Meaning of Ruth 3:4

This verse, spoken by Naomi to her daughter-in-law Ruth, outlines a daring and unconventional plan for Ruth to secure her future and the continuation of her deceased husband's lineage. It is set against the backdrop of ancient Israelite customs concerning marriage, inheritance, and the role of a goel (kinsman-redeemer). Naomi, facing destitution after the deaths of her husband and sons, sees in Boaz, a wealthy relative of her late husband, a potential redeemer. The "lying down" refers to Boaz sleeping at the threshing floor, a common practice for guarding grain. Uncovering his feet is a symbolic act, a subtle invitation that would, in that cultural context, alert him to Ruth's presence and her unspoken plea for him to fulfill his kinsman-redeemer responsibilities, which included marrying a widow of the deceased to raise up an heir. The instruction, "He will tell you what to do," signifies that Boaz, as the man in the position of power and legal obligation, will then initiate the proper steps for redemption, whether through marriage or another designated act.

Context and Background

The Book of Ruth unfolds during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by social and political instability in Israel. Naomi and her family had sojourned to Moab due to famine, and there, her son Mahlon married Ruth, a Moabite woman. After the deaths of Naomi's husband and both sons, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. However, Ruth’s famous declaration of loyalty ("Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.") compelled her to accompany Naomi. Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, they were impoverished. The story then pivots to Boaz, a prosperous landowner and a relative of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech. The concept of the kinsman-redeemer (goel) was a vital part of Israelite law (Leviticus 25:25-28, Deuteronomy 25:5-10), obligating a close male relative to redeem land or marry a deceased relative's widow to preserve the family line and inheritance. Naomi's strategy in Ruth 3 is to place Ruth in a position where Boaz, recognizing her plight and potential eligibility, would be prompted to act as her goel.

Key Themes and Messages

• Redemption: The central theme is redemption, both familial and spiritual. Boaz is positioned to redeem Naomi's family line by marrying Ruth and providing an heir. This act of redemption extends beyond mere legal obligation to encompass kindness and compassion.
• Loyalty and Faithfulness: Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi and her adoption of Naomi's people and God exemplify profound faithfulness. This faithfulness is recognized and rewarded by Boaz.
• Dignity and Prudence: While the act itself might seem bold, Naomi instructs Ruth to act with discretion. Uncovering Boaz's feet is a symbolic gesture, not an overt seduction, respecting both Boaz's position and Ruth's own modesty. The hope is that Boaz will act honorably and according to custom.
• Divine Providence: The seemingly coincidental encounter on the threshing floor, Boaz's subsequent actions, and the eventual outcome all point to God's guiding hand, orchestrating events to bring about a righteous conclusion.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this passage can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work. Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer who acts with grace and generosity, mirrors Christ’s role as our Redeemer. Ruth, a foreigner who is brought into the covenant family through marriage and adoption, symbolizes believers who, though once separated from God, are now incorporated into His family through Christ. The act of uncovering Boaz's feet, a plea for redemption, can be likened to our own prayers and reliance on Christ's sacrifice for salvation and restoration. The story highlights that redemption often comes through unexpected avenues and requires faith and obedience from those seeking it. It also emphasizes the importance of acting with integrity and allowing God to work through human relationships and established societal structures.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The story of Ruth is a crucial bridge in the biblical narrative, connecting the period of the Judges to the lineage of King David. Ruth, a Moabite, becomes the great-grandmother of David, a significant figure who established the royal line of Israel. This inclusion of a foreigner in the messianic lineage underscores God's inclusive plan of salvation, extending beyond national boundaries. The act of kinsman-redemption in Ruth's story resonates with the larger theme of God redeeming His people from sin and death through Christ, the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer.

Analogies

• A Lost Inheritance: Imagine a family with a valuable heirloom that is about to be lost because the direct heirs have passed away. A capable relative steps in to secure and preserve that heirloom for the continuation of the family legacy. Boaz is that capable relative, and Ruth and the lineage of Elimelech are the inheritance.
• A Strategic Plea: Think of a person needing a vital legal intervention. They approach the appropriate authority, not with demands, but with a respectful and symbolic gesture that signals their need and initiates the legal process. Ruth’s action is a discreet but powerful signal to Boaz.
• The Good Samaritan: While different in context, both stories highlight an unexpected individual acting with compassion and going beyond societal expectations to help someone in need, demonstrating the principle of active love and responsibility.

Relation to Other Verses

• Leviticus 25:25-28 & Deuteronomy 25:5-10: These passages provide the legal framework for the kinsman-redeemer (goel), establishing the custom that Naomi and Ruth are leveraging.
• Matthew 1:5: This verse in the genealogy of Jesus explicitly mentions "Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth," directly linking this story to the lineage of Christ and demonstrating the fulfillment of Naomi's hopes and the broader redemptive plan.
• Ephesians 5:25-27: This passage speaks of Christ loving the church and giving himself up for her, presenting Christ as the ultimate Redeemer who sanctifies and presents the church as pure, a spiritual parallel to Boaz redeeming Ruth.
• 1 Corinthians 1:30: This verse highlights Christ as our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, echoing the redemptive role Boaz plays for Ruth and her family.