The History of Ruth
Part Two: Princes, Captains, and the House of Boaz
By Jeremy Lucas
When we read the story of Ruth, almost every reader is inclined to view Boaz as the hero, the kinsman redeemer, and the one who saves the day in a love story of tremendous grace. But we often read it without any consideration for how Boaz became the man that he became. Though he is viewed as a "type" of Christ, we know that he was indeed quite human. So where did he come from? Who was his father? Who was his grandfather? Why is Boaz able to command elders at the gate of the city? How did he achieve such a level and rank in the house of Israel?
In order to more soundly lay out the house of Boaz where Ruth "happened" to find herself (Ruth 2:3), it's important that we discover the historical characters that played into his life. To begin this journey, you may recall from the previous study on Ruth ("Ten Generations to Redemption") that the "congregation of the Lord" was a reference to the princes of Israel. It is on this point that we will begin to play out another aspect of the story in Ruth that you may well not be aware.
We begin at the entrance to the Book of Numbers.
"And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first [day] of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of [their] names, every male by their polls; From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies." Numbers 1:1-3
The Torah teaches us everything we could ever want to know about the foundation of Israel and how it is to function. Genesis tells the story of where it began. Exodus tells the story of how it became free of slavery and subject to God. Leviticus tells of the political nature through which must deal with each other. Deuteronomy tells of their foreign policy. And Numbers, one of the most overlooked books of the Bible, tells of their census and organization.
If anyone has ever done a "connect the dots" exercise as a child, the result of your connecting always ends up in an illustrative picture. Such is the Book of Numbers. For the one who takes the time to do so, there is much to discover about the connected dots and pictures so beautifully put together by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. One example can be found in the archived article Numbers of the Cross.
But setting aside illustrations for a moment, chapter one of Numbers lays out the leadership of Israel and the armies that will be led. We read in verse two that Moses is to take from each of the twelve tribes the count of all who are 20 years and older. What we discover is an interesting truth of absolute protection over God's people that most would miss.
"Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty." Numbers 1:46
603,550 men over the age of 20. Yet, we read just seven months earlier...
"A bekah for every man, [that is], half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty [men]." Exodus 38:26
603,550 men over the age of 20. Seven months have passed. The number is to the dot exact.
The above point is irrelevant to where we're going, but an observable one, nonetheless.
"And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers." Numbers 1:4
In order to achieve the task of counting out each man over 20, Moses and Aaron are asked to begin with the "one head" over every "house of his father." Essentially, the person at the top or the man most closely linked to his ancestor.
The listed tribes with their "heads," according to verses 5-15 are as follows:
1. The tribe of Reuben, led by Elizur the son of Shedeur
2. The tribe of Simeon, led by Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai
3. The tribe of Judah, led by Nahshon the son of Amminadab
4. The tribe of Issachar, led by Nethaneel the son of Zuar
5. The tribe of Zebulun, led by Eliab the son of Helon
6. The tribe of Ephraim, led by Elishama the son of Ammihud
7. The tribe of Manasseh, led by Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur
8. The tribe of Benjamin, led by Abidan the son of Gideoni
9. The tribe of Dan, led by Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai
10. The tribe of Asher, led by Pagiel the son of Ocran
11. The tribe of Gad, led by Eliasaph the son of Deuel
12. The tribe of Naphtali, led by Ahira the son of Enan
Before focusing in on any of the 12 men listed, I'd like to more importantly provide the type of life that these 12 men were associated with. Not merely that they were heads of the home, but that they were much more.
Firstly, when this list is compiled, we read the following:
“These [were] the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.” Numbers 1:16
“These [are] those that were numbered, which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, [being] twelve men: each one was for the house of his fathers.” Number 1:44
In the New Testament, one of the styles of leadership we see defined is that of Roman centurions (Acts 10) who led "centuries," or 100 men. Numbers 1 tells that these heads were not only princes, but they were "renowned of the congregation" and led "thousands." Verses 12-43 tell us just how many men and soldiers that the princes were place in charge of among the congregation of Israel.
"And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:" Numbers 16:2
As the numbers grew over the years from the original twelve, the definition of "renown" is expanded to say that they were "famous" princes throughout the camp. By chapter 16, the number has grown from 12 to 250.
“And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:” Numbers 36:1
Princes were also known as the “chief fathers” of the children of Israel.
“And his brethren, men of valour, [were] two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.” I Chronicles 26:32
By the time of David, there were at least 2700 princes over individual houses and with specific affairs to the king.
“And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.” Number 7:10
Princes were given the task of offering a dedication for their tribe once the tabernacle was completed and annointed. Each one was to bring it before the Levite priest on behalf of their people.
“And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, [by] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,” Number 27:2
“And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them without the camp.” Numbers 31:13
Generally speaking, we can be fairly certain that the princes and the priests were the only ones permitted to near the tabernacle of the congregation. Levites could enter the holy of holies, but instead of having thousands upon thousands come with offerings, these "chief fathers" would bring the offering on behalf of the whole.
“And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes.” Joshua 9:18
At times, these members of the congregation of the Lord would make decisions that were unpopular among the people (not that much has changed in government).
“And with him ten princes, of each chief house a prince throughout all the tribes of Israel; and each one [was] an head of the house of their fathers among the thousands of Israel.” Joshua 22:14
Each prince was head of a “chief house” in the home of his father.
