Be a Boaz

by Pastor Ron Bridge of Rehoboth Baptist Church

I am reading through the Old Testament again and have recently finished the book of Ruth. It is, as you know, a wonderful story of love, devotion and faithfulness (I plan to preach through it on the conclusion of Romans, DV). The thing that stood out to me this time was the manly honor and integrity of Boaz.


It is clear from the very first time that Boaz noticed Ruth gleaning in the fields that he took an interest in her – more than ordinary interest. He took pains to find out who she was and knew of her reputation and her faithfulness to Naomi. He also knew that she was a widow and therefore eligible and available for marriage (the text does not say this explicitly but it is not too hard to discern “between the lines.” This is made pretty clear by the way he treated her, gave her special privileges, protected her, and gave her extra measures of grain. Yet, he made no improper moves toward her.

Boaz was considerably older than Ruth (cf. 3:10) and even though there is little doubt he had feelings for her did not allow himself to be carried away by them or entertain false hopes. For all he knew, Ruth was content to stay with Naomi, or be expected to seek out someone younger, Naomi however, had other ideas and developed a plan (rather daring) by which she would seal the deal. I chuckle every time I read the part where Boaz wakes up at night to find a woman lying at his feet and under his covers, but does not tell her to leave at once – she must have kept his feet warm. In the early morning he assists her to get away before anybody knew of it, which certainly would have caused tongues to wag.

Ruth returned to Naomi and told her all that transpired and then said: Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day (3:18). This is the verse that really caught my attention. Boaz was clearly smitten with Ruth (3:10) but also knew that there was one who, according to the law, had a prior claim (3:12). The honor and integrity of Boaz is seen in chapter 4 in that he does what is right, even though it would, no doubt have caused him pain to lose Ruth to another man. As it turned out, the close relative refused to exercise his right and Boaz married Ruth and they became the great-grandparents of David.

How we need to see that kind of honor and integrity displayed in our world today – it is in very short supply. How many men today are truly of their word who will do what is right even though it may not be in their own best interest? Very few, I think. Where are the politicians who will do what is right even at the cost of their re-election? Where are the businessmen who will do what is right even at the cost of their bottom line? Even in the church we see compromise in order to not jeopardize a large ministry. In a world where honor and integrity are in short supply Christian men (women too) have an opportunity to demonstrate honor and integrity in their daily lives. The world will not fail to notice it, even though they will not really understand it, and may even think it foolish, but it will bring honor to the Lord and he will bless it (1 Peter 3:15-16). So, be a Boaz today.