who was boaz in the bible

Boaz was a prominent biblical figure in the Book of Ruth. He was a wealthy landowner in Bethlehem and a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech. Boaz is known for his kindness, generosity, and adherence to Jewish laws, particularly in how he treated Ruth, Naomi's Moabite daughter-in-law. He protected her while she gleaned grain in his fields and later married her, securing the future of both Ruth and Naomi. This union was significant as it placed Ruth and Boaz in the genealogy of King David and, according to Christian tradition, in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Boaz is seen as a symbol of redemption and God's providence in the narrative.