The story of Boaz, as told in the Book of Ruth, is a heartwarming narrative of integrity, faithfulness, and divine providence. Far more than just a supporting character, Boaz emerges as a pivotal figure whose actions not only secured the future of a destitute widow but also played a crucial role in the lineage of Israel’s greatest king, David, and ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. For those new to the story, understanding Boaz requires appreciating his character, his cultural role, and his ultimate impact.

Boaz: The Man of Bethlehem

Boaz was a wealthy and influential landowner from Bethlehem, a man of considerable standing and excellent reputation. He is introduced to us as a relative of Elimelech, Naomi’s deceased husband. When Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem in poverty, Ruth, a Moabite widow, seeks to glean leftover grain from the fields to survive. By divine arrangement, she ends up in the fields of Boaz.

From their first encounter, Boaz demonstrates remarkable kindness and generosity. He recognizes Ruth’s dedication to Naomi and her faithfulness to the God of Israel. He instructs his workers to treat her with respect, allows her to glean abundantly, and even ensures her protection. This goes beyond mere charity; it reflects a deep-seated righteousness and adherence to the spirit of the Mosaic Law, which commanded care for the poor and the foreigner. Ruth 2:11-12 recounts Ruth’s dedication and Boaz’s blessing: “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”

The Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer (Goel)

Boaz’s most significant role in the narrative is that of a goel, or kinsman-redeemer. In ancient Israelite law and custom, a kinsman-redeemer was a close male relative who had the responsibility to protect the interests of his extended family. This could involve buying back land that had been sold due to poverty, avenging the death of a relative, or, as in Ruth’s case, marrying a childless widow to raise an heir for her deceased husband (known as levirate marriage). This ensured the continuation of the family line and the preservation of inherited land.

Naomi, aware of Boaz’s kinship and character, orchestrated a plan for Ruth to appeal to Boaz to fulfill this role. Boaz, being a man of integrity, carefully followed the legal procedures of the time, publicly announcing his intention to redeem Naomi’s land and take Ruth as his wife. This act of redemption was not merely a legal transaction; it was an act of profound compassion and commitment, safeguarding the legacy of the deceased Elimelech and securing Ruth’s future. Read more about the kinsman-redeemer concept.

The union of Boaz and Ruth was blessed with a son, Obed. This child held immense significance, as he became the father of Jesse, who in turn was the father of King David. The Book of Ruth concludes by tracing this lineage: “Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David” (Ruth 4:21-22).

This places Boaz directly in the royal line of Israel and, most importantly, in the lineage of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew explicitly includes Boaz in the genealogy of Jesus, stating, “Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king” (Matthew 1:5-6). Boaz’s faithfulness, integrity, and redemptive actions thus become part of God’s overarching plan to bring salvation to humanity through the Messiah.

The Enduring Legacy of Boaz

The name Boaz itself is meaningful, often translated as “in him is strength” or “quickness.” This resonates not only with his strong character but also with one of the two massive bronze pillars that stood at the entrance of Solomon’s Temple, one named Boaz and the other Jachin (“He will establish”). These pillars symbolized the strength and stability of God’s presence and covenant with His people.

Boaz stands as an enduring example of a man who lived out his faith through his actions, demonstrating compassion, upholding justice, and fulfilling his responsibilities with grace. His story reminds us of God’s intricate working in human lives, often through the kindness and obedience of His people, to bring about His greater redemptive purposes. Read more about the Book of Ruth.