Boaz
Boaz was a wealthy and honorable man who lived in Bethlehem. He was from the tribe of Judah and a relative of Elimelech. He met Ruth one day while inspecting his barley fields. He told her to continue to glean in his fields and he would see that she would not be molested. At the end of the harvest Boaz spent the night on the winnowing floor after the usual feasting. Under Naomi’s guidance, Ruth dressed herself in her best clothes and went to lie at the feet of Boaz. He was surprised to find her there. She asked him to perform the Israelite duty of a relative by marrying her, as he was Mahlon’s close relative. Boaz was touched by the way Ruth entrusted herself to him, when she could have gained the attention of younger men. The next morning Boaz opened discussion with a closer relative. The relative refused to marry Ruth, so Boaz became her husband. They had a son named Obed who became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ. The word Boaz in Hebrew means, "in him is strength."
Lessons from the life of Boaz:
- A hero is someone who does the right thing at the right time.
- An honorable man is sensitive in his dealings with other people.
- Do what must be done and do it right.
- God often uses little daily decisions to carry out his bigger plans.
Read about Boaz in the book of Ruth. He is also mentioned in Matthew 1:5.
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