The character of Ruth in the Bible is typically thought of as a great role model for women. This isn’t surprising, as there’s a lot to be gained from Ruth’s example as a God fearing woman – courage in adversity, an unwavering commitment to God and her family, humility, patience. However, limiting this beautiful, intimate story to Ruth’s character alone would mean missing out on the many other gems it has to offer.
Boaz is a great example for the Christian. He is a hard working man who has built up a small amount of wealth for himself. He is of noble character and expresses a strong faith in God. He has a high standing in society and is respected by all.

But that’s not what makes him great. According to Levitical Law, Israelites were commanded to leave behind grain when harvesting so that the poor and foreigners would have access to free wheat in their fields. It says in Leviticus:
‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.

Not only does Boaz faithfully fulfill this commandment, but he shows exceeding generosity towards Ruth – a foreigner and a widow. He urges the men of the field to not humiliate her, but to drop whole stalks for her to gather. He ensures that she gleans in his field only so that she is protected from assault. He even invites her to sit at the table with the party and eat both bread and vinegar.

As readers, there is a cynical response to all of this. 1) “Of course he was nice to Ruth, he had the hots for her!”, or 2) “He’s only doing what the law states; it’s not like he’s being particularly generous”.

To the first response, while it may be true that Boaz was quite taken with Ruth, it says in the story that he was already in the habit of letting people glean in his fields uninterrupted, which shows his kindness to everyone in need.

To the second response, well, how often do we willingly partake in generosity, even when it’s mandated?
Israelite law was unique for its time in its clear provision for the disadvantaged. However, that doesn’t mean that every field owner obeyed such a command. It would have been very tempting for greedy owners to keep all the sheaves of grain to themselves. The fact that Ruth was at risk of being assaulted in other fields is an indication that owners weren’t as accommodating or protective as Boaz.

This made me reflect on my own character. The only “political system” mandated in the Bible is not socialism, capitalism, or even democracy, but the overriding principle of generosity. You’ll find numerous references to it in the Old Testament law and prophets, as well as from Jesus himself.

If I’m honest with myself, I don’t always willingly participate in God’s command to be generous. Although Sam and I are this year making a big effort to give away our money, I’m often not joyful about it. I feel the pinch when I watch our giving whittle away at the pay check and grumble.

I avert my eyes when passing homeless people on the street, thinking, “he’ll just spend the money on booze, anyway” (money isn’t the only thing you can give away; sometimes kindness doesn’t hurt either). I fail to be hospitable with the home God has given me because I’m too tired to have guests.

I pray that God will help me, by the transforming power of his Holy Spirit, to be joyfully obedient to God’s call towards generosity. I am already well aware of my likeness to Ruth – humble, poor and in need of God’s grace. Now, I pray that He will make me like Boaz too.