Men and Women in God's Plan
Boaz
September 21, 2025
Set in the time of the Judges, the Book of Ruth shows Ruth's loyal devotion to Naomi and Boaz's extraordinary chesed (loving-kindness) and providential protection—Boaz allows Ruth to glean, redeems Naomi's land, marries Ruth, and brings social restoration that foreshadows Christ's redeeming love.
Summary
The Book of Ruth, set in the era of the Judges, tells of the Moabite Ruth's faithful devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi and how God's providence leads her to Boaz's field. Boaz repeatedly demonstrates exceptional chesed—welcoming Ruth to glean, breaking social expectations to protect her, calling her "daughter," and ultimately redeeming Naomi's land and marrying Ruth. The theme of loving, loyal kindness (chesed), invoked several times in the book, shapes the plot and frames Boaz's actions as a picture of the greater redeeming love Christ shows.
Key Points
- Setting: the Book of Ruth occurs during the time of the Judges, just before Israel's monarchy.
- Main characters introduced: Naomi, Ruth (a Moabite), Orpah (fun fact: Oprah named for Orpah), and Boaz.
- Ruth's loyalty: Ruth remains devoted to Naomi rather than returning to Moab; Orpah departs.
- Gleaning and providence: Ruth asks to glean in the fields and by providence ends up in Boaz's field.
- Boaz's generosity: Boaz allows and protects Ruth while she gleans, breaks social customs to show care, and even calls her "daughter."
- Chesed as theme: The Hebrew concept chesed (loving, loyal kindness) appears repeatedly and shapes the story.
- Risk and proposal: Naomi advises a risky cultural move (Ruth uncovering Boaz's feet) as part of seeking redemption.
- Redemption and outcome: Boaz redeems Naomi's land and Ruth (marriage), securing blessing and social restoration that foreshadows Christ's redeeming love.
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