Journey Through Judges and RuthSample

Lovingkindness in Ruth: Behind the Text

One particular characteristic of both Ruth and Boaz reflects the character of God. You can see it in several scenes of the story.

Lovingkindness in Ruth

Read Ruth 1:11-13 and 3:8-10

Jewish and Christian traditions have historically considered Boaz to be much older than Ruth. A significant difference in age adds emphasis to the lovingkindness we observe in their relationship. Ruth is understood to have made a personal sacrifice in committing to a man who was much older than she normally would have married.

What evidence is there that Boaz was older than Ruth and that Ruth might have had “better” marital options? Record your observations.

Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, is “too old to have a husband” (1:12) and “of old age” (4:15). Boaz is of similar age as Naomi, or perhaps older, as he uses the term “daughter” when addressing Ruth. He compliments Ruth on her loyalty for not having pursued young men instead. Boaz is clearly aware that Ruth has other options, and ones with more appeal than he may have to offer.

A key term in Ruth is the Hebrew term hesed, often translated “lovingkindness.” It is used in 1:8; 2:20; 3:10. See how one scholar discusses this theme in Ruth:

[Boaz] is not a fool and understands that the young woman intensifies her self-sacrifice by her advance toward him. She chooses to be with a man older than herself, and, evidently, shuns a better party for a woman as attractive as she is. This moves Boaz more than if she had fallen in love with him. For, here again, Ruth shows her hesed, not blind romance. Her choice is motivated by other criteria that will become clearer in the ensuing story, knowing Boaz’s noble character, his fidelity toward the Law, his devotedness to the customs of his people, and his compassion for the widow and the poor. Ruth considers these qualities of the man, which she recognizes by intuition and by experience, as more important than being physically attracted and than being well matched with regard to age.

Source: André LaCocque, Ruth, 2004, p. 98.

Hesed & a Kinsman Redeemer