Boaz #51

Boaz is the man of Bethlehem in the book of Ruth who becomes the kinsman-redeemer of Naomi’s family and the husband of Ruth. He is introduced as a relative of Naomi’s late husband Elimelech and as a man of standing and wealth (Ruth 2:1). His actions in the story, marked by generosity, integrity, and respect for the law, have made him a model of what it means to act as a redeemer.

Biblical Significance

Ruth went to glean grain behind the harvesters, a right the law gave to the poor and to foreigners (Leviticus 19:9-10), and she happened to land in a field belonging to Boaz (Ruth 2:1-3). He greeted his workers with a blessing, asked who she was, and told her to stay in his fields, drink from the workers’ water, and glean with his young women, adding that he had ordered the young men not to touch her. When she asked why she had found favor, he said he had heard of all she had done for her mother-in-law, and he prayed that the Lord, under whose wings she had come to take refuge, would repay her (Ruth 2:8-12). He also had extra grain left for her to pick up (Ruth 2:15-16).

Naomi then explained that Boaz was one of their redeemers. Following her advice, Ruth went to the threshing floor at night and asked him to spread his cloak over her, since he was a redeemer (Ruth 3:1-9). Boaz praised her loyalty, called her a woman of worth, and said that he would do it, but that there was a nearer relative who had first claim (Ruth 3:10-13). At the town gate the next morning, before ten elders, Boaz told that nearer relative about the field of Elimelech. The man was willing to buy it until he learned that acquiring the land also meant marrying Ruth to raise up the name of the dead, and he declined. Boaz then publicly took on both responsibilities (Ruth 4:1-12).

Boaz and Ruth had a son, Obed, who became the father of Jesse and grandfather of David (Ruth 4:13-22). Matthew’s genealogy lists Boaz, whose mother is named as Rahab, and gives the line of Jesus through him (Matthew 1:5).

Legacy

Boaz has come to represent a redeemer who uses his resources and reputation for the vulnerable, and he is often used as an illustration for the larger biblical theme of redemption. Interpreters have long noted the parallel to the way the Bible describes God as redeemer, though the book of Ruth itself simply presents Boaz as a good man following the customs of his community. His conduct is careful throughout: he does not take advantage of Ruth at the threshing floor, protects her reputation, and pursues the legal steps openly. His kindness to a foreigner from Moab also shows that concern for outsiders was part of Israel’s ideal. The book ends by naming him in the genealogy of David, which places a quiet act of faithfulness at the center of Israel’s royal story.