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Ruth
Boaz
1. Boaz is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Ruth, a book found in the Hebrew Bible. His story unfolds during the time of the judges in ancient Israel.
2. Boaz was a wealthy and respected landowner, residing in Bethlehem, a town in the region of Judah. He belonged to the tribe of Judah and was known for his kindness, generosity, and adherence to God's laws.
3. The story of Boaz revolves around his encounter with a Moabite woman named Ruth. Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi, a Hebrew widow who had returned to Bethlehem after experiencing loss and tragedy. Ruth chose to accompany Naomi, pledging her loyalty to her and adopting Naomi's faith in the God of Israel.
4. In Bethlehem, Ruth took it upon herself to glean in the fields to support her and Naomi. Gleaning involved collecting leftover crops from the fields after the harvest, which was allowed by the Mosaic law as a means of providing for the poor and foreigners.
5. As luck would have it, Ruth ended up gleaning in the fields owned by Boaz. When Boaz noticed Ruth, he inquired about her and learned that she was a foreigner and the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Boaz was moved by Ruth's devotion to her mother-in-law and her willingness to work diligently.
6. Boaz showed kindness to Ruth, instructing his workers to leave extra grain for her to collect. He also invited her to share meals with the workers, ensuring she had enough food and protection while working in his fields.
7. Naomi, recognizing Boaz's significance as a close relative, instructed Ruth to approach Boaz during the harvest festival and lay at his feet while he was resting. This act symbolized Ruth's request for Boaz to exercise his duty as a kinsman-redeemer—a relative responsible for protecting the family's interests.
8. Upon awakening and finding Ruth at his feet, Boaz showed honor and righteousness in his response. He acknowledged her as a virtuous woman and expressed his willingness to fulfill the duty of a kinsman-redeemer. However, there was another relative who had the right of redemption before Boaz.
9. Boaz took immediate action and gathered the elders of the city to address the matter. He presented the case to the other relative, who initially expressed interest in redeeming Naomi's property. However, when he learned that Ruth was also part of the package, he declined the opportunity, allowing Boaz to step in as the kinsman-redeemer.
10. Boaz married Ruth, and they had a son named Obed. Obed later became the grandfather of King David, making Boaz an important figure in the lineage leading to Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament.
11. Boaz's story highlights his character as a kind and honorable man who followed God's laws and cared for those within his community. He exemplified generosity towards the poor and foreigners, displaying the values of compassion and righteousness. Furthermore, Boaz's role as the kinsman-redeemer emphasized the importance of preserving family heritage and ensuring justice within society.
12. Boaz was a wealthy landowner from Bethlehem who played a central role in the story of Ruth. His kindness, generosity, and adherence to God's laws set him apart. Boaz acted as a kinsman-redeemer, marrying Ruth and providing for her and Naomi. His significance extends to his inclusion in the lineage of King David, establishing his importance in biblical history.
