What can we learn from Boaz?

God works through ordinary people who are simply generous and upright: Boaz protects a poor foreigner without expecting anything in return (Ruth 2:8-16). You can act with passion for the good and still respect the established order: Boaz does not go around the nearer kinsman but settles the matter publicly at the gate (Ruth 3:12-13; 4:1-10). Protecting someone else’s reputation is an act of love: “Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor” (Ruth 3:14). Redeeming is costly for the redeemer: Boaz acquires Elimelech’s inheritance to raise up his name (Ruth 4:9-10; Lev 25:25), and Christ redeemed us through his blood (Eph 1:7).

The judges · c. 1100 BC

Boaz in the Bible

Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer, ancestor of David. Name meaning: Meaning uncertain, often understood as “in him is strength”; spelled Booz in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 3:32)

Boaz is a mighty and wealthy man of Bethlehem, of the family of Elimelech. Kind and godly toward the Moabite gleaner Ruth, he protects her, feeds her, and blesses her; then, at the city gate, he exercises the right of redemption on her behalf: he acquires Elimelech’s field and marries Ruth “to raise up the name of the dead.” From their union comes Obed, David’s grandfather, and Boaz thus appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matt 1:5).

Main books: Ruth

Key moments

He greets his reapers: “The LORD be with you” Ruth 2:4
He protects Ruth and blesses her Ruth 2:11–12
At the threshing floor, he promises to redeem Ruth Ruth 3:12–13
The nearer kinsman gives up his right of redemption Ruth 4:6
He acquires Elimelech’s inheritance and marries Ruth Ruth 4:9–10
Birth of Obed, father of Jesse Ruth 4:17
Ancestor of David and of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:5

Strengths

Kindness
Generosity
Integrity
Faithfulness to the Law

Weaknesses

The Bible records no fault in Boaz. He shows himself upright: he honestly acknowledges that a nearer kinsman comes before him (Ruth 3:12-13) and he looks out for Ruth’s reputation (3:14).

Lessons for today

God works through ordinary people who are simply generous and upright: Boaz protects a poor foreigner without expecting anything in return (Ruth 2:8-16).
You can act with passion for the good and still respect the established order: Boaz does not go around the nearer kinsman but settles the matter publicly at the gate (Ruth 3:12-13; 4:1-10).
Protecting someone else’s reputation is an act of love: “Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor” (Ruth 3:14).
Redeeming is costly for the redeemer: Boaz acquires Elimelech’s inheritance to raise up his name (Ruth 4:9-10; Lev 25:25), and Christ redeemed us through his blood (Eph 1:7).

The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Ruth 2:12

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Ruth 3:11

And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.

Ruth 4:9–10

People around Boaz

Ruth — His wife, the Moabite widow of Mahlon
Naomi — Ruth’s mother-in-law; Boaz is a relative of her husband Elimelech
Salmon — His father
Rahab — His mother, according to Matthew’s genealogy (Matt 1:5)
Obed — His son, father of Jesse
David — His great-grandson

Quiz: how well do you know Boaz?

Which woman comes to glean in Boaz’s field?

What son was born to Boaz and Ruth?

Which town does Boaz live in?

There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.