Boaz is remembered as a man of integrity, kindness, and faithfulness in the Bible. His story with Ruth provides valuable lessons about God’s provision and the importance of loyalty. Today, we’ll look at what Boaz’s life can teach us about living faithfully.
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What Does The Bible Say About Boaz
Ruth 2:1
“Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.”
This verse introduces Boaz as a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelek. It sets the stage for Boaz’s role in the redemption and restoration of Ruth and Naomi.
Ruth 2:2
“And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.”
In this verse, Ruth expresses her willingness to go to the fields and glean for grain, showing her humility and determination in providing for herself and Naomi. This is the first step towards her encounter with Boaz.
Ruth 2:3
“So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.”
God’s providence is evident in this verse as Ruth unknowingly finds herself working in Boaz’s field. This sets the stage for their meeting and the subsequent events that unfold.
Ruth 2:4
“Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!” “The Lord bless you!” they answered.”
Boaz’s arrival at the field portrays him as a righteous and blessed man who acknowledges the Lord’s presence and favors. It also signifies a turning point in Ruth’s life as their paths cross.
Ruth 2:5
“Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”
In this verse, Boaz takes notice of Ruth and asks about her. His curiosity indicates an interest in her and foreshadows their future relationship.
Ruth 2:8
“So Boaz said to Ruth, “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.”
Boaz shows kindness and protection towards Ruth by inviting her to stay in his field where she will be safe and provided for. This act reveals his care and concern for her well-being.
Ruth 2:9
“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.”
Boaz demonstrates further care for Ruth by instructing her on how to navigate the field safely and ensuring she has access to water. His actions show his commitment to her welfare.
Ruth 2:11
“Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before.”
In this verse, Boaz praises Ruth for her loyalty and selflessness. He acknowledges her sacrifice in leaving behind her family and homeland to support Naomi. This highlights Ruth’s character and dedication.
Ruth 2:12
“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
Boaz blesses Ruth with a prayer for God’s abundant blessings and protection. He recognizes her faith and trust in seeking refuge under the wings of the Lord. This emphasizes the spiritual connection between Boaz and Ruth.
Ruth 2:13
“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”
Ruth responds humbly to Boaz’s kind words, expressing her gratitude for his favor. She acknowledges her humble status, yet appreciates Boaz’s kindness and respect towards her.
Ruth 2:14
“At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.” When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over.”
Boaz’s generosity towards Ruth is evident in this verse as he invites her to share in the meal with him and the other harvesters. His actions demonstrate his care and provision for her needs.
Ruth 2:15
“As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her.”
Instructing his workers not to interfere or hinder Ruth’s gleaning process, Boaz ensures that she has unhindered access to the grain. This showcases his protection and support for her.
Ruth 2:16
“Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”
Boaz takes extra measures to provide for Ruth, allowing his workers to purposely leave some extra grain for her to collect. This goes above and beyond what is expected, demonstrating his care and generosity.
Ruth 2:20
““The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers.”
Naomi recognizes the significance of Boaz’s actions and attributes it to his continued kindness towards them even after their losses. She identifies him as a potential redeemer, highlighting his role in their lives.
Ruth 3:1
“One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for.”
Naomi expresses her concern for Ruth’s future and desires to secure her well-being. This sets the stage for the plan that unfolds in the following verses, leading Ruth closer to Boaz.
Ruth 3:2
“Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight, he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor.
Naomi informs Ruth about Boaz’s upcoming activities and how it presents an opportunity for them to approach him. This reveals Naomi’s understanding of Boaz’s significance in their lives.
Ruth 3:3
“Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.
Naomi gives Ruth specific instructions on how to prepare and approach Boaz discreetly. Her plan emphasizes the importance of proper presentation and timing in seeking a favorable outcome.
Ruth 3:4
“When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”
Naomi advises Ruth to wait until Boaz has settled to uncover his feet and lie down near him. This unconventional action is part of the cultural practice of seeking protection or marriage. It shows their trust in Boaz’s integrity.
Ruth 3:5
““I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered.
Ruth demonstrates her obedience and trust in Naomi’s guidance, affirming her commitment to carry out the plan. Her response shows her willingness to take a leap of faith.
Ruth 3:6
“So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.”
Acting in obedience, Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions without hesitation. This highlights her loyalty and commitment to their shared goal.
Ruth 3:8
“In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet!”
In this verse, Boaz is startled to find Ruth lying at his feet in the middle of the night. This sets the dramatic scene for their encounter and sets the stage for their conversation.
Ruth 3:9
““Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”
Ruth identifies herself and appeals to Boaz as a potential guardian-redeemer, requesting his protection and provision. Her plea signifies her trust in Boaz and her desire for their redemption.
Ruth 3:10
““The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.
Boaz acknowledges Ruth’s virtuous character and praises her for her loyalty. He recognizes her faithfulness in choosing him over younger suitors, highlighting the significance of their connection.
Ruth 3:11
“And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.
Boaz reassures Ruth that he will grant her request, confirming his willingness to act as a guardian-redeemer for her. He also acknowledges her reputation in the community as a woman of noble character.
Ruth 3:12
“Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I.
Boaz informs Ruth that while he is willing to fulfill his role as a guardian-redeemer, there is someone who has a closer claim to that responsibility. This reveals Boaz’s integrity and adherence to cultural norms.
Ruth 3:13
“Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”
Boaz suggests a plan to resolve the matter honorably, giving the closer relative an opportunity to fulfill his responsibilities. If the relative declines, Boaz promises to step in and redeem Ruth himself. His commitment to her welfare is evident.
Ruth 3:18
“Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”
Naomi advises Ruth to wait patiently for the resolution of their situation, assuring her that Boaz will not rest until the matter is settled. This shows Naomi’s confidence in Boaz’s commitment to their cause.