Mr Boaz
Studying Boaz can show us how a gentleman should treat a lady
Boaz shows kindness, generosity, compassion and protection for Ruth when she gleans in his fields. He does none of this to win her affections. He has a heart for the poor, widows, orphans and aliens who do not have their own land to farm – when they come to his field he looks after them and knows who they are so that he can instruct his workers to leave grain for them to pick up. In the case of Ruth though he gives her even more generosity, because she is a close relative and he has seen her godly deeds and faith. She has left her home country because she loves her mother and the God of Israel. This impresses Boaz and he provides her with meals, water and extra grain. Their is no indication that he expects anything in return, in fact when Ruth proposes marriage to him (3:9) he is surprised and expected her to find a young man to marry (3:10). Boaz himself has passed his prime and may even be old enough to be her father. Boaz still has only her best interest in mind and seeks out the closest relative who has the right of “acting as next-of-kin” marrying her so that her deceased husband’s family line will continue. Boaz promises to her that he will get her what she needs whether he personally will provide for her or the other relative. The closest relative should have himself dealt with the issue and taken Ruth as his wife according to the custom, but the text is silent about him looking into this, even though Ruth and Naomi were the talk of the town. Chances are that this closer relative knew about the situation but didn’t want to marry her because it was not in his financial interest. Boaz forces the issue to come up at the town gate (public area) and it to be resolved – the closer relative does not accept the agreement. Boaz himself (an older man, past his prime) accepts the responsibility and takes Ruth as his wife. He will buy her husband’s land and then the son that he has through her will not be his but continue Ruth’s previous husband’s line. There is not financial or social benefit for Boaz in taking Ruth, in fact it causes him to be the focus of much gossip and unwanted attention. The reason that he does redeem Ruth and marry her is because he loves her and loves God. He is a protector and a redeemer – compassionate and loving, generous and strong, he is a gentleman of selfless love.