Story · 25 · The Soldier
Heroism redefined as marriage
When Boaz marries Ruth, the townspeople bless him: 'May you do valiantly in Ephrathah and make a name in Bethlehem.' The heroic deed is building a family.
Valor is social, not just military.
Dig deeper
Boaz is called a 'man of valor,' an old title for warrior nobility now applied to social virtue. Deuteronomy similarly sends home soldiers who've just built a house or gotten engaged, putting families ahead of the state's wars.
Bible reference: Ruth 4:11; Deuteronomy 20:5–7
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 402–403
Reader thoughts
Loading comments…