Boaz

Boaz was a prosperous landowner in Bethlehem, described as "a mighty man of wealth" from the family of Elimelech, Naomi's deceased husband. His character shines through every detail of his story: he greeted his reapers with blessing, he noticed the foreign gleaner in his field, and he acted with both generosity and integrity.

When Ruth came to glean in his fields, Boaz learned she was the Moabite daughter-in-law who had loyally accompanied Naomi back to Bethlehem. He told her to stay in his fields, drink from his workers' water, and instructed his young men not to touch her. He said, "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."

When Naomi sent Ruth to the threshing floor to invoke Boaz's role as kinsman-redeemer, Boaz responded with honor and restraint. He praised Ruth for not pursuing younger men and promised to fulfill his duty. However, there was a nearer kinsman with first right of redemption. Boaz handled this with wisdom, bringing the matter before the city elders.

When the nearer kinsman declined to redeem the property (because it required also marrying Ruth), Boaz stepped forward. He purchased Elimelech's land and took Ruth as his wife. Their son Obed became the grandfather of King David, placing Boaz in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ. Boaz beautifully foreshadows Christ, our ultimate Kinsman Redeemer.