The name Boaz is often defined as meaning swiftness, but broken down in Hebrew, it means strength is within him (Bo – in him, az – strength). Boaz is first mentioned in the Book of Ruth in what becomes one of Scripture's most beautiful love stories.
The story begins with Elimelech and his wife Naomi, who live in Bethlehem with their two sons named Mahlon and Chilion, whose names mean “sick” and “wasting.”
Due to a famine in the land, likely because of sin (Deuteronomy 28), they leave this place, literally named the house of bread, and head to the country of Moab.
It is worth pointing out that the Moabite people and the Israelites were enemies (Numbers 22; 25; Deuteronomy 23; Judges 3), so Elimelech should never have taken his family from the promised land to go there.
I have the impression they intended to return to Bethlehem after the famine because the Bible uses the word Sojourn. However, while they are in Moab, Naomi’s husband dies.
She makes the decision to let her sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Despite their desire to go back to Bethlehem one day, 10 years have passed, and now the sons and their father have all died.
Naomi hears that the Lord has come and provided help for his people, and she decides to head home.
As the final preparations are made, Naomi tells her daughters-in-law to go back to their families, even encouraging them to go back to their gods.
Orpah does so after a little protesting, but Naomi refuses, stating this wonderful line as her reasoning:
“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me” (Ruth 1:16-17).
And so, they left. Naomi and Ruth traveled approximately seven to ten days on foot for about 50 miles to Bethlehem.
Once they arrived, it was time for the Barley Harvest. As part of the Law, the Lord had provided protection for the widow and the poor written in Leviticus 19.
The Law included boundaries around gleaning to allow the women and the poor to go and collect around the edges of the fields, allowing them the ability to provide food or money for themselves. To provide for them, Ruth decides to go to the fields to glean.
I love how Scripture says, “As it turned out, she was working in a field that belonged to Boaz.” And here in Ruth 2:3, we see the first mention of his name.
The story unfolds that Boaz wonders who the young woman is in his field; he seems drawn to her. Was it a new face he didn’t recognize? Or was it something more, like love at first sight?
We will never know. But as he questions those who oversaw his harvest, they inform him of who she was, “A Moabite who came back with Naomi” (Ruth 2:5). These seven words say everything about her.
Boaz instantly forms a protective bond, and he says:
“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. Watch the field where the men are harvesting and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled” (Ruth 2:8-12).
He expresses how impressed he is by her desire to look after Naomi, and he even invites her to have meals with them. In this way, he was helping both Ruth and Naomi.
It is in Ruth 2:20 that we see Naomi realize whose field Ruth has been gleaning in, and it’s as though, for the first time in 10 years or more, she sees hope with God’s hand in action.
She explains to Ruth what a kinsman redeemer is (Leviticus 25) and informs her to keep close to the women in Boaz's field.
As we open chapter 3 of Ruth, suddenly, Naomi is consciously aware that Ruth needs a home, a husband, a life, and a family. So, she tells her, “I must find you a home” (Ruth 3:1).
She constructs an unforgettable proposal of sorts and gives Ruth specific directions to follow, which Ruth does.
As Boaz is tired after eating and drinking, he goes to the threshing floor, where Ruth lays down at his feet and requests him to “spread the corner of his garment over her since he is her kinsman redeemer!” (Ruth 3:9).
That is a bold move, she could have gotten into trouble for doing so, or she could have been turned away.
Boaz informs her there is one who is closer in the familial line, but he promises her that he will find out in the morning if they want to redeem the family and, if not, that he will.
I’m sure she went home skipping. As she tells Naomi the conversation, I can almost see a glint of hope in her eye. God was moving into her home, in her family.
Chapter 4 of Ruth tells the story of Boaz going to the City Gate. The place where all the politics and issues of the day were threshed out.
The kinsman redeemer's name is never mentioned but Boaz asks him about the land Naomi is selling at first; he seems interested at first when it could grow his estate.
Then Boaz adds the finer details telling him that a woman named Ruth will also be included in the sale.
Instantly, he says no as he realizes that it might affect his own estate. A deal is sealed in front of the elders and the people; Boaz will redeem the women and the land.
Boaz then marries Ruth; they conceive a child who they name Obed (meaning servant of God or worshiper). Ruth 4:17 tells us that they are the Great Grandparents of King David.
What a story, but as always, there are lessons, we can learn from this.
1. Boaz was a man who knew the law, and in response, he left the margins in his field for the marginalized to glean in. He ensured they were safe by arranging for his men to fill water jugs. He welcomes Ruth into the fold of his helpers to get food and rest during the day.
What would the lives of those around you look like if you were to be a person like Boaz, who lived by the laws of God? It is something that is worth taking a second to assess.
2. Boaz was a godly man allowing Ruth a place in the fields. Christian men should want to be holy like the Lord. Boaz was noble, kind, protective, and generous towards Ruth, portraying a character like God by being protective over the widow and the broken.
3. Boaz was a man of integrity. Despite his being drawn to Ruth, Boaz didn’t jump into a relationship with her or take advantage of her vulnerability or somewhat bold proposal.
But rather, he acts as a man of integrity even when only Ruth is watching. He knew he was in the line of Kinsman redeemers but also that there was one closer than himself.
Despite knowing he would lose Ruth if they agreed, he gave them a choice first, willing to honor their answer.
But the best lesson we can learn from the Book of Ruth is that hope never dies. Even in a dire situation where money seems distant, you are grieving the loss of your husband and sons; you feel wronged and hurt; God is still present with you, still acting on your behalf.
This whole story of Boaz is a beautiful symbolic example of Jesus. A foretelling of sorts of our perfect Kinsman Redeemer. The one who comes and rescues us.
Boaz rescued Ruth and Naomi beautifully, but soon Jesus would come, and he would rescue all of mankind.
Not at a city gate with a sandal and a promise like Boaz, but at Golgotha on a cross with arms stretched wide, and then he would rise again and leave in his wake an empty tomb.
Jesus is the perfect redeemer who helps us by interceding or praying on our behalf. Jesus is the one who brings us in from poverty, sin stricken, and grieving and gives us a home, a place, and a love beyond measure.
He takes our brokenness and sinfulness, and He made a way for us to know God. He paid for our sins on the cross.
If you do not know Jesus as yet, please get in touch. We would love to invite you into a relationship with Him. It is one you will not regret!
For further reading:
What Is the Story of Ruth and Naomi?
What Is the Story of Ruth in the Bible?
Why Ruth and Boaz's Story Should Inspire All Christians, Single and Married
Photo Credit: ©SWN