The narrative of Boaz and Ruth, as chronicled in the Book of Ruth, is a quintessential example of the kinship redeemer concept in Hebrew culture, providing a profound illustration of the theological typology of Christ in the Old Testament. This post examines the character of Boaz as a kinship redeemer. It explains how this role serves as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, drawing from the theological tenets of Protestant Evangelical Christianity. It integrates scriptural analysis, examining relevant Hebrew texts, and incorporates perspectives from Church Fathers.
The Story of Boaz and Ruth
The Book of Ruth, a narrative set in the time of the Judges, tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite widow, and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Upon returning to Bethlehem, Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. Boaz, recognizing his duty as a kin of Naomi’s family, marries Ruth, thereby preserving the lineage of Naomi’s family and, ultimately, securing a place in the lineage of David and, by extension, Jesus Christ (Ruth 1-4).
Boaz, as a Kinship Redeemer
The concept of a kinship redeemer, or גֹּאֵל “go’el” in Hebrew, is critical to understanding Boaz’s role. This term, found in Leviticus 25:25-28 and 47-49, denotes a close relative responsible for redeeming family property or persons in poverty or slavery. Boaz fulfills this role by marrying Ruth, redeeming the land for Naomi’s family, and securing Ruth’s and Naomi’s future.
The process by which Boaz became eligible to be Ruth’s kinship redeemer, as described in the Book of Ruth, is deeply rooted in ancient Israel’s social and legal customs. This process is outlined in Ruth chapters 3 and 4 and reflects the intricacies of the Levirate marriage and the redemption laws as prescribed in the Torah.
Context and Background
The Law of Moses provided specific guidelines for preserving family lines and properties. The guidelines are evident in the laws concerning Levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) and property redemption (Leviticus 25:25). The Levirate law required a brother of a deceased man to marry the widow to produce offspring to carry on the deceased brother’s name. The redemption law allowed a close relative to redeem land a family member had sold due to poverty.
Boaz’s Actions
Acknowledging Ruth’s Request: Ruth, guided by Naomi, approached Boaz and requested him to act as her Redeemer (Ruth 3:9). This was significant because it highlighted Ruth’s right to seek a kinsman-redeemer as a widow in Israel.
Recognizing a Closer Relative: Boaz acknowledged that there was a relative closer than himself who had the first right of redemption (Ruth 3:12-13). This action demonstrated Boaz’s adherence to the law and integrity in following the proper legal and ethical procedures.
Convening at the City Gate: Boaz went to the city gate, where legal transactions were conducted, and convened with the city elders (Ruth 4:1-2). The city gate served as a place for public, legally binding agreements.
Presenting the Redemption Case: Boaz presented the case to the closer kinsman-redeemer, stating that Naomi was selling the land belonging to Elimelech, Naomi’s deceased husband, and that as a redeemer, the relative had the first right to buy it (Ruth 4:3-4).
Revealing the Marriage Obligation: Importantly, Boaz also informed the closer relative that acquiring the land would require marrying Ruth, the Moabite widow of Naomi’s son, to maintain the name of the deceased on his inheritance (Ruth 4:5). This was in line with the Levirate marriage principle.
Relinquishing of Rights by the Closer Relative: The closer relative, upon realizing the obligation to marry Ruth, declined the offer, as it would jeopardize his inheritance (Ruth 4:6). This was his legal right under the stipulations of Levirate marriage and property laws.
Formalizing the Redemption: Following the closer relative’s refusal, Boaz declared his intention to redeem the land and marry Ruth in front of the elders and all the people at the gate, thus publicly and legally assuming the role of the kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 4:9-10).
Witnesses and Blessings: The elders and all the people at the gate served as witnesses to this transaction and pronounced blessings upon Boaz and Ruth, invoking the lineage of Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah, which underlines the significance of Levirate marriage in maintaining family lineage (Ruth 4:11-12).
Theological Significance
Despite the complexity of the situation, Boaz’s adherence to the law, his integrity, and his willingness to redeem Ruth is seen as a reflection of God’s providence and faithfulness. The redemption of Ruth not only secured her and Naomi’s future but also played a crucial role in the lineage of David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). This typologically foreshadows the redemption offered by Christ, who, in the New Testament, is often referred to as our Redeemer.
Typological Interpretation of Boaz
Typology in Christian theology interprets the Old Testament in which figures, events, or institutions prefigure Christ. Boaz, as the kinship redeemer, serves as a type of Christ in several significant ways:
Redemptive Love: Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth mirrors Christ’s redemptive love for humanity. As Boaz redeemed Ruth out of love and duty, Christ redeems humanity out of His love and the fulfillment of divine will (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Inclusion of Gentiles: Ruth, a Moabite, represents the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s people. Boaz’s acceptance of Ruth prefigures Christ’s extension of salvation to all, irrespective of ethnic background (Galatians 3:28).
Fulfillment of the Law: Boaz adheres to the Levitical law in redeeming Ruth and Naomi. This adherence foreshadows Christ, who fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17) and provides redemption for humanity under the New Covenant.
Genealogical Significance: Boaz’s role in the lineage of David points to Christ, the “son of David” (Matthew 1:1), emphasizing the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.
Ancient Perspectives and Interpretations
Early Church Fathers and scholars have offered interpretations that align with this typological understanding. In his work “De Civitate Dei” (The City of God), Augustine of Hippo highlights the importance of Old Testament figures as precursors to Christ. Similarly, in his homilies, Origen often employed a typological approach to Old Testament narratives, seeing them as foreshadowing New Testament truths.
Implications and Conclusion
The story of Boaz and Ruth is not only a historical account but also a theological narrative that prefigures the coming of Christ. As a kinship redeemer, Boaz exemplifies the qualities and actions that typify Christ’s redemptive work. This typological interpretation enriches the understanding of both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating the continuity and fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
The role of Boaz as a kinship redeemer in the Book of Ruth is a profound illustration of how Old Testament narratives and characters serve as types of Christ, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption brought by Jesus. This understanding reinforces the theological coherence between the Old and New Testaments and underscores the depth of God’s redemptive plan as revealed throughout the Bible.
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