If you’re a single Christian woman who has spent any time in the church, you’ve probably been taught to pray for your Boaz. In sermon after sermon, you’re told that Boaz was a handsome, wealthy man who pursued Ruth and married her because she was willing to wait for him.
You may have even been taught to kick Boaz’s cousins “Broke-az, Po-az, Lyin-az, Cheating-az, Dumb-az, Drunk-az, Cheap-az, Lockedup-az, Goodfornothing-az, Lazy-az” to the curb!
It all makes for good preaching. But did you know that Boaz was 80 years old when he married Ruth, who was only 40 years old? And according to Jewish tradition, Boaz died the day after their wedding? Their story didn’t really have a happily-ever-after ending.
While Boaz has a lot of great characteristics you want in a future husband, he’s not the only kind of man you can pray for (especially if you don’t want to marry an old man who dies on your wedding night!). Check out these 3 biblical husbands and add them to your prayer list:
Lapidoth, the husband of Deborah the Prophetess
Deborah was a great judge and mighty warrior whose entire nation looked to her for wisdom and guidance. Her husband, Lapidoth, had a name which meant “torches.”
He assisted his wife Deborah by making lights for the sanctuary. It is believed that his support helped make Deborah a great light in her nation. Lapidoth is a great model for a husband because instead of competing with his wife or feeling jealous because she was in the public eye, Lapidoth supported, covered, and partnered with Deborah.
If you’re a successful, independent sister who has experienced a lot of men being intimidated by your strength, gifts, and achievements, then you need to ask God for a Lapidoth!
The Proverbs 31 Man
You’ve heard a lot about the Proverbs 31 woman, but it takes a great man to be married to her. Now the Proverbs 31 Woman is a go-getter.
She’s a businesswoman who also holds it down at home and knows how to take care of herself, spirit, soul, and body. In order for her to thrive the way she does, her husband had to have the following characteristics:
He values a wife (he knows her worth is far above rubies)
He trusts his wife (he doesn’t try to control or belittle her opinions or decisions)
He encourages his wife (when her children praise her, he joins in!)
He gives her space to be herself (when she decides to go out and buy a field, she does it without him questioning her!)
This man knows how to bring out the best in his wife and is a true partner. Ask God for a Proverbs 31 Man!
Aquila
Aquila was the husband of Priscilla. They were a powerful missionary couple who worked with the Apostle Paul.
Aquila was a great example because, during his day, wives were considered the property of their husbands; but he treated his wife like an equal partner in business, ministry, and marriage.
Aquila and Priscilla did everything together. They were tentmakers and traveled together, preaching and doing missionary work. In fact, they were so powerful together, that their names are always mentioned together in scripture. If you want a man who is your purpose-partner, then ask God to send you an Aquila.
Stop looking for Boaz. In fact, maybe God hasn’t sent you a Boaz because he has someone else in mind for you. Be open to your love story looking differently than you – or anyone else – imagined!
BMWK, besides Boaz, who else could you be waiting for?