Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Booz, more commonly known as Boaz, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Ruth. He is a prominent character whose actions and lineage have profound implications for the history of Israel and the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
Biblical Account:Boaz is introduced in the Book of Ruth as a wealthy and influential landowner in Bethlehem during the time of the judges. He is described as a "man of standing" (
Ruth 2:1), indicating his social status and moral integrity. Boaz is a relative of Elimelech, Naomi's deceased husband, which positions him as a potential kinsman-redeemer for Naomi and Ruth.
Role as Kinsman-Redeemer:The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is central to Boaz's role in the narrative. According to the Mosaic Law, a kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility to redeem a relative in serious difficulty, which could include marrying a widow to preserve the family line (
Leviticus 25:25-55;
Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Boaz fulfills this role for Ruth, a Moabite widow, by marrying her and thus ensuring the continuation of Elimelech's lineage.
Character and Virtues:Boaz is portrayed as a man of great kindness, generosity, and faithfulness. His treatment of Ruth is marked by respect and protection. When Ruth gleans in his fields, Boaz ensures her safety and provides her with extra grain (
Ruth 2:8-16). His actions reflect his adherence to God's laws and his compassionate nature.
Marriage to Ruth:Boaz's marriage to Ruth is a pivotal moment in the narrative. After Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, he acknowledges her loyalty and virtue, stating, "All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character" (
Ruth 3:11). Boaz's willingness to marry Ruth, despite the potential social stigma of her Moabite heritage, underscores his commitment to righteousness and God's providence.
Genealogical Significance:The union of Boaz and Ruth is not only a personal redemption account but also holds significant genealogical importance. Their son, Obed, becomes the grandfather of King David, establishing the Davidic line from which Jesus Christ is descended (
Ruth 4:17-22). This lineage fulfills the Messianic prophecies and highlights God's sovereign plan through seemingly ordinary events.
Legacy:Boaz's legacy is one of faithfulness and obedience to God's law. His life exemplifies the virtues of integrity, compassion, and redemption. As an ancestor of David and Jesus, Boaz's account is a testament to God's redemptive work through history, using individuals who are willing to act justly and love mercy.
Conclusion:While the narrative of Boaz is primarily contained within the Book of Ruth, his impact resonates throughout the biblical account. His role as a kinsman-redeemer prefigures the ultimate redemption brought by Christ, making Boaz a key figure in understanding God's unfolding plan of salvation.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Booz(Matthew 1:5;Luke 3:32) [BOAZ]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BOOZbo'-oz (TR, Booz; Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek, Boes): the King James Version, Greek form of Boaz (thus, the Revised Version (British and American)) (Matthew 1:5Luke 3:32).
Greek
1003. Boos -- Boaz, an Israelite... NASB Word Usage Boaz (3). Boaz. Of Hebrew origin (Bo'az);
Booz, (ie Boaz), an Israelite
--
Booz. see HEBREW Bo'az. (boes) -- 2 Occurrences. (boos) -- 1 Occurrence
...Strong's Hebrew
938. Buz -- two Israelites... 937, 938. Buz. 939 . two Israelites. Transliteration: Buz Phonetic Spelling:
(
booz) Short Definition: Buz. Word Origin from buz Definition two Isr.
...937. buz -- contempt
... 936, 937. buz. 938 . contempt. Transliteration: buz Phonetic Spelling: (booz)
Short Definition: contempt. Word Origin from buz Definition...
936. buz -- to despise
... 935, 936. buz. 937 . to despise. Transliteration: buz Phonetic Spelling:
(booz) Short Definition: despise. Word Origin a prim. root...
Library
How under Eli's Government of the IsraelitesBooz Married Ruth...
... Eli. CHAPTER 9. How Under Eli's Government Of The IsraelitesBooz Married
Ruth, From Whom Came Obed The Grandfather Of David. 1. Now...
Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ
... Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4. And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab
begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5. And Salmon begatBooz of Rachab...
Book 8 Footnotes
... I suppose the number here is falsely transcribed, and that Josephus wrote ten cubits
also. [9] As for these two famous pillars, Jachin andBooz, their height...
Of the Agreement of the Evangelists Matthew and Luke in the...
... and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; and Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab
begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; and Salmon begatBooz of Rachab...
The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 9. How Under Eli's Government Of The IsraelitesBooz Married Ruth,
From Whom Came Obed The Grandfather Of David. CHAPTER 10....
Of the Building of this Temple
... The one of these pillars he set at the entrance of the porch on the right hand,
and called it Jachin [9] and the other at the left hand, and called itBooz....
Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members...
... woman was willing to renounce idolatry, and become an adherent of the Law, it was
lawful to take her in marriage: as was the case with Ruth whomBooz married....
Thesaurus
Booz (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BOOZ. bo'-oz (TR,
Booz; Westcott
... 3:32).
Multi-Version Concordance
Booz (2 Occurrences). Matthew 1:5
...Rachab (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Rachab (1 Occurrence). Matthew 1:5 And Salmon begatBooz
of Rachab; andBooz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; (KJV DBY WBS)....
Begat (112 Occurrences)
... YLT). Matthew 1:5 And Salmon begatBooz of Rachab; andBooz begat Obed of
Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Matthew...
Bosom (47 Occurrences)
... 11. (vt) To conceal; to hide from view; to embosom. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
ABRAHAM'S BOSOM.booz'-um (kolpos Abraam; kolpoi Abraam): Figurative....
Booty (32 Occurrences)
Naasson (2 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:32 Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son
ofBooz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson, (KJV DBY...
Rahab (14 Occurrences)
... The wife of Salmon and mother ofBooz (Boaz) according to the genealogy in Matthew
1:5. Query, whether there was a tradition identifying (1) and (2); see...
Boaz (25 Occurrences)
... BOAZ. bo'-az (bo`az;Booz; "quickness" (?) Ruth 2-4 1 Chronicles 2:11, 12; Matthew
1:5 Luke 3:32): (1) A resident of Bethlehem and kinsman of Elimelech, Naomi's...
Bor (1 Occurrence)
Abraham's (34 Occurrences)
... (see banquet; MEALS.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ABRAHAM'S BOSOM.
booz'-um (kolpos Abraam; kolpoi Abraam): Figurative. The...
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