“Now the children of Israel after their number, [to wit], the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course [were] twenty and four thousand.” I Chronicles 27:1
“Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,” I Chronicles 29:6
Thus far, we've seen these men of Numbers 1 growing in size and having several names among the people. They've been known as heads of the house, chief fathers, and princes. In Chronicles, we see that they are also called "captains." For they were not merely in charge of several thousand people, they were in charge of the men who would be capable of going to battle. They were captains because they would lead their men into war when time called upon them to do so.
“Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.” II Chronicles 1:2
In a group of 603,550, it's quite reasonable to imagine that the title of governor, prince, judge, and chief father would be synonymous. Our president has several titles himself from Commander-in-Chief to Head of State and Executive Officer.
Before losing too much ground, the definition of these twelve men should be fairly clear by now.
1. The tribe of Reuben, led by Elizur the son of Shedeur
2. The tribe of Simeon, led by Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai
3. The tribe of Judah, led by Nahshon the son of Amminadab
4. The tribe of Issachar, led by Nethaneel the son of Zuar
5. The tribe of Zebulun, led by Eliab the son of Helon
6. The tribe of Ephraim, led by Elishama the son of Ammihud
7. The tribe of Manasseh, led by Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur
8. The tribe of Benjamin, led by Abidan the son of Gideoni
9. The tribe of Dan, led by Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai
10. The tribe of Asher, led by Pagiel the son of Ocran
11. The tribe of Gad, led by Eliasaph the son of Deuel
12. The tribe of Naphtali, led by Ahira the son of Enan
As some of you will recall from "Ten Generations to Redemption," a 14 year geneology was laid out in Matthew regarding the time between Abraham and King David. For reference sake, I'd like to provide it here as well.
Abraham to Isaac (1st Generation)
Isaac to Jacob (2nd Generation)
Jacob to Judah (3rd Generation)
Judah to Pharez (4th Generation)
Pharez to Esrom (5th Generation)
Esrom to Aram (6th Generation)
Aram to Aminadab (7th Generation)
Aminadab to Naasson (8th Generation)
Naasson to Salmon (9th Generation)
Salmon to Boaz (10th Generation)
Boaz to Obed (11th Generation)
Obed to Jesse (12th Generation)
Jesse to David (13th Generation)
David to Solomon (14th Generation)
Of the twelve tribes listed, there is only one tribe to whom the "sceptre" or "authority" shall never leave.
"The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be]." Genesis 49:10
Keeping this in mind along with the 14 generations listed above, let's focus in on Judah and the third name provided in the Numbers 1 account.
"And these [are] the names of the men that shall stand with you...Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab." Numbers 1:5-7
Amminadab, the father of Nahshon, had several children beyond the one mentioned here. One of his daughters, named Elisheba, married Aaron the priest in Exodus 6.
"And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar." Exodus 6:23
So as the story unfolds with regard to Judah, Amminadab becomes linked to a couple of important lines. Firstly, his grandson Eleazer, through Aaron and Elisheba, is still the high priest after Aaron has passed away when we read of the account in Numbers 20. By Numbers 26, it is Moses and Eleazer who are speaking together. And of all places, they find themselves speaking in the "plains of Moab."
"And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying," Numbers 26:3
For most reading, it's important to keep in mind (not forgetting the eventual story of Ruth being a resident of Moab) that the country line of Moab was where Moses would also end his own journey. For it was on the mountain of Nebo that Moses was allowed to look across the water and see the promised land.
"And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that [is] over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan, And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea, And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar. And the LORD said unto him, This [is] the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see [it] with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day." Deuteronomy 34:1-6
Just before crossing into the promised land, Moses himself is buried on a mountaintop in Moab. Eleazer would be in the position of "high priest" all the way through Joshua 24.
By reason of definition, Naahshon, the son of Amminadab, was Eleazer's uncle. And who was Nahshon?
"And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah." Numbers 2:3
Nahshon was "captain of the children of Judah." And the number of his men were what?
"Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Judah, [were] threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred." Numbers 1:27
314,600. More than any other camp.
"And Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah;" I Chronicles 2:10
Nahshon was not only captain of Judah, but he was the prince of the largest tribe of men in the camp of Israel.
His legacy was passed on to the next two generations.
"And Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz," I Chronicles 2:11
It would be incredibly easy to jump ship over Salma because it seems he is insignificant, but lest we set aside one of the most important pieces of Boaz' heritage.
"Salma the father of Bethlehem, Hareph the father of Bethgader." I Chronicles 2:51
Father of the great city to which we all know.
Amminadab passed on the inheritance of a great name to both his son, Naahshon, and his daughter, Elisheba.
Naahshon passed on the inheritance of "captain of Judah" to his son, Salma.
Salma passed on the inheritance of an entire city, Bethlehem, to his son, Boaz.
And Boaz passed on the grace of his fathers to a Moabite woman ten generations from the age of her ancestor's incest (Lot).
Equally interesting to consider is that Amminadab's line places several things into perspective.
Amminadab fathers Elisheba and Naahshon (8th Generation from Abraham)
Aaron fathers Eleazar [by Elisheba] and Naahson fathers Salma (9th Generation)
Eleazar fathers Phineas and Salma fathers Boaz (10th Generation)
Phineas is then the chief priest over all the land while Boaz is the chief father of Judah alone... living in the land given him by his father... the city of Bethlehem, the eventual city of David and birthplace of our Savior.
Both men came from a likened bloodline and through each came a strength of authority.
"Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down." Ruth 4:1-2
Only a man of his stature and inherited authority could stand so tall as to command the elders to sit down. He spoke and they listened. For he was the captain of Judah... the prince of the people. The only man who stood higher in the land was Phineas, a distant cousin and chief priest of the land.
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