Topical Bible: Thankfulness: Naomi, to Boaz

Bible > Topical > Thankfulness

◄ Thankfulness: Naomi, to Boaz ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the theme of thankfulness is vividly illustrated in the account of Naomi and her interactions with Boaz, as recorded in the Book of Ruth. Naomi, a woman who experienced profound loss and hardship, finds herself in a position of gratitude towards Boaz, a man of noble character and generosity.

Naomi's account begins with tragedy. She, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons leave Bethlehem due to a famine and settle in Moab. There, Elimelech dies, and her sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After about ten years, both sons also die, leaving Naomi bereft of her immediate family. In her grief, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. Ruth, however, clings to Naomi, expressing her loyalty and love in the famous declaration: "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16).

Upon their return to Bethlehem, Naomi and Ruth face the challenges of widowhood and poverty. Ruth, determined to provide for Naomi, goes to glean in the fields during the barley harvest. It is here that Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, enters the narrative. Boaz is described as a "man of standing" (Ruth 2:1), and he notices Ruth gleaning in his fields. He extends kindness and protection to her, instructing his workers to leave extra grain for her to gather and ensuring her safety.

When Ruth returns to Naomi with an abundance of grain and recounts her encounter with Boaz, Naomi's response is one of profound thankfulness. She blesses Boaz, saying, "May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead" (Ruth 2:20). Naomi recognizes Boaz's actions as a manifestation of God's providence and kindness, and her gratitude is directed both towards Boaz and the LORD.

Naomi's thankfulness is further deepened as the account unfolds. Boaz takes on the role of kinsman-redeemer, a concept rooted in the Levitical law, which provided a way to preserve the family lineage and property of deceased relatives. Boaz's willingness to marry Ruth and redeem the land that belonged to Elimelech ensures the continuation of Naomi's family line. This act of redemption culminates in the birth of Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, thus placing Naomi and Ruth in the lineage of the Messiah.

Naomi's journey from bitterness to thankfulness is a testament to the transformative power of God's provision and the kindness of others. Her gratitude towards Boaz is not merely for the material relief he provides but for the restoration of hope and the affirmation of God's faithfulness in her life. Through Boaz's actions, Naomi experiences a renewal of joy and purpose, as reflected in the women of Bethlehem's proclamation: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer" (Ruth 4:14).

In the account of Naomi and Boaz, thankfulness emerges as a response to divine intervention and human kindness, illustrating the interconnectedness of God's sovereignty and the actions of His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 2:19,20
And her mother in law said to her, Where have you gleaned to day? and where worked you? blessed be he that did take knowledge of you. And she showed her mother in law with whom she had worked, and said, The man's name with whom I worked to day is Boaz.
Nave's Topical Index