb. 10:32-39).
This type of study also makes me ponder whether or not I could be satisfied with being mentioned in the Bible, knowing no one will ever know my name. Pride is a strong feeling, and some are not satisfied with doing certain things unless they know others will be made aware of it (Matt. 6:1-4, 16-18). Is this your feeling? Conversely, there have been times I wished my name was not associated with a particular act or event! In such a case, I am glad no one remembers me. Had I been in this situation, I would have been thrilled to know my name was redacted from the Sacred Text. This text reminds us of the importance of humility in service, and how our actions should be motivated by a desire to serve God, not to gain recognition. What about you? I think we could learn lessons from both extremes of this study.
Why God chooses to identify some people and not others will remain a mystery for now (Deut. 29:29). However, let us be satisfied in the knowledge that God has given us everything we need to know to get from earth to Heaven (II Tim. 3:16-17). His “divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3). This includes all the words (knowledge) necessary to get us from earth to Heaven. Therefore, if the identity of “John Doe” or “Almoni Peloni” needed to be known (Ruth 4:1), God would have revealed his name for our salvation. Since his name is omitted, I must calm my inquisitive mind and focus on the essential truths that lead to salvation!
- Jarrod M. Jacobs