What does Boaz's instruction reveal about his character and faithfulness to God? Setting the Scene Ruth has come to Boaz’s field as a foreign widow seeking leftover grain. Boaz notices her, speaks kindly, and then turns to his harvesters with this specific directive: “Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles and leave them for her to gather. Do not rebuke her.” (Ruth 2:16) Obedience to God’s Law Boaz’s words echo—and expand on—commands God had already given Israel. • Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19 each instruct landowners to leave the edges of the field and any dropped grain for “the poor and the foreigner.” • By telling his workers to “pull out” extra stalks, Boaz keeps these statutes in spirit and letter. • His obedience is immediate and practical; he doesn’t debate, delay, or delegate the command of God to someone else’s conscience. Generosity Beyond Obligation Boaz is not content with the bare minimum. • He moves from “allow her to glean” (legal requirement) to “pull out for her” (voluntary generosity). • Psalm 112:9 describes the righteous as one who “gives freely to the poor”; Boaz embodies that freedom. • Proverbs 19:17 teaches that lending to the poor is lending to the LORD. Boaz behaves as though God Himself will settle the account. Protection and Dignity “Do not rebuke her.” Those four words guard both Ruth’s safety and her sense of worth. • Boaz removes any chance of shaming glances or harsh words; he creates a safe space for a vulnerable woman. • Proverbs 14:31 connects honoring the poor with honoring their Maker. Boaz’s protective stance honors God by honoring Ruth. • His care models the heart of Deuteronomy 10:18—God “defends the cause of the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner.” Faith Lived Out in the Ordinary Boaz sees everyday farming as worship. • Earlier (Ruth 2:4) he greets his workers, “The LORD be with you!” showing God-consciousness in routine tasks. • Colossians 3:23 later urges, “Whatever you do…do it for the Lord.” Boaz is already living that principle: field management becomes ministry. Foreshadowing the Redeemer’s Heart Boaz’s kindness previews the greater redemption God will bring. • He provides unearned grain; Christ provides unearned grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). • He instructs his men to make Ruth’s gathering easy; Christ removes obstacles so sinners may come (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Boaz’s relationship with Ruth will culminate in marriage, continuing the line that leads to David and ultimately to Jesus (Ruth 4:17; Matthew 1:5-6). Key Takeaways • Genuine faith obeys God’s Word promptly and practically. • True obedience overflows into generous, voluntary kindness. • Protecting the vulnerable is inseparable from honoring God. • Everyday work can become an act of worship when done in conscious dependence on the Lord. • Boaz’s character points to the ultimate Redeemer, showing that God’s covenant love (hesed) is both active and abundant. |
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