Boaz was Ruth less before Naomi came along.

The book of Ruth

- The book of Ruth takes place sometime in the period of Judges. With Israel constantly falling away from GOD, it’s not surprising that there was a famine in the land during Naomi’s early years. The land flowing with milk and honey was provisional on the people following GOD.

- The book is full of interesting names and titles, the first is Naomi, her name is delight, but on her return to Bethlehem minus her Husband and her two sons she asks the people who know her to call her Mara, which means bitterness because of everything she’s had to endure.

- Next Her Husband name Elimelech means My God is King, which is ironic that he leaves the promised land and moves to Moab during the recorded time “In those days there was no King in Israel.”

- Elimelech and Naomi’s two boys Mahlon and Chilion, Mahlon means sick, which is an odd name for a child and Chilion means pining or failing. Elimelech died and then after these to boys were married in Moab they lasted about ten years and they died too.

- Boaz means fleetness, he is also called their Kinsman-redeemer, Boaz is quick to come to Naomi and Ruth’s aid. Do some research or yourself on the idea of a kinsman-redeemer, it’s a fascinating tangent all on its own. 

- Ruth’s name is translated as friendship, her sister-in-law Orpah is gazelle.

- Ruth is truly an amazing young woman, she tells Naomi that she will follow her wherever she goes and Naomi’s God will be her God. Ruth doesn’t yet know God personally, but because Naomi call him her God, that’s good enough for Ruth. At this point both her and Naomi have more than enough reason to doubt God. Naomi’s husband and two sons are dead, she has nothing. Ruth’s husband is dead, if I was Ruth thinking on my allegiance to a deity if Naomi’s God is god why is this happening?

- Naomi had chosen to return home when she heard the news that GOD had visited his people by giving them food, a harvest. In the period of the Judges, when Israel was saved by a particular judge and the people were following God because of that judge, they received the blessings.

- Something worth mentioning in light of prosperity talk and how it relates to GOD’s people. Boaz stayed in Israel during the famine, whereas Elimelech left, sometimes GOD’s people go through hard times, but it does not mean that GOD is not there and not working through his plan.  Sometimes the bigger picture is more important than a temporary material blessing in the here and now.

- When Naomi had Ruth approach their Kinsman-redeemer for gleaning in his fields they were looking for temporary, immediate help. That’s how we often approach Jesus, GOD, the Holy Spirit. We just need help in the here and now and then hopefully later on we will be able to fend for ourselves. GOD’s plan is more concerned with peoples eternal well being. Naomi soon realises that appealing to her Kinsman-redeemer for Ruth in marriage would have longer lasting provisions than just a little temporary food or money.

- Boaz is impressed by Ruth’s love for her Mother-in-law and her work ethic. Also he says to Ruth, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.

- Men (old, young, me included) look on this carefully, all the townsmen and Boaz counted her as a worthy woman. GOD’s opinion is that this non-Jewish, young woman would be in the linage of King David, King Solomon, the King of Heaven, Jesus of Nazareth, the Word, Emanuel. Learn to value what GOD values, period.

- Boaz is not the closest Kinsman-redeemer, but the other was not willing so Boaz stepped up, Jesus was not the first Adam, but where Adam chose not to, the second Adam became our Kinsman-redeemer.

- We are told at the end of Ruth's story, which is part of His-story, that Obed, Boaz and Ruth’s son, and Naomi's grandson would be the father of Jesse and the grandfather of King David. Also in the Genealogies it is very possible that Boaz the son of Salmon or Salmah, whose wife was Rachab, could possibly be the Rehab of Jericho? I do not know that for sure, but one thing I do know, GOD is amazing and his plans are complex and mind boggling.

As much as the book of Judges portrayed women as less than worthy, counted as little more than property. GOD through Ruth and Naomi, shows us that this is not way it is suppose to be. My prayer is that GOD would give us (men) eyes to see women the same way he does, as a valuable part of his creation that he loves fiercely. So be like Boaz and don’t be Ruth less.

Next – Hannah’s Little Temple Tot