# Boaz ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Name:** Boaz - **Meaning:** The name Boaz is often interpreted as "In him is strength." - **Significance:** This name reflects Boaz's role as a man of strength and integrity, acting as a kinsman-redeemer in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Lifespan:** Exact dates are not provided, but he lived during the time of the Judges, a period estimated to be between 1200 and 1020 BC. - **Historical Context:** The period of the Judges was marked by cycles of Israelite disobedience, oppression by enemies, cries for help, and deliverance by judges. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** Kinsman-redeemer, landowner, ancestor of David and Jesus. - **Significance:** Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer is crucial in the Book of Ruth, as he redeems the land and marries Ruth, ensuring the continuation of Elimelech's family line. This act places him in the genealogy of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of redemption and faithfulness in God's plan. ## Tags - `#biblical-figures` - `#roles-kinsmanredeemer` - `#roles-ancestor` - `#timelines-judges` ## Cross-References - Boaz is introduced in [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]]. - His role as a kinsman-redeemer and marriage to Ruth is detailed in [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]. - Mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]. ## Key References: Boaz ### Primary Passages - **Introduction of Boaz:** [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]]—Boaz is introduced as a wealthy and influential man from Bethlehem, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech. He shows kindness to Ruth, a Moabite widow gleaning in his fields. - **Boaz's Kindness to Ruth:** [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]]—Boaz acts honorably towards Ruth, recognizing her loyalty to Naomi and offers protection and sustenance. - **Boaz Marries Ruth:** [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]—Boaz fulfills the role of kinsman-redeemer, marrying Ruth to preserve the lineage of Elimelech, thereby securing her and Naomi's future. ### Mentions in Genealogies - **Davidic Lineage:** [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4 Verse 21-22|Ruth Chapter 4:21-22]]—Boaz is listed as the father of Obed, who is the grandfather of King David, highlighting Boaz's significant role in the ancestry of the Davidic line. - **Genealogy of Jesus:** [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1 Verse 5|Matthew Chapter 1:5]]—Boaz is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, affirming his place in the messianic lineage through his marriage to Ruth and their son Obed. ### New Testament References - **Genealogical Mention:** [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1 Verse 5|Matthew Chapter 1:5]]—Boaz is named in the genealogy of Jesus, emphasizing the inclusivity of Gentiles into God’s redemptive plan, as Ruth was a Moabite. ### Prophetic/Typological References - **Kinsman-Redeemer Role:** Boaz's role as kinsman-redeemer is a typological foreshadowing of Christ as our Redeemer. His actions prefigure Christ’s redemptive work and the inclusion of the Gentiles into the covenant community, as seen in [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]] and connected to the redemption offered by Jesus ([[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2|Ephesians Chapter 2]]). ### Tags - `#key-references` - `#genealogy` - `#new-testament` - `#prophecy` - `#kinsman-redeemer` - `#boaz` ## Relationships: Boaz ### Family Relationships - **Parents:** Salmon (father) and Rahab (mother) ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). - **Spouse:** Ruth, the Moabitess and widow of Mahlon ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Children:** Obed, who became the grandfather of King David ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Descendants:** Ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). ### Allies/Friends - **Naomi:** Mother-in-law of Ruth, whom Boaz helped through his marriage to Ruth and the redemption of her family's land ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Ruth:** Demonstrates loyalty and kindness to Ruth, ultimately marrying her and securing her future ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Adversaries/Conflicts - **Closer relative:** Initially had the right to redeem Elimelech’s property and marry Ruth but declined after Boaz's negotiation ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Spiritual Relationships - **God:** Boaz is depicted as a man of noble character and faithfulness, following the laws and customs of Israel, such as the levirate marriage and kinsman redeemer roles ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]]). ### Tags - `#relationships` - `#family` - `#allies` - `#conflicts` - `#relationship-with-God` - `#kinsman-redeemer` - `#lineage-of-David` ## Significance: Boaz ### Theological Importance - **Kinsman Redeemer:** Boaz serves as a kinsman redeemer for Ruth, which is a critical component of God's redemptive plan, symbolizing Christ's redemption of humanity ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Model of Righteousness and Grace:** Boaz exemplifies righteousness and grace, as he acts with integrity, kindness, and compassion towards Ruth, a foreigner ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]]). This reflects God's character and His grace towards all people. ### Historical Context - **Ancestral Lineage of David and Jesus:** Boaz is significant in biblical history as the great-grandfather of King David, thereby placing him in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). His story connects the period of the Judges with the monarchy in Israel. - **Preserver of Family Lineage:** Through