What does Ruth 3:7 mean?
"And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down." - Ruth 3:7
The verse Ruth 3:7 in the King James Version of the Bible reads:
"And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down."
This verse is part of the story of Ruth and Boaz, which is found in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. The Book of Ruth is a short narrative that tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who becomes the great-grandmother of King David. The book is set during the time of the judges, and it highlights themes such as loyalty, faithfulness, and the providence of God. The verse Ruth 3:7 is a key moment in the narrative, as it marks a turning point in the relationship between Ruth and Boaz.
In this verse, we see Ruth taking a bold step as she approaches Boaz while he is sleeping and uncovers his feet before lying down at his feet. This action may seem unusual to modern readers, but in the context of the story, it is a significant act of faith and trust on Ruth's part. In ancient Israelite culture, the uncovering of the feet was a symbolic gesture that signified a request for marriage, as it was customary for a woman to lay at the feet of a man she wished to marry. Ruth's actions show her commitment to Boaz and her willingness to take a risk in order to secure a future for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
The verse also provides insight into the character of Boaz. We are told that he had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry. This suggests that Boaz was in a good mood and feeling content after his meal and drink. It also indicates that he was not in an overly alert state, which may have made it easier for Ruth to approach him. Despite his initial surprise at finding Ruth at his feet later in the narrative, Boaz ultimately responds with compassion and integrity, demonstrating his honorable character.
The themes present in this verse include loyalty, trust, and the providence of God. Ruth's actions demonstrate her loyalty and commitment to her family, specifically her mother-in-law, Naomi. Despite facing difficult circumstances as a foreign widow in a foreign land, Ruth remains faithful and takes initiative to secure a future for herself and Naomi. Her actions also show her trust in God's providence, as she takes a risk in approaching Boaz, trusting that he will honor his duty as a kinsman-redeemer.
The verse also highlights the providence of God at work in the lives of the characters. The events that unfold in the Book of Ruth ultimately lead to the redemption and restoration of Ruth and Naomi. Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer, plays a crucial role in this redemptive process, but it is ultimately God's providential care and guidance that orchestrates the events in their favor.
Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in the act of Ruth uncovering Boaz's feet. In ancient Israelite culture, the act of uncovering the feet had significant symbolic meaning, representing a request for marriage and a willingness to submit to the authority and protection of the man. Ruth's actions symbolize her trust in Boaz's ability to provide and protect her, and her desire to be united with him in marriage.
In conclusion, Ruth 3:7 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Ruth and Boaz, highlighting themes of loyalty, trust, and the providence of God. Ruth's bold actions and Boaz's response demonstrate the characters' integrity and honor, and the verse ultimately points to God's sovereign care and guidance in the lives of the characters. The symbolism of Ruth's actions further underscores the themes of trust and submission, as well as the cultural and relational significance of her actions. Overall, this verse captures a crucial moment in the unfolding story of redemption and restoration in the Book of Ruth.
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Ruth 3:7 - "And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down."
"And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down." - Ruth 3:7
Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 1:7 - "Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah."
Ruth 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
Ruth 4:7 - "Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel."
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9
"¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet." - Ruth 3:8
"And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5
Ruth 3:10 - "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."