Boaz
The Redeemer of Ruth and Ancestor of Christ
Name Information
- Meaning: "In him is strength"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Boaz was a man of integrity, kindness, and covenant faithfulness during the time of the judges. As a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi, he acted as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, a Moabite widow. Through his uprightness and compassion, Boaz secured Ruth’s future, preserved Naomi’s family line, and became part of the genealogy of King David and Jesus Christ. His life points to the heart of redemption — restoring what is lost through love and law combined.
⏰ Judges
Roles
- Landowner
- Protector
- Redeemer
- Husband
- Ancestor of Christ
Relationships
- Wife: Ruth
- Son: Obed
- Mother-in-law: Naomi
- Father: Salmon
- Mother: Rahab (traditionally)
Story
Boaz was a prominent man in Bethlehem during the time of the judges. He owned fields and was known as a man of standing and godliness.
When Ruth began gleaning in his fields to provide for Naomi, Boaz noticed her humility and loyalty. He ensured her safety, provided extra grain, and spoke blessing over her.
Ruth later approached Boaz at Naomi’s direction, asking him to act as a kinsman-redeemer — a family guardian who could marry her and carry on the family name.
Boaz responded with honor, praising Ruth’s noble character and her kindness in not chasing younger men. He agreed but first sought out a closer relative who had the first right to redeem.
When the nearer relative declined, Boaz publicly redeemed Ruth before the elders of the town, marrying her and securing the family inheritance.
God blessed Boaz and Ruth with a son, Obed, who would become the father of Jesse and grandfather of David — placing Boaz directly in the line of the Messiah.
Spiritual Significance
- Boaz was a noble and respected man in Bethlehem, known for his wealth, honor, and reverence for God.
- He showed kindness and generosity to Ruth, a foreigner and widow, providing protection and provision while she gleaned in his fields.
- As a kinsman-redeemer, Boaz stepped in to marry Ruth and preserve Naomi’s family line when a closer relative declined the duty.
- His actions reflected God’s heart for justice, mercy, and the inclusion of outsiders into His covenant family.
- Boaz and Ruth became the great-grandparents of David, and Boaz is named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
Christ Connection
Boaz points directly to Jesus, our greater Redeemer. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, Jesus redeems us — not because He had to, but because He chose to.
Boaz combined love, law, and sacrifice to restore a broken family — foreshadowing how Christ fulfills both justice and mercy on our behalf.
The marriage of Boaz and Ruth is a picture of Christ and His Church — a Redeemer joining Himself to the outsider to bring restoration and life.
What We Can Learn
- True strength is shown through integrity, protection of the vulnerable, and faithfulness to God’s law and heart.
- God honors men and women who act with compassion and courage — even in ordinary roles like farming or family duties.
- Redemption requires intentional action. Boaz didn’t just feel compassion — he followed through, even when it required public risk.
- God includes outsiders — Boaz, son of Rahab and husband of Ruth, shows that God’s grace reaches beyond Israel.
- Small faithful decisions — providing, protecting, obeying — can have eternal consequences in God’s plan.
Memory Verses
The Lord bless you, my daughter... All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.
— Ruth 3:10–11
Key Passages
- Ruth 2–4
- Matthew 1:5
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