his marriage to Ruth, Boaz ensures the continuation of Elimelech's family line, demonstrating the importance of family heritage and God's faithfulness in preserving His people ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Symbolism and Typology - **Type of Christ:** As a kinsman redeemer, Boaz is a type of Christ, who redeems and restores those who are lost and provides them with a future and hope. This typology is crucial for understanding the role of Christ as a redeemer ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 1|Ephesians Chapter 1]]). - **Symbol of God's Provision and Faithfulness:** Boaz's actions illustrate God's provision and faithfulness to His covenant promises, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]], [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 4|Philippians Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#significance` - `#theological-themes` - `#redemption` - `#biblical-history` - `#typology` - `#grace` - `#lineage` ## Character Study: Boaz ### Strengths and Virtues - **Kindness and Generosity:** Boaz showed exceptional kindness and generosity to Ruth, a foreigner and widow, by allowing her to glean in his fields and ensuring her safety. This is demonstrated when he provides her with extra grain and instructs his workers not to harm her ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]]). - **Integrity and Righteousness:** Boaz is portrayed as a man of integrity, adhering to the law and customs of the time. He shows this when he approaches the nearer kinsman-redeemer to seek his decision before claiming his right to marry Ruth himself ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Faithfulness to God:** He acknowledges the Lord's providence and blessing in his life and the lives of others. This is evident in his greeting to his workers and his blessing to Ruth, recognizing her faithfulness to Naomi and the God of Israel ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]]). ### Weaknesses and Failures - The biblical text does not explicitly highlight any significant weaknesses or failures of Boaz. His character is depicted positively as a man who faithfully follows God's laws and demonstrates compassion and integrity. ### Lessons Learned - **Redemption and Provision:** Boaz serves as a kinsman-redeemer, an important concept that foreshadows Christ's redemptive work. His actions illustrate God's provision and care for those who seek refuge under His wings ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]]). - **Righteous Living in Daily Affairs:** Boaz exemplifies how to live righteously in daily life, treating others with fairness and compassion, while also adhering to God's commandments ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **God's Sovereignty:** His story shows how God sovereignly orchestrates events and relationships for His purposes, ultimately leading to the lineage of King David and Jesus ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). ### Tags - `#strengths-kindness` - `#strengths-generosity` - `#strengths-integrity` - `#lessons-redemption` - `#lessons-provision` - `#lessons-righteousness` ## Themes and Symbolism: Boaz ### Key Themes - **Loyalty and Kindness:** Boaz exhibits profound loyalty and kindness, especially towards Ruth, reflecting God's lovingkindness and care for His people ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]]). - **Redemption:** Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer, a theme central to the Book of Ruth that foreshadows Christ’s redemptive work ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Provision and Protection:** Boaz provides for Ruth and Naomi, symbolizing God's provision and protection over His people ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **Threshing Floor:** The threshing floor is a place of decision and transformation, where Boaz agrees to redeem Ruth, symbolizing a new beginning and God’s providence ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]]). - **The Sandal:** The exchange of the sandal represents the transfer of redemption rights, highlighting the legal and binding nature of redemption ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ as the Redeemer:** Boaz’s role as a kinsman-redeemer prefigures Jesus Christ, who redeems humanity ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). - **Lineage of David and Christ:** Boaz is in the genealogy of David and ultimately Jesus, linking the story of Ruth to the larger narrative of salvation history ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). ### Tags - `#themes` - `#symbolism` - `#typology` - `#foreshadowing` - `#loyalty` - `#kindness` - `#redemption` - `#provision` - `#protection` ## Connections: Boaz ### Parallel Figures - **Joseph (Husband of Mary):** Like Boaz, Joseph showed righteous and compassionate behavior in a potentially scandalous situation, offering protection and provision ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). - **David:** As Boaz is the great-grandfather of David, both men are part of the genealogy leading to Christ ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ:** Boaz acts as a "kinsman-redeemer" for Ruth, prefiguring Christ’s role as the Redeemer for humanity. This concept is central to the theme of salvation, as Christ redeems us from sin ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]], [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 1|Ephesians Chapter 1]]). - **Grace and Mercy:** Boaz’s actions reflect the grace and mercy shown by God through Jesus, welcoming the outsider into the family of God ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]], [[John/John Chapter 1|John Chapter 1]]). ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Period of the Judges:** Boaz lived during the time of the judges, a tumultuous period in Israel’s history marked by social and moral chaos. His story illustrates the presence of personal integrity and faithfulness amidst national unfaithfulness ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 1|Ruth Chapter 1]]). - **Levirate Marriage:** The practice of the kinsman-redeemer was part of the levirate marriage customs meant to provide for widows and continue family lineage ([[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 25|Deuteronomy Chapter 25]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#parallel-figures` - `#foreshadowing-Christ` - `#historical-context` - `#kinsman-redeemer` - `#genealogy-of-Christ` ## Legacy: Boaz ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Kinsman Redeemer:** Boaz’s role as a kinsman redeemer for Ruth and Naomi is pivotal in the preservation of the lineage that leads to King David, and ultimately to Jesus Christ ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). This act of redemption is a foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work for humanity. - **Lineage of the Messiah:** Boaz's marriage to Ruth places him in the genealogical line of Jesus, underscoring the inclusivity of God’s plan of salvation, as highlighted in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). ### Mentions in Later Scripture - **Genealogy of Jesus:** Boaz is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, emphasizing his importance in the fulfillment of prophecy and God’s redemptive plan ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). - **Symbol of Righteousness and Faithfulness:** Though not frequently mentioned, Boaz’s actions and character are indirectly upheld throughout Scripture as exemplars of godly living and integrity. ### Spiritual Lessons - **Faithfulness and Kindness:** Boaz exemplifies living a life of faithfulness, kindness, and integrity, serving as a role model for believers in how they should treat others, especially the vulnerable and marginalized ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]]). - **God’s Providence:** His story teaches about God’s provision and sovereignty, showing how individual acts of kindness and obedience fit into a larger divine plan. ### Modern Applications - Boaz’s legacy encourages believers to act with integrity and compassion, recognizing the potential impact of their actions on God’s broader purposes. - He is often cited in teachings on social justice and caring for the vulnerable, inspiring Christians to actively participate in God’s work of redemption and restoration in the world. ### Tags - `#legacy` - `#impact-on-israel` - `#church-history` - `#spiritual-lessons` - `#redemption` - `#genealogy-of-jesus` - `#faithfulness` - `#kindness` - `#providence` ## Geography: Boaz ### Significant Locations - **Bethlehem:** Boaz is primarily associated with Bethlehem, where he lived and worked. It is here that he owned fields and met Ruth, eventually becoming her kinsman-redeemer. Bethlehem is significant as the setting for the book of Ruth where Boaz plays a central role ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]]). - **Threshing Floor:** This location has spiritual significance in Boaz's story, as it is where Ruth approaches Boaz at night, leading to his commitment to marry her and redeem Naomi's family line ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]]). ### Travel and Movement - There is little recorded travel or movement for Boaz in the biblical texts. His activities are primarily centered around Bethlehem, where his fields were located, and the interactions with Ruth occur. ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Bethlehem’s Role:** Bethlehem, known as the "House of Bread," is a significant biblical location for its connections to the lineage of David and later, Jesus Christ. Boaz’s role as Ruth's redeemer in Bethlehem foreshadows the coming of Jesus, who is born in Bethlehem and is also a redeemer of humanity ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). ### Tags - `#geography` - `#locations-bethlehem` - `#locations-threshingfloor` - `#boaz` - `#kinsmanredeemer` - `#ruth` - `#lineagedavid` ## Additional Resources: Boaz ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **Boaz's Role as Kinsman-Redeemer:** Explanation of the kinsman-redeemer role in Israel ([[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 25|Leviticus Chapter 25]], [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 25|Deuteronomy Chapter 25]]). - **Genealogy and Legacy of Boaz:** Connection to the lineage of David and subsequently Jesus ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). - **New Testament Reflection:** Jesus as the ultimate redeemer, with Boaz as a foreshadowing ([[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 4|Galatians Chapter 4]]). ### Genealogical References - **Lineage of David:** Boaz as the great-grandfather of King David ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Genealogy of Christ:** Boaz is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). ### Maps and Geographic References - **Bethlehem:** Boaz's residence and the setting of Ruth's story, which can be mapped for context ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 1|Ruth Chapter 1]]). - **Fields of Boaz:** Suggested mapping of the agricultural areas around Bethlehem where Ruth gleaned ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]]). ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **Boaz's Introduction and Character:** [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]]. - **Redemption and Marriage to Ruth:** [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]. - **Genealogical Significance and Blessing:** [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]. ### Tags - `#additional-resources` - `#cross-references` - `#genealogy` - `#maps` - `#redemption` - `#lineage` - `#kinsman-redeemer`