Ruth's Submission and the Kinsman-Redeemer Tradition in Ancient Israel

One of the well-known customs in the ancient Near East was for a person to uncover another's feet, which symbolized submission and acceptance of leadership. This custom is beautifully illustrated in the Old Testament book of Ruth, which not only captures the intimate details of an ancient marriage custom but also foreshadows the grace and sacrifice of Christ.

The Cultural Context

In Ruth 3:3-4, Ruth's request to Boaz, 'spread thy skirt over thy handmaid,' is a symbolic pledge of marriage, a custom deeply rooted in the culture of that time. Boaz's response, 'my heart goes out to thee, ' is a poignant reflection of how Ruth's loyalty and selflessness have already earned his approval.

A Symbol of Covenant

Ruth's action is also compared to a similar event in Ezekiel 16:8-9, where God uses the image of a covenant to describe His relationship with Israel. The phrase 'spread my skirt over thee' is a symbol of God's protection and covenantal relationship with His people. Thus, Ruth's action with Boaz is not merely a custom but a symbolic pledge that aligns with the covenantal nature of God's dealings with His people.

God's Grace and the Kinsman-Redeemer

The book of Ruth as a whole is a testament to God's gracious concern for all mankind, revealing His covenantal love not just towards the Jews but also towards the Gentiles like Ruth. It is a beautiful illustration of the Kinsman-Redeemer tradition in Israel, where a close relative was responsible for redeeming the property and ensuring the continuation of the family line. David, the king of Israel, is a descendant of Ruth and Boaz, underscoring the significant role of this tradition in the history of salvation.

Naomi's Guidance and Ruth's Loyalty

Why did Ruth lay at Boaz's feet? The simple answer is that Naomi advised her to do so as part of the ancient customs that governed marriage and redemption in Israel. However, the deeper reason lies in Naomi's wisdom and Ruth's unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law. Naomi's guidance was rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the time, but Ruth's actions were pure expressions of her love and commitment.

The Prophetic Significance

This story goes beyond a mere cultural custom. It is a prophetic account of Christ's future sacrifice at Calvary. Just as Boaz served as the Kinsman-Redeemer for Ruth, Jesus Christ would become the Redeemer for all humanity, securing redemption through His self-sacrifice. The love and loyalty displayed in this ancient custom foreshadow the greater love and sacrifice of Christ for His people.

Conclusion

The story of Ruth and Boaz in the book of Ruth is more than just a historical account; it is a profound narrative that reveals God's grace and His faithfulness to His people. Whether it is through the Kinsman-Redeemer tradition or the prophetic significance of Christ's future sacrifice, the story of Ruth and Boaz is a powerful reminder of God's love and redemption.