The Book Ruth is a story of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence that’s revered in both Christianity and Judaism. In The Book of Ruth chapter 3. Ruth and Boaz on the threshing floor. Ruth a widowed Moabite woman, lies at the feet of Boaz covering herself with his blanket. Many people misunderstand what’s going on and use this scene to say that Christianity oppresses women. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Viewed through the lens of ancient Jewish cultural norms and theological significance, this act is actually a powerful expression of humility, trust, and adherence to God’s redemptive plan.
The Context of Ruth’s Action When the judges ruled Israel (circa 1100 BCE), there was lots of moral and social instability. After the deaths of their husbands, Ruth, a Moabite widow, returns to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth has to glean in the fields to support her family, and then she ends up in Boaz’s field, who is Naomi’s late husband’s relative. Ruth 2:1 describes Boaz as a “worthy man” who is kind to Ruth, letting her glean safely and generously.
Naomi’s recognition that Boaz is a potential “kinsman-redeemer” (Hebrew: go’el) devises a plan to secure Ruth’s future. A kinsman-redeemer was very significant in ancient Israelite society, founded on the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 25:25–28; Deuteronomy 25:5–10). To preserve the deceased’s lineage, this relative redeems family property and marries a childless widow The Bible tells us that Ruth approaches Boaz on the threshing floor after the harvest celebrations take place, and “uncover his feet and lie down.” It’s not a romantic or scandalous move for Ruth to lie at Boaz’ feet and cover herself with his blanket.
Ancient Jewish Cultural: The Kinsman-Redeemer
To understand Ruth’s actions, we must consider ancient Israel’s cultural framework. The concept of kinsman-redeemer was deeply embedded in Israeli law and custom. If a man died without an heir, his closest relative could marry the widow to produce a child who would carry on the deceased’s name and inherit his property. This practice, known as levirate marriage, ensured the family’s legacy was preserved and protected widows from destitution. Boaz, as a relative of Elimelech, was eligible to fulfill this role of kinsman redeemer for Ruth, the widow of Elimelech’s son, Mahlon.
Ruth laid at Boaz’s feet as a symbol of redemption and protection. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the feet symbolized authority, humility, or submission. For example, Psalm 119:105 likens God’s word to a “lamp to my feet,” guiding one’s way. Ruth positions herself as a supplicant by lying down at Boaz’s feet, appealing humbly to him as a kinsman redeemer. In Ezekiel 16:8, God spread His garment over Israel as a covenant of protection. Ruth was proposing marriage by covering herself with his blanket (or robe) (Hebrew: kanaf, meaning “wing” or “corner of the garment”). Using this imagery, Ruth implores Boaz to take her under his protection through marriage by saying, “Spread your wings over your me, for you are a redeemer”.
Jewish tradition further enriches this interpretation. According to the Midrash and Talmud, Ruth’s piety and Boaz’s righteousness are highlighted. In Proverbs 31, the “eshet chayil” (worthy woman) ideal is characterized by loyalty and obedience, which Ruth demonstrated by her bold actions. Boaz’s response by praising Ruth and making sure she was safe by accepting her marriage proposal shows that Boaz adheres to Torah principles like gleaning for the poor and honoring family duties.
Cultural Misinterpretations
It is a nighttime setting and the phrase “Uncover his feet” explains why many modern readers could easily misinterpret Ruth’s actions as seductive. But given the text’s focus on Ruth’s and Boaz’s moral integrity, Despite Ruth’s explicit marriage proposal the Hebrew term “margelot” (place of the feet) clarifies that her act wasn’t sexual but symbolic. Boaz’s startled reaction (Ruth 3:8) and his praise of Ruth’s boldness(Ruth 3:10–11) further dispel any notion of a sexual advance. Naomi’s plan was culturally appropriate, intended to spur Boaz to act.
Ruth’s Bold Faith and God’s Providence
Ruth chose to lie at Boaz’s feet because of her faith and agency. As a Moabite, Ruth was an outsider in Bethlehem, but she embraced Naomi’s God and people (Ruth 1:16–17). Through Israel’s laws and Boaz’s character, her actions showed trust in God’s provision. While Ruth broke social conventions by choosing loyalty to Naomi over personal security and boldly proposing to an older man, she did so within the law. Ruth’s story illustrates how God works through ordinary acts of faithfulness to accomplish His redemptive purposes, ultimately weaving Ruth into the lineage of King David and Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
Final Thoughts
The act of lying at Boaz’s feet and covering herself with his blanket is associated with levirate marriage and kinsman-redeemer responsibilities in Jewish tradition. In her humble yet bold proposal, she demonstrated her faith in God’s provision and Boaz’s integrity, which reflected her faith in God. Boaz’s righteousness, Ruth’s loyalty, and God’s providence in redeeming the marginalized make this moment far from scandalous. Among Christians, it foreshadows Christ’s redemptive work, while Jews venerate Ruth as a model convert and matriarch. It’s a poignant scene that reminds us that God uses faithful obedience to fulfill a grand plan.
