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 {H1162} had eaten {H398} and drunk {H8354}, and his heart {H3820} was merry {H3190}, he went {H935} to lie down {H7901} at the end {H7097} of the heap of corn {H6194}: and she came {H935} softly {H3909}, and uncovered {H1540} his feet {H4772}, and laid her down {H7901}.

After Bo'az was through eating and drinking and was feeling good, he went to lie down at the end of the pile of grain. She stole in, uncovered his feet and lay down.

After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then Ruth went in secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay 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 grain: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

Context of Ruth 3:7

Ruth 3:7 takes place at the threshing floor in Bethlehem during the barley harvest, a bustling hub of agricultural activity and often a communal sleeping area for workers guarding the valuable grain. After a day of labor and a celebratory meal, Boaz, a wealthy and respected landowner, settled down to sleep at the end of a heap of corn. This scene is the culmination of Naomi's strategic plan for Ruth to secure a kinsman-redeemer. Naomi had instructed Ruth carefully in Ruth 3:4 to wait until Boaz was asleep before approaching him. The threshing floor, though public during the day, became private at night, making Ruth's presence there a bold, yet calculated, move orchestrated by Naomi to initiate the process of redemption.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ruth's Obedience and Initiative: Ruth demonstrates remarkable obedience to Naomi's counsel, coupled with courage to execute a culturally sensitive and potentially risky plan. Her action at the threshing floor is a direct step towards securing her future and Naomi's.
  • Boaz's Character: The verse highlights Boaz's relaxed state ("his heart was merry") after eating and drinking, yet the subsequent narrative (Ruth 3:8-13) reveals his integrity and self-control. Despite the late hour and his relaxed state, Boaz acts honorably, underscoring his righteous character and suitability as a kinsman-redeemer.
  • The Threshing Floor as a Pivotal Point: This location, often associated with judgment and separation (like separating grain from chaff), becomes a place of crucial decision and providential arrangement for Ruth and Boaz, leading to their union and the continuation of the messianic line.
  • God's Providence: Although God is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, His guiding hand is evident throughout the book of Ruth, orchestrating the circumstances that bring Ruth and Boaz together. This moment is a significant step in God's redemptive plan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "uncovered his feet" has been the subject of much discussion. While some interpretations suggest a euphemistic meaning for a more intimate act, the context within the book of Ruth strongly supports a literal interpretation. In ancient Israel, uncovering someone's feet and lying there was a gesture of humility, submission, and a plea for protection or responsibility. It was a symbolic act, inviting the person to acknowledge the supplicant and take action. Ruth's subsequent request in Ruth 3:9, "Spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman," clarifies her intent: she was asking for Boaz's protective covering and for him to fulfill his duty as a kinsman-redeemer, not initiating a sexual encounter. This act was a culturally appropriate way to make her petition known.

Practical Application

Ruth 3:7 illustrates the interplay of human initiative and divine providence. It encourages believers to:

  • Act with Wisdom and Boldness: Like Ruth, we are called to act decisively and faithfully, even in uncomfortable or uncertain situations, trusting in God's guidance.
  • Maintain Integrity: Boaz's character in this vulnerable setting serves as a model for integrity and self-control, reminding us to uphold righteous conduct regardless of circumstances.
  • Trust God's Timing: The scene unfolds at the precise moment, demonstrating that God works through ordinary circumstances and human plans to bring about His extraordinary purposes. Our trust in God's timing and sovereignty is crucial as we navigate life's challenges, knowing that He is always at work for our good (Romans 8:28).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Judges 19:6

    And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry.

  • Esther 1:10

    ¶ On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

  • Judges 19:9

    And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.

  • 2 Samuel 13:28

    Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:7

    Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:15

    Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:19

    A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all [things].
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