The act described involving Ruth and Boaz’s feet, found in the Book of Ruth, Chapter 3, is a symbolic gesture deeply rooted in ancient Israelite custom related to claiming a kinsman-redeemer. This action was not merely about uncovering the physical feet; rather, it represented a formal request for Boaz to fulfill his legal and social obligation as a close relative of Ruth’s deceased husband. By placing herself at his feet, Ruth was appealing to Boaz to provide her with protection, security, and offspring through levirate marriage, thereby ensuring the continuation of her husband’s family line and inheritance.
The significance of this action lies in its adherence to the principles of hesed, often translated as loving-kindness or loyal love, central to the Old Testament. The practice addressed the vulnerability of widows and landless individuals in ancient society, preventing families from dying out and preserving ancestral land within the clan. By agreeing to this request, Boaz would not only be demonstrating his righteousness and compassion but also securing his own legacy through future generations.
