As I was doing my devotions this morning, I was reading through the book of Ruth and a phrase caught my attention.  Boaz is described as “a man of standing”.  This phrase is actually two words in the Hebrew (Gibbor Chayil).  These are the same two words that are used in Judges to describe Gideon (Judges 6:12) only there they are translated “Mighty Warrior” (NIV).  I like translation “Mighty Man of Valor”  I know that in a couple of months, I am going to preach on Gideon and so I did a bit of research on this phrase.  It is used 41 times in the OT and is used to describe notables like Jephthath (Judges 11:1), Saul (1 Sam 9:1), David (1 Sam 16:18), Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:28), and Naaman (2 Kings 5:1).  Over 63% of this combination are used in 1st and 2nd Chronicles (26 times) mostly of random tribes/peoples.  There is one woman who this attribute is connected with combining “Isssaw” (Hebrew for “woman”) and “Chayil” (i.e. woman of valor) and that is Ruth. It has a rich meaning that I will expand upon when I preach.  But today, in light of these verses, I am calling you to be men and women who are Mighty Warriors.