July 29, 2008

The Character of Boaz

Read Ruth 3:10-18

Character: main or essential nature; the complex of mental and ethical traits

marking and often individualizing a person; moral excellence and firmness.

First of all, it is scripture that bears witness to the excellence of Boaz's character.

Ruth 2:1 says, 'He was a man of outstanding character.' The first thing we find

Boaz doing is blessing his workers. (Ruth 2:4) He is aware of who is on his property.

 (Ruth 2:5-6) He is merciful, kind and protective of Ruth. (Ruth 2:8) He has heard

of her and all she has done for Naomi, including leaving her homeland and adopting

Naomi's as her own, and heblesses her. (Ruth 2:11-12) He gives her more than

enough for herself to eat. (Ruth 2:14)  He instructs his servants to allow her to glean

even where it isnot customary, and to leave excess grain for her to gather.

(Ruth 2:15-16) He tellsher to stay with his workers, and tellsthem to watch out for

her, even to the end of the harvest. (Ruth 2:21) (Remember this is the first harvest

after a long famine -- he could have kept most of it for himself.)

Then, when she goes to him at night as Naomi instructs, he does not treat her

suspiciously or with disdain, nor take advantage of her, but understands and honors

her request. (Ruth 3:10-11) He goes beyond what she asks. (Ruth 3:12-13) 

Matthew Henry, in his commentary on this says, "He does not bid her go herself to

this other kinsman; this would have put too great a hardship upon her:  but he promises

that he would himself propose it to the other kinsman and know his mind.  The Hebrew

word for a widow signifies one that is dumb.  Boaz will therefore open his mouth

for the dumb (Proverbs 31:8), and will say that for this widow which she knew not

how to say for herself."  He sends her home in early morning rather than at night, as he

knew that only women of ill repute were ever out alone at night. (Ruth 3:13)  He

generously sends her home with what probably was as much as she could carry.

(Ruth 3:15) That, perhaps, was to show that he was not displeased with her actions.

The witness of God's Word speaks well, very well, of Boaz's character.  We would

do well to find an employer or husband or friend like him. 

                                                                          Roy Batterman