Thank you for the question on Boaz and Ruth, “In what way was Boaz responsible for what happened to Ruth?”
As one reads the Book of Ruth, the Biblical account is about God’s provision of a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. The question of who is responsible for Ruth is a perceptive one. Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration:
A. Naomi, being the mother-in-law, has the responsibility to speak to her near kinsman about her need and her daughter-in-law, Ruth.
B. Naomi’s nearest kin had the responsibility to speak to Ruth about her need of a kinsman-redeemer and her daughter-in-law, Ruth.
C. Boaz the second closest kin had the responsibility to be the kinsman-redeemer if the nearest kin died or refused to perform the duty of the kinsman-redeemer.
Naomi waited to see which of her two nearest kinsman-redeemer would show the greatest compassion and integrity to her and to Ruth. Certainly the nearest kinsman knew that Naomi and Ruth were widows and were back in town. Months went by when the nearest kinsman ignored or refused to initiate any conversation with Naomi.
Boaz knew of Naomi and Ruth’s need of a kinsman-redeemer. He provided for their temporary well-being without a long term solution for them. He was fulfilling the commandment of loving one’s neighbor as oneself by caring for the widows and or orphans. He may have felt it was not his place to initiate the kinsman-redeemer process for it was up to Naomi or the nearest kinsman to act first. He wasn’t sure of Naomi had other marital plans for herself or for Ruth. He wasn’t sure if other men would ask Ruth to be his wife. He may have thought surely one of the men would offer to marry her since all can see that she was a loving and hardworking daughter-in-law.
Naomi made her decision by sending Ruth to Boaz with words in Ruth 3, “When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet! 9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer[b] of our family.” 10 “The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning” (A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages).
SUMMARY: Boaz had the responsibility to provide for Naomi and Ruth’s daily need through his fields and fulfill the duty of a kinsman-redeemer if the nearest relative refused to marry Ruth. He fulfilled the command of God of kinsman-redeemer.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/In-what-way-was-Boaz-responsible-for-what-happened-to-Ruth