Topical Bible: The Poor: Regard For: Boaz

◄ The Poor: Regard For: Boaz ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Boaz, a prominent figure in the Book of Ruth, exemplifies a compassionate and righteous approach to the poor, reflecting the biblical mandate to care for those in need. As a wealthy landowner in Bethlehem, Boaz's actions towards Ruth, a destitute Moabite widow, highlight his regard for the poor and adherence to God's laws concerning the marginalized.

Biblical Context and Actions

Boaz's regard for the poor is first evident in his observance of the gleaning laws as outlined in Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19-22. These laws instructed landowners to leave the edges of their fields unharvested and to allow the poor, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow to glean from the leftovers. Boaz not only permits Ruth to glean in his fields but also ensures her safety and provides her with additional provisions. In Ruth 2:8-9 , Boaz instructs Ruth, "Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the men have filled."

Boaz's actions go beyond mere compliance with the law; they reflect a heart of generosity and kindness. He acknowledges Ruth's loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and blesses her for seeking refuge under the wings of the God of Israel (Ruth 2:12). His words and deeds demonstrate a deep respect for Ruth's dignity and a commitment to her well-being.

Redemption and Provision

Boaz's regard for the poor culminates in his role as a kinsman-redeemer. According to the Levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), a close relative was to marry a widow to preserve the family line and property. Boaz willingly takes on this responsibility, marrying Ruth and securing her and Naomi's future. In Ruth 4:9-10 , Boaz declares to the elders and all the people, "Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon. Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon's widow, as my wife, to maintain the name of the deceased with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!"

Legacy and Significance

Boaz's actions not only provide immediate relief and security for Ruth and Naomi but also have lasting significance in the biblical narrative. Through his marriage to Ruth, Boaz becomes the great-grandfather of King David, placing him in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-6). His regard for the poor and his righteous character serve as a model of godly behavior, illustrating the blessings that flow from obedience to God's commands and compassion for the needy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ruth 2:14
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Observations on the Words of John the Baptist John I. ...
... she gleaned, was yet not taken of Boaz to wife ... certain shame and horror, that we
should regard them as ... and gives herself in wedlock; aforetime poor and starving ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x observations on the.htm

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... It has served to keep some poor shrivelled lumps of mortality above ... You know we might
regard it as a small miracle if we ... Boaz stood in that relation to Ruth. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/i know that my redeemer.htm

Bands of Love; Or, Union to Christ. "I Drew them with Cords of a ...
... This was done with the most excellent design with regard to our redemption ... of one."
We can say of our Lord as poor Naomi said of bounteous Boaz, "The man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/bands of love or union.htm

Matt. I. 1
... race, and reduced to the utmost poverty, yet Boaz when he saw ... if we give a little
money to a poor person, this ... And as with regard to raiment and gold, when we ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iii matt i 1.htm

Come and Welcome
... You have come now into the field of Boaz, you may pick ... But with regard to those who
come to the fountain of living ... He is just as glad to see the poor, the lame ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/come and welcome.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... of meat." It was the home of Boaz and Ruth, of ... shows that common but strange mixture
of regard and contempt ... retinue"the retinue of him who became poor that we ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

The First Sermon in the Tabernacle
... and who was God, and the Jachin and Boaz of the ... on the part of the state, especially
with regard to the ... do, do, nothing but do." There is a poor sinner yonder ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the first sermon in the.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... Then Boaz to the elders thus did say And to the ... the space Of three days and three
nights, poor Jonah was ... their own mercies do despise, Who have regard to lying ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day ...
... not A, first day they broke bread; and upon THE first day, the collections were
made for the poor saints (1 ... In reading also, we are to have regard to two things ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/questions about the nature and.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... [4255] "The mountains labour; a poor mouse is ... He places Boaz and his wife Ruth side
by side in his ... What he decreed we may regard as the law of Christ speaking ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm