The Kinsman-Redeemer of Bethlehem
The Book of Ruth is a masterpiece of divine providence, demonstrating how God orchestrates human affairs to preserve the line leading to the Messiah. At the heart of this narrative is Boaz, a man of great character, wealth, and faith who fulfilled the sacred duty of the Kinsman-Redeemer (go’el).
A Mighty Man of Wealth and Character
Boaz was a prominent figure in Bethlehem-judah during the period of the Judges. The Scripture introduces him immediately as a man of standing and integrity:
“And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.” (Ruth 2:1, KJV)
His noble character is evident in his interactions with his workers and with the foreign widow, Ruth:
- His Piety: His first recorded words are a greeting to his reapers: “The Lord be with you.” (Ruth 2:4, KJV), showing that his wealth was managed under the authority of his faith.
- His Compassion: He recognized Ruth, the Moabitess, and showed her extraordinary favor, ensuring her protection, offering her water and food, and instructing his servants to purposely leave extra sheaves for her to glean (Ruth 2:15-16). This was grace extended beyond the strict requirement of the law.
The Fulfillment of the Kinsman-Redeemer
The pivotal role of Boaz centers on the ancient Israelite law of the Kinsman-Redeemer (go’el). This was a relative who had the responsibility to act on behalf of a family member in distress—to repurchase lost property, secure freedom, or, as in this case, marry the childless widow of a relative to raise up an heir for the deceased’s family name.
When Ruth approached him to claim his duty, Boaz honored the law with impeccable integrity. He knew he was a kinsman, but he also knew there was one relative closer in lineage:
“Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the part of a kinsman: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the Lord liveth: lie down until the morning.” (Ruth 3:13, KJV)
Boaz swiftly and publicly settled the matter at the city gate before the elders, the legal court of the city (Ruth 4:1-12). When the closer kinsman declined to marry Ruth and redeem the land—lest he “mar mine own inheritance”—Boaz stepped forward. He purchased the land and took Ruth, a Gentile from Moab, to be his wife:
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.” (Ruth 4:13, KJV)
Legacy and Name
The child born to Boaz and Ruth was Obed, who became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of King David. This single act of selfless redemption placed Boaz directly in the Messianic line recorded in both Matthew and Luke (Matthew 1:5, KJV).
The name Boaz (בֹּ֫עַז) itself is traditionally understood to mean “in him is strength” or simply “strength.”
In a separate biblical context, Boaz is also the name given to one of the two massive brass pillars Solomon erected at the porch of the Temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing the strength and stability of God’s dwelling place:
“And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.” (1 Kings 7:21, KJV)
Boaz remains one of the Old Testament’s most vivid portraits of Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, who acted with grace and integrity to purchase our inheritance and bring Gentiles into the lineage of faith.