Boaz: Redeemer of the Bloodline

I am just warning you that there is nothing new here that most have not heard in this next post. As our church settles into our two months of family focus, I found it interesting and pertinent the account that is told in the book of Ruth.

When we talk about the book of Ruth (one of two books of the Bible named after a woman) we often focus on Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi along with her faithfulness to God. We certainly cannot overlook those observations. When Elimelech moved his family from Bethlehem to Moab, it was during a time of famine; one that was physical in nature and one that was definitely spiritual as well. Israel was in a time of pathetic moral and spiritual apostasy, yet there was still some who remained steadfast in their belief who continued to love and honor God.

It was during this time, that Naomi took under her wing two daughter-in-laws. Such an influence that Naomi had, that even after the death of her husband and two sons, Ruth had such confidence in her that she would not leave her side. Being of the country of Moab, you might consider Ruth a convert of sorts. She was not an Israelite, but the assurance she had in Naomi and what she had learned from her caused Ruth to emphasize that she wanted the people of Naomi to be hers and Naomi’s god to be hers as well. She left behind a family and land that she had known to travel with he mother-in-law. She came out of Moab and into the presence of the children of Israel.

As they return to Bethlehem, Boaz enters the picture as a near relative of Naomi’s dead husband. Boaz’s greetings to his reapers and his treatment of both Ruth and Naomi show the righteousness of him. As the chronicle is told, Ruth worked in his fields and found favor in his sight. This was not a favor as we might think. It was not one of affection because of attraction. Boaz knew who Ruth was, being the daughter-in-law that Naomi had brought back with her. His actions were ones that were thought out through his responsibility to his kin, yet in reality that responsibility did not rest on his shoulders alone.

We find that even after Ruth had placed herself at his feet (an action that signaled Ruth’s desire to become his wife), Boaz realized the importance of tradition and custom that was required in such an instant as this. His respect for his family, his kinsmen and Naomi herself was portrayed in his actions. There was one that the responsibility, that of family redeemer, fell to before him. Yet we see Boaz’s readiness to take on this burden if the one before him refuses. As the story is told, we see that refusal happen, Boaz marries Ruth and they have a son that restores the bloodline of Elimelech.

Theologians make many parallel arguments between Christ and Boaz with due reason. However, there are some differences that should not be ignored. Boaz was not foretold to be this redeemer. He did not know of this calling that would come to him. It was not proclaimed to or about him at birth. We do not see prophetic references to him in prior writings. This did not hinder him though. He sought to do what was righteous anyway. He sought to redeem this bloodline on behalf of his fallen family member. He wanted to restore the land that Naomi was selling to her family line. He may have not known it at the time, but by taking on that responsibility he was ensuring a lineage that would extend to Christ himself. Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, eventually became the grandfather of David.

This all causes me to ponder the following question: What am I doing to make sure my family’s spiritual bloodline is to continue? As I watch and see some fall away and some remain faithful, am I doing everything in my power to make a difference? Am I saying to myself, “It’s a decision they have to make. I am not responsible.” Am I ignoring my responsibility when I live far away or other believers live closer? It’s a possibility I am not comfortable ignoring. Boaz…an amazing example of doing what is righteous, what is just and what normal people would just pass on as someone else's obligation.