Topical Bible: Servants: Good: Servants of Boaz

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In the biblical narrative, the servants of Boaz are depicted as exemplary figures who embody the virtues of diligence, respect, and integrity. Boaz, a prominent and wealthy landowner in Bethlehem, is introduced in the Book of Ruth. His interactions with his servants provide insight into the harmonious and respectful relationships that can exist between a master and his workers.

The Book of Ruth, particularly in chapter 2, highlights the character and conduct of Boaz's servants. When Ruth, a Moabite widow, arrives in Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi, she seeks to glean in the fields to provide for them. Ruth 2:3-4 states, "So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. And it just so happened that she came to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech. Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, 'The LORD be with you.' 'The LORD bless you,' they replied."

This exchange reveals the mutual respect and piety that characterized the relationship between Boaz and his servants. Boaz's greeting, "The LORD be with you," and the servants' response, "The LORD bless you," indicate a shared faith and a workplace environment grounded in spiritual values. The servants' respectful reply suggests their appreciation for Boaz's leadership and their acknowledgment of his authority.

Furthermore, Boaz's inquiry about Ruth demonstrates the attentiveness and responsibility of his servants. In Ruth 2:5-6 , Boaz asks the overseer of his harvesters, "Whose young woman is this?" The overseer responds, "She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab." The overseer's knowledge of Ruth's background and situation indicates that Boaz's servants were observant and informed, qualities essential for effective service.

The servants' willingness to accommodate Ruth, a foreigner and a widow, reflects their adherence to the Mosaic Law's provisions for the poor and the stranger (Leviticus 19:9-10). Boaz instructs his servants to allow Ruth to glean among the sheaves and even to leave extra grain for her intentionally. Ruth 2:15-16 records Boaz's instructions: "When she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his young men, 'Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not humiliate her. Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles and leave them for her to gather. Do not rebuke her.'"

The servants' compliance with Boaz's instructions without hesitation or complaint underscores their loyalty and respect for his authority. Their actions facilitated Ruth's ability to gather sufficient food for herself and Naomi, demonstrating their role in fulfilling God's provision for the vulnerable.

In summary, the servants of Boaz exemplify the qualities of good servants as portrayed in the Bible. Their respect for Boaz, adherence to his instructions, and compassionate treatment of Ruth highlight the virtues of diligence, integrity, and kindness. Through their actions, they contribute to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in the account of Ruth and Boaz, ultimately leading to the lineage of King David and, by extension, the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Devotion of Ruth
... although I am not really equal to one of your own servants.". ... all my townsmen know
that you are a good woman ... any one could tell who she was, for Boaz said, "Let ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the devotion of ruth.htm

Ruth
... And he would have had hired servants, too, and slaves ... Boaz, the rich yeoman; Naomi,
the broken-hearted and ... was coming, when God would separate the good from the ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon x ruth.htm

A Full Reward.
... If companionship with one of GOD'S poor servants is so ... Is He not saying: The good
SHEPHERD must seek the ... The beauty of the narrative of Boaz saluting his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/a full reward.htm

"Nunc Dimittis"
... the great Boaz came into the field, and, having ... little or nothing for Christ, you
sluggish servants, whose garden ... has put out his talents to good interest will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm

Voyage to India.
... houses, each apart, with offices and servants' houses in ... It has been drained, supplied
with good water, instead of ... I was the guest of Mr. Boaz, afterwards Dr ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter i voyage to india.htm

Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... Ruth at Boaz' side lay down, because the Medicine of ... brethren, one watching instead
of another; to good deeds to ... the Lord of all unto the servants, let masters ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm

Marah; Or, the Bitter Waters Sweetened
... the Lord lays his chastening hand upon his servants they may ... 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

Come and Welcome
... says Christ, "every one of you, though ye be my servants. ... As good Rutherford says
in one of his letters, "I have ... have come now into the field of Boaz, you may ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/come and welcome.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 ... are free, because we are the servants of Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the incarnation and birth of.htm

Matt. I. 1
... and reduced to the utmost poverty, yet Boaz when he ... same way, we too, when we have
servants, [138] do ... having performed all their service with good will, they ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iii matt i 1.htm