What did Ruth do while Boaz was sleeping?

In the cool of the night, Ruth made a bold move by uncovering Boaz's feet and lying down at his side—an act teeming with cultural significance. This gesture was more than just a curious middle-of-the-night decision; it was rooted in ancient customs regarding kinship and redemption.

Ruth’s actions can be seen as a demonstration of loyalty and urgency for her and her mother-in-law Naomi’s future. Notably, Ruth was not just any woman; she was a Moabite, acting in an environment that often viewed her kind unfavorably. Her choice to approach Boaz was a voluntary brave step toward securing her place within the Israelite community, an echo of God’s call for integrating outsiders traditionally seen as 'other.'

Moreover, uncovering someone's feet while they sleep may seem strange in our modern context, yet in Ruth's day, it symbolized an invitation for a change in relationship—even proposing marriage. The act signifies a yearning for redemption, both personal and familial.

Interestingly, many biblical parallels speak about ‘feet’ in a profound sense. For instance, in John 13, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet—a poignant image of humility and service. Ruth’s act was imbued with her own kind of subversion, neatly tilting societal norms to advocate for mercy and hope, resulting in generations influenced by her steadfast resolve. Thus, Ruth’s nighttime encounter highlights the incredible power found in acts of courage dominoing towards a beautiful outcome against all odds.