Real Possibilities

by: Michael Wilcock

Naomi is clearly delighted with what has happened. But her reasons need a little explaining. Boaz’s kindness is not “cold charity.” It is warm-hearted, and the two women appreciate it. It is, all the same, charity; and the real, practical trouble about charity is that you can’t rely on it. It usually doesn’t last.

But in Israel, in the old days, you shouldn’t have needed to rely on it. Family was very strong, and the rule was that if you fell on hard times there was always some next-of-kin who was reckoned to be responsible for you. His help you should be able to rely on permanently.

That was why Naomi was so excited when Ruth told her the name of the farmer who had been so kind. He was more than just a “good Samaritan” whose generosity might tide them over a time of crisis. He was Boaz, a “close relative,” and if things worked out, they might be able to claim permanent protection from him.

We have already seen in this story a hint of a likeness between Boaz and the Lord Jesus. Here is another one. Boaz might not only make kind gestures; he might put himself under lasting obligations to the two women.