by John O’Malley
“And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do” (Ruth 3:4).
The instructions from Naomi to Ruth in the minds of twenty-first century readers may seem a bit unusual. She was told, after her waiting until Boaz had finished eating, drinking, and lying down, she would go into that area and “uncover his feet.” This simple action would be significant in that setting. Keep in mind that this action was completely pure, and nothing about it was illicit.
Secular historians indicate that such action was taken by a wife to her lawful husband. Such action would display her subjection and modesty. The position she would take was rather a unique one as she was uncovering the place she would lay down. She would lay at his feet, perpendicular to Boaz.
Ruth’s heart, decorated with purity and humility, now takes overt action in her desire to be redeemed by this kinsman. Her directive from Naomi was simple: she would make a place to lie down at his feet. The covering over Boaz as he slept offered a bit of warmth from the gentle breezes. When she removed this covering, it would be a method to wake him and offer opportunity for him to make a decision concerning redeeming Ruth as a kinsman.
Her action of uncovering the feet of Boaz indicated that she had a need only Boaz could fill, and she desired that he would fill it. Her uncovering would be easily likened to a child of God going to Him in prayer with a heart decorated with humility and purity—the uncovering of our Eternal Boaz’s feet in presenting to Him our petitions and discovering God’s power and seeing the surety of His promises.
Reader, when last have you sought out our Eternal Boaz in prayer and uncovered His feet? How long ago was it when you last placed yourself before Him in subjection to His Lordship over your life? When last have you come to Him and placed yourself at His feet to accept His will for you? Today, take a moment to uncover the feet of our Eternal Boaz, and present yourself to Him.
Many have come to the Eternal Boaz and sought His redemption as their kinsman. Have you? None has ever been refused.