Topical Bible: Poor: Kindness To by Boaz

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In the biblical narrative, Boaz stands as a paragon of kindness and generosity towards the poor, exemplified through his interactions with Ruth, a Moabite widow. The account unfolds in the Book of Ruth, set during the time of the judges, a period marked by social and moral upheaval. Boaz's actions provide a model of godly behavior and adherence to the laws concerning the poor and the foreigner.

Boaz is introduced as a wealthy and influential landowner in Bethlehem, described as "a man of standing" (Ruth 2:1). His character is further revealed through his treatment of Ruth, who, along with her mother-in-law Naomi, has returned to Bethlehem in a state of destitution. Ruth, seeking to provide for Naomi and herself, goes to glean in the fields, a practice allowed by Mosaic Law to support the poor, widows, and foreigners (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19).

Upon noticing Ruth gleaning in his field, Boaz inquires about her identity and learns of her loyalty to Naomi. His response is one of immediate kindness and protection. Boaz instructs his workers, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles and leave them for her to gather. Do not rebuke her" (Ruth 2:15-16). This directive goes beyond the legal requirements, demonstrating Boaz's generosity and concern for Ruth's well-being.

Boaz's kindness is further highlighted in his personal interaction with Ruth. He invites her to eat with his workers, offering her roasted grain and ensuring she has enough to eat (Ruth 2:14). This act of hospitality underscores his respect and care for her, transcending social and ethnic barriers.

Moreover, Boaz's actions are rooted in his faith and understanding of God's laws. He acknowledges Ruth's sacrifices and faithfulness, saying, "May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge" (Ruth 2:12). Boaz recognizes Ruth's trust in God and seeks to be an instrument of God's provision and blessing in her life.

Boaz's kindness culminates in his role as a kinsman-redeemer, a concept rooted in the Levitical law that provided for the protection and support of family members in need (Leviticus 25:25). By marrying Ruth, Boaz not only redeems the land that belonged to Naomi's husband but also ensures the continuation of the family line, thus securing Ruth and Naomi's future.

Through Boaz's actions, the biblical narrative illustrates the importance of compassion and generosity towards the poor and marginalized. His example serves as a testament to the transformative power of kindness, rooted in obedience to God's commandments and a heart attuned to the needs of others.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 2:14-16
And Boaz said to her, At mealtime come you here, and eat of the bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Boaz and Ruth.
... The poor were allowed at harvest time to follow the reapers; gleaning or gathering
up the stray ears of corn ... [Illustration: BOAZ SHOWING KINDNESS TO RUTH ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/boaz and ruth.htm

The Story of Ruth, the Gleaner
... the grain not to gather all the stalks, but to leave some for the poor people, who ...
Then Ruth bowed to Boaz, and thanked him for his kindness, all the ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of ruth the.htm

Ruth.
... glean after the reapers, to get grain, for they were poor. ... Then Boaz spoke very kindly
to Ruth, and told her to ... told her that he knew all her kindness to her ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xvi ruth.htm

Ruth the Gleaner.
... it was the rich harvest time, and she was very poor. ... were a king, Ruth thanked him
for his kindness to a ... reapers gathered in a shady place, and Boaz bade Ruth ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/ruth the gleaner.htm

Bands of Love; Or, Union to Christ. "I Drew them with Cords of a ...
... the story of Ruth, we remark that Boaz, although one ... His Father's house; but see
His kindness, He has ... lodgings with us, and tabernacles in poor humble hearts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/bands of love or union.htm

The People's Christ
... not exalted: the names of Jesse, Obed, Boaz, and Ruth ... Poor, weak, and worthless,
though I am, yet I am ... exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peoples christ.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... So now when Boaz had his heart refresh'd, With meat ... he, because thou hast Made manifest
more kindness at the ... st, my daughter, No young men, whether poor or rich ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... truth of faith in Christ, by acts of kindness to Christ ... thy Ifs and thy O-buts, O
thou poor benighted Israelite. ... As Boaz said to his servants, when Ruth was to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... [4255] "The mountains labour; a poor mouse is ... He places Boaz and his wife Ruth side
by side in his repository, and traces the descent of Jesse and David from ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... May all our persuasions be constantly used to bring poor thoughtless sinners to
repentance but ... establish; and the name of that on the left hand was Boaz, in it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm