Meaning of Ruth 3:7

This verse describes a pivotal moment in the narrative of Ruth, where she initiates a bold action according to ancient Near Eastern customs to secure her future. Boaz, having completed his meal and in a state of contentment, retires for the night near his abundant harvest. Ruth, recognizing this as an opportune moment, draws near and lies down at his feet, a gesture that, within the cultural and legal framework of the time, signaled a request for protection and a proposal of marriage, particularly invoking the concept of the kinsman-redeemer. Her quiet approach and the specific act of uncovering his feet are deliberate and significant, demonstrating her courage, her understanding of the law, and her faith in God's providence guiding her steps.

Context and Background

The narrative takes place during the harvest season in Bethlehem. Elimelech, Ruth’s deceased father-in-law, had left Moab with his family due to famine in Judah. All the men in his family died, leaving Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah as widows. Ruth, a Moabite woman, famously pledged her loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel, returning with her to Bethlehem. The Mosaic Law provided for the poor and widows, including the provision of a kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: go'el), a close relative who had the right and obligation to marry a widow and purchase back ancestral land to preserve the deceased husband's lineage and inheritance (Leviticus 25:25-28, Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Naomi, recognizing Boaz as a close relative and a man of integrity, devises this plan for Ruth to approach him in a culturally appropriate, yet direct, manner.

Key Themes and Messages

• Faith and Initiative: Ruth's action is not passive waiting but a courageous act of faith. She takes the initiative, trusting in the plan Naomi has outlined and in the principles of divine justice and redemption embedded in Israelite law.
• Loyalty and Perseverance: Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi and her commitment to the God of Israel are underscored by her willingness to follow this potentially risky course of action.
• The Kinsman-Redeemer: This verse is central to the theme of the go'el. Boaz is a potential redeemer, and Ruth's action is a direct appeal to this legal and social custom.
• Divine Providence: The entire situation, from Ruth's arrival in Bethlehem to this specific encounter, is presented as orchestrated by God, working through human actions to bring about His purposes.
• Integrity and Character: Boaz’s gentle and honorable response, even in this intimate and culturally charged situation, highlights his righteous character, which is essential for the role of a redeemer.

Spiritual Significance and Application

On a spiritual level, Ruth’s act can be seen as an analogy for humanity’s plea to God for redemption. Like Ruth, we are often in vulnerable or desperate situations, lacking the means to secure our own salvation. We approach God, not with demands, but with humble appeals, seeking the redemptive work of Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. Ruth's quiet approach signifies the reverence and respect due to God, and her lying at his feet is a posture of submission. The verse encourages believers to actively seek God's provision and protection, to trust in His plan for their lives, and to understand that God works through established means, including human relationships and divine law, to accomplish His will.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The story of Ruth is a significant interlude within the period of the Judges, a time often characterized by chaos and moral decline. Her narrative, and specifically this verse, stands out as a beacon of faithfulness, loyalty, and divine intervention. It demonstrates that God’s redemptive plan is not limited to Israel but can extend to foreigners who embrace His people and His God, as Ruth did. Furthermore, this story is a crucial genealogical link, placing Ruth, a Moabite woman, as an ancestress of King David, and ultimately, in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer prefigures Christ's role as our Redeemer, who willingly took on humanity to redeem us from sin and death.

Analogies

• A Supplicant at the King's Feet: Imagine a vulnerable subject approaching a just king at night, not with a formal petition, but with a gesture signifying a desperate need for the king's protection and favor, appealing to the king's duty to his people.
• A Lost Sheep Finding its Shepherd: Ruth, like a lost sheep separated from its flock, finds refuge and hope in the presence of the shepherd (Boaz), who has the responsibility and means to protect and restore her.
• A Corporate Takeover Bid: In a modern, albeit less romantic, analogy, Ruth is initiating a process that could lead to an inheritance and a secure future, akin to a strategic business move that secures vital assets and future stability.

Relation to Other Verses

• Leviticus 25:25-28: This passage outlines the laws concerning the kinsman-redeemer, providing the legal and social context for Ruth's actions.
• Deuteronomy 25:5-10: This passage further elaborates on the levirate marriage and the kinsman-redeemer's duty, emphasizing the importance of perpetuating a deceased relative's name.
• Ruth 2:10: Here, Ruth acknowledges Boaz's kindness and asks why she has found favor in his eyes, foreshadowing her deeper appeal in chapter 3.
• Ruth 3:11: Boaz's immediate response, "My daughter, do not 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," confirms Ruth's understanding of the custom and Boaz's honorable intent.
• Matthew 1:5: This verse places Ruth directly in the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting the far-reaching implications of her faithful actions.