Furthermore, Yahweh provides Naomi with another go’el. There were things that Boaz could do as go’el, and there were things beyond his ability to remedy. Boaz could give provisions to the two widows, he could redeem the land, and he could acquire Ruth as his wife. He could not, by himself, restore Naomi’s emptiness as a result of childlessness. But through his grace God is able to do this by means of the birth of Obed. It is he who “brings back” Naomi in this final regard. God’s ability to fulfill prayer and petition is especially emphasized in this birth.
