We saw last time that Boaz is called a “mighty man of valor” - a “gibbor khayil” (2:1). That is the same phrase used of Gideon in Judges 6, and of the mighty men of valor in the armies of Israel in the book of Joshua.
The ESV translates it “worthy man” in 2:1 - but that weakens the very comparison that the author is making.
Boaz is a mighty man of valor! We don't know about his “might” in war - but in terms of his godly character he is mighty in word and in deed! He is what a godly Israelite man should be.
But there was another reason why we highlighted that point last week. Because in our text today Ruth is called an “eshet khayil.” A woman of valor.
Khayil is a term usually applied to men. It usually refers to military strength and ability.
But an “eshet khayil” is a woman of valor – a woman of strength. And that phrase is only used in two other places in scripture: Proverbs 12:4 and Proverbs 31:10.
Yes, “eshet khayil” is the phrase translated “an excellent wife” in Proverbs 31!
Boaz, the “gibbor khayil” - the mighty man of valor - says to Ruth the Moabite - “all my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of valor.”
Do you want to know what a Proverbs 31 woman looks like? Look at Ruth! She is a woman of valor!
In the same way that Boaz is everything that an Israelite man should be, Ruth is everything that an Israelite woman should be!
And yes, that means that an escapee of Sodom – a Moabite – is the ideal Israelite woman!
God seems to enjoy turning our expectations on their heads!
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