Today we look at Boaz. As you read these chapters
again, think about the character of Boaz. Imagine the events of the story
through his eyes.
READ: Ruth
2:4-16; 3:6-15; 4
Boaz is a man of great character. He is a person of
honour, integrity, humility and service.
Like Ruth, Boaz displays the theme of kindness. He is a respected
businessman, very kind and compassionate. Unlike many field owners, Boaz
provided a safe working environment for gleaners. In ancient culture, it was
customary for the poor, orphaned and widowed to glean in the fields of the
reapers – walking behind the workers and gathering portions of the crop that
were dropped or left behind. In many fields, female gleaners were made easy
targets for rape and harassment. But Boaz’s fields offered an environment of
safety, security, and even refreshment. The first thing we hear him say is a
blessing to his workers (2:4). He doesn’t avoid them, or treat them as though
they are beneath him. Neither does he greet them with a simple nod or a brief
hello. Instead, he says, “The Lord be with you!” Boaz was a good man to work
for. His success and prosperity did not get to his head. He valued his
employees and their work, and he sought to point people towards God’s goodness,
and as a result, his workers loved and respected him.
Boaz immediately notices Ruth and shows interest in
her. Even after discovering that she is a Moabite –a people cursed by Yahweh –
he extends a hand of benevolence to her. We learn that Boaz is a relative of
Naomi’s husband. It seems that the news of Ruth’s pledge has spread; Boaz holds
deep respect for this young widow who would willingly forsake her homeland and
her gods for the sake of her mother-in-law. He warmly accepts her, ensuring her
safety and comfort and offering her rest.
Imagine Boaz’s surprise when he wakes up to Ruth at
his feet. While we, who are uncertain of the custom, may be somewhat confused,
Boaz immediately understands what is going on – this woman is seeking to marry
him that he might act as a kinsman
redeemer. There are two customs woven into the book of Ruth: property
redemption and levirate marriage. According to God’s law, property was to
forever stay within the family. So when a man died, his next closest relative
could purchase the land, thus “redeeming” it for the family. Alongside this was
the custom of levirate marriage. It was customary, if a man died, for his
closest male relative to marry his wife so that she would not remain a poor, destitute
woman. If the woman had no children, the marriage would also allow her to carry
on her husband’s name. The one to fulfill these customs was called the kinsman redeemer.
As Ruth had extended kindness to Naomi, now Boaz
extends kindness to Ruth. He agrees wholeheartedly to marry her, and with this act
encompasses the central theme of the story: redemption – giving life and hope
to what was once without. Both Ruth and Naomi are redeemed from a life of
uncertainty, poverty and a lost family line. Through Boaz, the Lord has filled
their cups to overflowing.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Who has God used in your life to bless you? Make
a list of those who have been a blessing to you and your family and spend time
praising God for these individuals.
2. How can you be a blessing to others today? Ask
God to release you from the bonds of self and to open your eyes to the needs of
others. Ask Him for a specific way that you can point others to His goodness
through a blessing.
