It seems–textually–there is a reason the man in Ruth 4 is nameless. Proverbs 22 says that “a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” This man chose his riches, his interests before the greater goal of inheriting a great name in the sight of God and man. He does not become a goel because he fears it will jeopardize his name and business plans, and so God gives him no name in this story. This is a striking blow to those who would seek his own kingdom before Yahweh’s purposes.
