Topical Bible: Servant: Good of Boaz

◄ Servant: Good of Boaz ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the servant of Boaz plays a significant role in the Book of Ruth, particularly in Ruth 2:5-7. This servant, often referred to as the foreman or overseer of Boaz's reapers, is instrumental in the introduction and integration of Ruth into the fields of Boaz, which sets the stage for the unfolding of God's providential plan.

Biblical Context

The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges, a period marked by social and spiritual upheaval in Israel. Ruth, a Moabite widow, returns to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of their husbands. In their destitution, Ruth seeks to glean in the fields to provide for them, as permitted by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19).

Role of the Servant

In Ruth 2:5-7, Boaz arrives at his field and inquires about a young woman gleaning among the sheaves. The servant, who is in charge of the reapers, responds:

"Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, 'Whose young woman is this?' The foreman replied, 'She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab. She has asked to glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters. She came into the field and has remained here from morning until now, except for a short rest in the shelter.'" (Ruth 2:5-7)

Character and Conduct

The servant's response to Boaz is marked by respect and diligence. He provides a clear and concise report about Ruth, highlighting her industriousness and her polite request to glean. His words reflect an awareness of Ruth's situation and a willingness to accommodate her needs, which aligns with the compassionate spirit of the Law.

Significance in the Narrative

The servant's interaction with Boaz is pivotal. His positive report about Ruth's character and work ethic influences Boaz's favorable disposition towards her. This encounter leads to Boaz extending protection and provision to Ruth, which ultimately results in her becoming part of the lineage of David and, by extension, the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the servant's role underscores the importance of faithful service and the impact of seemingly minor actions within God's sovereign plan. His integrity and attentiveness contribute to the unfolding of God's redemptive purposes through Ruth and Boaz. The servant's conduct exemplifies the biblical principle that God often works through ordinary people and everyday circumstances to accomplish His divine will.

Conclusion

The servant of Boaz, though a minor character, plays a crucial role in the narrative of Ruth. His actions and report facilitate the meeting between Ruth and Boaz, highlighting the providential care of God for His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through seemingly ordinary events.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 2:4
And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ruth.
... There was a good and great man in Bethlehem named Boaz ... When Boaz came out of the
town into his field ... greeted his reapers, he said to his servant having charge ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xvi ruth.htm

The Devotion of Ruth
... in the field after the reapers; and it was her good fortune to ... with you," they answered
him, "May Jehovah bless you." Then Boaz said to his servant who had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the devotion of ruth.htm

"Nunc Dimittis"
... the great Boaz came into the field, and, having saluted his servant, says to him ...
The good servant dares not stir till his Master says, "Depart in peace." Simeon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm

The Incarnation and Birth of Christ
... a blessing which made them fruitful so that Boaz became the ... Well hath the good poet
said, "Doubtless the sailing of ... away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the incarnation and birth of.htm

"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
... Now, as for me, I will show my good-will to ... affection!"that the Lord should become
a servant!"the Heir ... redeem Naomi and Ruth's parcel of land, Boaz did it ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiv and the redeemer.htm

Marah; Or, the Bitter Waters Sweetened
... by an unjust and clamourous complaint against his servant Moses ... becomes in the judgment
of wisdom so good a thing ... fond bosom the child of Ruth and Boaz, the joy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/marah or the bitter waters.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... Then Boaz to the elders thus did say And to the ... If therefore thou wilt send him,
well and good, Then will ... in humble sort they thus reply'd, Thy servant, ev'n ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... The temple had fallen into ruin, and the good king determined ... And Joshua the son
of Nun the servant of the ... of Ruth, who is a Moabitess, to Boaz, is mentioned ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... name of that on the left hand was Boaz, in it ... are but servants, stewards, labourers
for her good (Psalm 45 ... As therefore the lady is above the servant, the queen ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master ... If, through his obstinate malice,
your good name is ... Boaz, though a private man, confirmed his promise of ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm