SUMMARY
BoazHusband of Ruth and great-grandfather of David. More is introduced into the story after NaomiThe mother-in-law of Ruth. More and RuthThe great-grandmother of David. More arrive in Bethlehem.
ANALYSIS
At the beginning of chapter 2, we are introduced to Boaz whose name in Hebrew means “strength,” a name he shares with one of the literal pillars of the templeThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged... More (2 Chronicles 3:17). He is importantly both a relative of Naomi’s late husband and “a man of worth,” “a man of value” (in Hebrew,‘ish gibbor ḥayil). The Hebrew word hayil can designate military strength, wealth, and/or strength of character. This description invites certain questions:
Does the value, the worth, of Boaz really come from his wealth or is there more? What makes someone a person of “value” or “worth”?
