The story of Ruth and Boaz is probably the most well-known "love story" in the Bible. And for good reason: it is a story of true love for God that drives the love we give and receive from those around us. Boaz is probably the leading example of what girls should want in a man- he is the real deal, a man's man: he is attractive, responsible, respectful (and respected by others), kind, protective, a good provider, and overall swoon-worthy.
Let's look at a few of his qualities:
Boaz is successful and respected among his community: Boaz was a relative of Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, and he was "a man of standing" (Ruth 2:1). Boaz owned land, and had people to work the land (2:3) and he treated those workers with kindness, blessing them for their work (2:4). He was a good, fair boss that people liked and respected. Boaz was a man of God, who honored Him through his lifestyle and actions.
Boaz is generous and giving: When he finds out that Ruth has come to his fields to get food, Boaz welcomes her because he wants her to be taken care of there. He looks out for her and has compassion on her as she is trying to provide for herself and Naomi: "So Boaz said to Ruth, 'My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay with my servant girls. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.'" (2:8-9) Not only does Boaz tell Ruth to take whatever she needs after his workers, but he is watching out for her safety as well- if she were to go in any other field she would be harassed in many ways; and he keeps her safe with him instead of letting her wander around in the middle of the night (3:13). He also tells his workers to leave some grain behind them for her to pick up, and not to scold or embarrass her (2:15-16). Boaz is looking out for Ruth because he knows about Ruth's character and effort to take care of her family, and he respects that (2:11-12).
Boaz doesn't compromise his purity: When Ruth lays down with Boaz on the threshing floor, presenting herself and essentially offering herself to him (physically and symbolically in marriage), she was doing so because Naomi had told her to and she didn't really know better; she was asking Boaz to redeem their family name and land by marrying her (3:7,9). Knowing this, Boaz reacts so so compassionately: "'The Lord bless you, my daughter,' he replied...Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning'" (3:10-13). Not only does Boaz refuse to disrespect Ruth physically by taking advantage of her 'offer' of marriage, but he reacts with kindness, and allows her to stay with him through the night so that she is safe and not having to travel home through the empty, dangerous land in the middle of the night. Again he is watching out for her safety, and also protecting her from compromising herself physically.
Boaz pursues Ruth with integrity: Though Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth's family, there was a man more closely related to Ruth and Naomi with the same role who was first in line to receive their family and property (3:12). This man had "first dibs" in a sense to acquire Naomi's family land and marry Ruth if he wanted to, so Boaz did the honorable thing and asked this guy (we don't know his name) if he was going to take this role (4:3-4). The guy said yes until he found out that to do so meant he had to marry Ruth (4:5-6)- she was a foreigner and a Moabite, and the people of Moab were a cursed people- this is why Boaz's treatment of her is so cool. So, because this guy refused the position, Boaz accepted it (4:9-10), and he did so fairly and with accountability from the town elders (4:1-4). Not only did Boaz follow the culture's rules for marrying, giving another man the chance to receive what was rightfully his, but in doing so he honored the Lord and did not pursue Ruth with deceitful motives.
Through the story of Ruth, Boaz does everything to help, protect, and honor her. He knew that he might not get to marry her, but that didn't stop him from showing her God's love through his actions.
Boaz didn't chase after Ruth. He pursued the Lord, and the Lord allowed him to marry Ruth. Boaz might have missed out if the first of kin had decided to fulfill his familial duty to Ruth and Naomi, but he was willing to risk that in order to honor God first. He went through the customs with integrity and maturity, and he succeeded in the end. Boaz was an all-around good guy, and I hope to find someone like him someday<3
These snippets of the stories of Joseph, Jacob, and Boaz have encouraged and reminded me that my standards and expectations for relationships are not insignificant or unimportant. All these men loved the Lord with their whole life, and that was reflected in their relationships. I can now know that these qualities are not something I made up in my head, but are what make a relationship awesome and honoring to the Lord.
Thanks for reading!
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