Naomi had expressed a desire back in Moab that each of her daughters-in-law might find "rest"(1:9). The Hebrew word reads "security"in the NASB and "a home"in the NIV, but its meaning in other parts of the Old Testament is a place or condition of rest.50Naomi's concern for Ruth extended beyond her physical needs of food and safety to Ruth's deeper need for a husband and hopefully a son. God had promised to bless His people with many descendents (Gen. 12:1-3), and the hope of every Jewish woman was that God would so bless her. If Ruth was able to marry Boaz and have a son, Naomi likewise would enjoy blessing since Ruth's son would perpetuate Elimelech's branch of the family. Yet Naomi's concern appears to have been primarily for Ruth's welfare because Ruth had proved to be such a blessing to her.
"A significant theological point emerges here. Earlier Naomi had wished for these same things (1:8-9). Here human means (i.e., Naomi's plan) carry out something previously understood to be in Yahweh's province. In response to providentially given opportunity, Naomi began to answer her own prayer! Thus she models one way in which divine and human actions work together: believers are not to wait passively for events to happen; rather, they must seize the initiative when an opportunity presents itself. They assume that God presents the opportunity."51
The plan Naomi proposed was in harmony with Israel's laws and social conventions. She was not proposing anything improper much less immoral.52While it is true that in the phrase "uncover his feet"(v. 4) the "feet"may be a euphemism for the sexual organs, Naomi was not suggesting that Ruth should remove Boaz's trousers.53She was probably telling Ruth to remove the blanket or cloak (v. 15) that would be covering Boaz as he slept at the threshing floor. She would then ask him to cover her with it (v. 10). This was a symbolic way of requesting Boaz's protection as her husband (cf. Ezek. 16:8).54It was an encouragement to pursue the possibility of marriage.
Why did Naomi suggest this method of encouoraging Boaz? Evidently other methods were not possible or preferable.
"But why it should be done in this way we do not know. Nor do we know whether this was a widely practiced custom or not. It is not attested other than here."55
Ruth again submitted to the counsel of her mother-in-law under whose authority she had placed herself (v. 5; cf. 2:2). Throughout the Book of Ruth the heroine is submissive to the authority of the Israelites. This reflects her commitment to following Yahweh and His chosen people.
It may appear that Ruth was inappropriately aggressive. However, Boaz had previously indicated his strong affection for her (2:11-17). She was only encouraging him to pursue his interest in her.
