Surely this nearer kinsman is aware of Naomi’s return (Ruth 1:19 states “when they [Naomi and Ruth] arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them”18). Thus, it seems apparent that he has not taken any initiative to help Naomi and/or Ruth. In other words, in contrast to Boaz, who had already functioned as a go’el of sorts for Naomi and Ruth, this man has done nothing. It seems likely that this nearer redeemer has been thinking along different lines.
