Why did Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet?

In the biblical narrative of Ruth, we encounter a peculiar scene that has intrigued readers for centuries. Ruth, a young Moabite widow, follows the advice of her mother-in-law Naomi and performs an unusual act: she lays at the feet of Boaz, a wealthy relative, in the middle of the night. This moment is pivotal in the story, but to modern readers, it can seem strange or even scandalous. So why did Ruth lay at Boaz's feet, and what does this act signify?

To understand this event, we need to delve into the cultural context of ancient Israel, the legal customs of the time, and the deeper narrative themes at play in the book of Ruth.

The Cultural and Legal Context

The story of Ruth is set in the time of the Judges, a period in Israel's history before the establishment of the monarchy. During this era, society was governed by a set of laws and customs designed to protect vulnerable members of the community, particularly widows and orphans.

One of these customs was the practice of levirate marriage. According to this tradition, if a married man died without leaving an heir, his brother or nearest male relative was expected to marry the widow. This served several purposes:

1. It ensured the continuation of the deceased man's family line.
2. It provided for the welfare of the widow.
3. It kept property within the family.

Another related custom was that of the kinsman-redeemer or "goel" in Hebrew. The kinsman-redeemer was a close relative who had the responsibility to help a family member in need, which could include buying back sold property or providing for a widowed relative.

Ruth's Situation

Ruth, as a foreign widow in a new land, was in a precarious position. She had left her homeland of Moab to accompany her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Bethlehem after both women had lost their husbands. In Bethlehem, Ruth had been gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband.

Naomi, recognizing Boaz as a potential kinsman-redeemer, instructs Ruth to approach him in a way that would signal her desire for him to fulfill this role. This brings us to the night at the threshing floor.

The Significance of Laying at Boaz's Feet

When Ruth lays at Boaz's feet, she is essentially proposing marriage. However, this act is laden with symbolism and legal implications:

1. A Request for Protection: By laying at Boaz's feet, Ruth is symbolically placing herself under his protection. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the feet were associated with authority and dominion.
2. A Claim to Rights: Ruth is asserting her right to be redeemed as the widow of Boaz's relative. She is, in effect, calling on Boaz to fulfill his duty as a kinsman-redeemer.
3. An Act of Humility: By positioning herself at Boaz's feet, Ruth demonstrates her humility and willingness to submit to his decision.
4. A Test of Character: This act also serves to test Boaz's character. Will he take advantage of the situation, or will he respond honorably?

It's important to note that while this act might seem suggestive to modern readers, it was not intended to be seductive in the context of the story. Rather, it was a bold but culturally appropriate way for Ruth to initiate the process of redemption.

Boaz's Response

Boaz's reaction to finding Ruth at his feet reveals much about his character. He recognizes the significance of her actions immediately, praising her for her kindness and loyalty to her family. He agrees to act as her kinsman-redeemer, but notes that there is another relative who has a prior claim. Boaz promises to settle the matter legally and honorably.

This interaction showcases Boaz's integrity and his respect for both the law and Ruth herself. It sets the stage for the legal proceedings that follow, where Boaz secures the right to marry Ruth.

Theological and Narrative Significance

The scene at the threshing floor is rich in theological symbolism:

1. God's Providence: Throughout the book of Ruth, we see God's guiding hand in the events that unfold. Ruth's act of laying at Boaz's feet is part of this divine orchestration.
2. Redemption: The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is a powerful metaphor for God's redemption of His people. Boaz's willingness to redeem Ruth prefigures Christ's redemption of humanity.
3. Inclusion of Outsiders: Ruth, as a Moabite, was an outsider in Israelite society. Her inclusion in the lineage of David (and ultimately Jesus) demonstrates God's love for all nations.
4. Faith and Action: Ruth's act demonstrates the interplay between faith and action. She trusts in God's provision but also takes bold steps to secure her future.

Lessons for Today

While the specific custom that Ruth followed is no longer practiced, there are several lessons we can draw from this episode:

1. Courage in Vulnerability: Ruth's act required great courage. She risked rejection and misunderstanding to secure a future for herself and Naomi.
2. The Importance of Family and Community: The story highlights the significance of family ties and community responsibility in providing for those in need.
3. Integrity in Relationships: Boaz's honorable response to Ruth's proposition serves as a model for integrity in male-female relationships.
4. Cultural Understanding: This episode reminds us of the importance of understanding cultural context when interpreting ancient texts.
5. God's Unexpected Ways: The story of Ruth reminds us that God often works in unexpected ways to accomplish His purposes.

Conclusion

Ruth's act of laying at Boaz's feet, while strange to modern readers, was a culturally appropriate and legally significant gesture in its time. It was a bold move that set in motion events leading to Ruth's redemption, her marriage to Boaz, and ultimately, her place in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.

This pivotal moment in the narrative encapsulates themes of loyalty, redemption, providence, and the inclusion of outsiders that run throughout the book of Ruth. It stands as a testament to Ruth's faith and courage, Boaz's integrity, and ultimately, to God's faithfulness in providing for His people.

As we reflect on this ancient story, we are reminded that sometimes, securing our future and fulfilling God's plan requires us to step out in faith, even when the path forward seems uncertain or unconventional. Ruth's bold act at the threshing floor continues to inspire and instruct us today, bridging the gap between ancient custom and timeless truth.