Who Was Boaz in the Bible — In Biblical Context
Boaz was a wealthy landowner and kinsman-redeemer of Bethlehem who married Ruth and became the great-grandfather of King David.
Boaz was a wealthy landowner and kinsman-redeemer of Bethlehem who married Ruth and became the great-grandfather of King David.
"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." — Ruth 2:12 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Boaz was a man of standing in Bethlehem, described as a 'mighty man of wealth' and noted for his kindness. When Ruth the Moabitess came to glean in his fields during the barley harvest, Boaz noticed her loyalty to Naomi and instructed his workers to look after her. He invited her to eat with his reapers and told his men to leave extra grain for her. When Ruth asked why he was so kind to a foreigner, Boaz answered, 'It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband.' Following Naomi's plan, Ruth approached Boaz at the threshing floor, and he agreed to act as kinsman-redeemer. Though a closer relative had the first right, he declined, and Boaz married Ruth. Their son Obed became the father of Jesse, the father of David. Boaz is a type of Christ — the wealthy redeemer who pays the price to rescue a foreign bride and make her his own.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Ruth 2:12, sits inside Ruth 2. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."
Supporting Passages
"And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
"And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."
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