Boaz is perhaps one of the least likely folks to find in the lineage of the Savior. He was, after all, the son of a woman who was not just a cultural outsider, but technically also a woman of ill-repute. His father, Salmon, was a surprising character for having taken in Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho.
Despite those questionable roots, Boaz is described as a prominent and wealthy man in Bethlehem. We see the grace of God at work in every aspect of the life of Boaz.
This son of a … well, a lady of the night … had the nerve, to take as his wife another foreigner, a cultural outsider named Ruth.
Now, of course, the story begins by outlining Ruth’s conversion, which is a great topic on its own. But it wasn’t that ardent affection for her mother-in-law that first drew Boaz’ attention. In Ruth 2:5 we see Boaz asking his workers the equivalent of, “Who’s that girl?” It seems to me that he found something attractive about Ruth, the woman; the person, the figure he sees gathering grain dropped by his workers. Now, that isn’t really surprising, but perhaps quite natural, and suggests that Ruth might have been, shall we say “easy on the eyes!”
But once he learned who she was, he also knew her story. Evidently, Naomi’s return from Moab with her widowed daughter-in-law in-tow was fodder for the gossip circles of Bethlehem.
Immediately, he exhibits singularly empathetic compassion. Not only does Boaz tell Ruth to gather only in his fields, he invites, nay insists, that she join him and his workers for lunch. Then he heaps food on her plate, so to speak. He tells her to stay close to the other young women who are working in his field. Boaz then instructs the young men working his fields not just to be sure they are on their best behavior around Ruth, but to leave a little extra behind so she has enough to feed, not just herself, but also her mother-in-law.
Boaz seems very drawn to Ruth, watching over her, and thus taking care of Naomi as well, for what must have been at least a year. Yet, he seems shy about suggesting a permanent relationship. Perhaps he was graciously respecting her dead husband, who was most likely one of his cousins. Or maybe, just maybe, he needed a nudge. I’ve noticed that God can be pretty blunt when He knows you need confidence that a decision you’re considering is the right one.
Perhaps the more surprising element in the story is Naomi’s instruction to Ruth on forcing Boaz’ hand with respect to “redeeming” the land that had belonged to Naomi’s husband. While we may wonder about the exact cultural significance of uncovering Boaz’ feet and laying down there at his feet, we are left with no doubt that Boaz understood the gesture.
It’s interesting that Boaz is noted in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus as the son of one foreigner, and the husband of another foreigner, with whom he fathered the grandfather of David who became King. Much is made of these two women in Jesus’ heritage, and Boaz who connects them.
In the grand scheme of things, it seems easy enough to leave it there. Boaz is the sort of required male in the story line that weaves non-Hebrew women into the story of Jesus’ heritage. One woman of questionable background, the other of demonstrated loving character. But both are notable for their otherness. Matthew chose quite deliberately to introduce here the inclusive nature of God, and thereby makes Jesus an accessible savior for all of us.
Nonetheless, Ellen White says Boaz “represented the character of the Christian gentleman.” She goes on to draw lessons for both employers and employees based on the exchange between Boaz and the reapers. Kindness was his hallmark, not just in business, but in all his affairs. It is perhaps that outstanding kindness that surprises us most about Boaz.
God knows what God is doing. God prepared Ruth for Boaz and for both of them to be the forebears of our Savior. As Ruth was prepared for Boaz in a far country, God is preparing a people here on earth “as a bride” for Christ. As Boaz did what was needed to redeem Ruth and Naomi, Jesus did what was needed to redeem us.
Fred Davis is a husband, father, and grandfather, who has served for several years as sometimes cantor, sometimes reader, and sometimes liturgist for the Liturgical Church Service (Church at 9 am).