What qualities in Boaz make him a suitable redeemer for Ruth and Naomi? Setting the Scene “Now is not Boaz with whose maidens you were? Behold, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor.” (Ruth 3:2) Naomi’s words point to Boaz as the natural answer to their need. From this single verse—and the narrative surrounding it—we can trace the qualities that mark him as a fitting kinsman-redeemer. Family Connection: The First Requirement for a Redeemer • Ruth 3:2 calls Boaz “our relative,” meeting the legal expectation found in Leviticus 25:25 and Deuteronomy 25:5–10. • Only a near kinsman could lawfully buy back land or marry the widow to preserve the family line. • Ruth, a foreigner, gains standing because Boaz belongs to Elimelech’s clan (Ruth 2:1). Strength and Means: A Man Able to Pay the Price • Ruth 2:1 describes him as “a prominent man of noble character” (BSB footnote: “wealthy, mighty”). • His resources let him redeem Elimelech’s land (Ruth 4:9-10). • A redeemer needed both willingness and ability; Boaz possessed both. Visible Industry and Provision • Naomi notes that Boaz is “winnowing barley tonight” (Ruth 3:2). • He works alongside his laborers, illustrating diligence and personal investment. • His active role ensures grain—and future security—for Ruth and Naomi. Proven Kindness and Protection • Ruth 2:8-9: Boaz shields Ruth from harassment and grants free access to the fields. • Ruth 2:15-16: He instructs workers to leave extra grain, showing generous care. • Ruth 2:12: He invokes the LORD’s blessing on Ruth, revealing spiritual concern. Integrity and Godly Reputation • Ruth 2:4: His first recorded words invoke God’s name: “The LORD be with you.” • Ruth 3:11: “All my people in the city know that you are a woman of noble character.” His own character undergirds that testimony. • Ruth 4:1-10: He conducts the redemption openly before elders, free from deceit. Legal Mindedness and Respect for Covenant Law • Boaz honors the nearer kinsman’s prior claim (Ruth 3:12-13; 4:1-6). • He will not shortcut the process, reflecting obedience to God’s statutes. • This lawful approach safeguards Ruth’s reputation and the legitimacy of any offspring. Foreshadowing the Ultimate Redeemer • Boaz’s role anticipates Christ, who is both related to us in His humanity and able to pay the redemption price with His divinity (1 Peter 1:18-19; Ephesians 1:7). • Just as Ruth sought refuge under Boaz’s wing, believers find refuge under Christ’s (Ruth 2:12; Matthew 11:28-29). In Boaz we meet a relative, a man of means, industry, kindness, integrity, and covenant faithfulness—the very blend that made him God’s chosen instrument to rescue Naomi’s household and prepare the lineage that would one day bring forth the Redeemer of us all. |
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