Boaz

Boaz’s story is told in the book of Ruth

  • Who is Boaz?
    • Boaz is a wealthy landowner of Bethlehem and is introduced to us in the Book of Ruth.
    • He is a family member to Elimelech, who was the husband of Naomi and father-in-law of Ruth. Boaz is thus Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer.
    • Boaz becomes the husband of Ruth, and they together form part of the lineage that leads to King David and eventually Jesus Christ.
  • Strengths and Accomplishments of Boaz
    • Compassionate and Generous: When Ruth, a Moabite widow, began gleaning in his field, he showed her great kindness, instructing his men not to harm her and even leave extra grain for her to gather (Ruth 2:8-16).
    • Man of Integrity: Boaz followed the law and respected the rights of the closer kinsman-redeemer, thereby upholding the integrity of the process (Ruth 3:12-13).
    • Provider and Protector: He provided food and protection for Ruth and Naomi, both vulnerable widows. He eventually marries Ruth, preserving Elimelech’s lineage (Ruth 4:9-10).
  • Weaknesses and Mistakes of Boaz
    • Interestingly, the Bible doesn’t provide many explicit instances of Boaz’s weaknesses or mistakes. His character seems to have been exemplary, reflecting his faithfulness to God’s laws.
  • Lessons from Boaz’s Life
    • Grace and Generosity: Boaz teaches us about the power of grace and generosity. He extended kindness to Ruth, a foreigner, reflecting God’s heart for the marginalized and underserved.
    • Respect for God’s Law: His commitment to do things the right way, not taking shortcuts or exploiting situations for personal gain, teaches us the importance of integrity.
    • Redemption: Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, mirrors God’s love and our own story of redemption through Jesus Christ.
  • Key Verses (NIV)
    • Ruth 2:8-9 – “So Boaz said to Ruth, ‘My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me.'”
    • Ruth 3:10-11 – “The Lord bless you, my daughter,’ Boaz replied. ‘This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask.'”
    • Ruth 4:13-14 – “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.”