Ruth who uncovered Boaz's 'feet' and had laid there with him : the significance of this symbolic act in Ruth 3:7 in the light of Exodus 4:25

摘要

This article investigates the possibility thatRuth 3:7, where Ruth went to lie at Boaz’ ‘feet’, can be read in an intertextual way in the context ofExodus 4:25. In Exodus 4:24–26, whilst at a camping place on their way to Egypt, the Lord cameto kill Moses. Then Zipporah, his wife, took a sharp stone (or stone knife), cut off the foreskin ofher son and touched Moses’ ‘feet’ with it. Because of the circumcision she said to Moses: ‘Youare a bridegroom of blood to me’. And so the Lord spared the life of Moses. Zipporah took theinitiative and because of this, God’s will and plan for Moses could still be reached. The covenantduty of circumcision, according to Genesis 17:10–14, could also be accomplished through herintervention. This section also clearly illustrates that God welcomes non-Israelites to enter intothe community of Israel. In Ruth 3:7, the same word for feet is used as in Exodus 4:25, namelyרגל . The analogous use of this word clearly emphasises the importance of the functioning of thecovenant of God with Israel. There are also other similarities between these verses of Scripture.It is indicated that Ruth, like Zipporah, also took the initiative and intervened to ensure thatGod’s covenant plan for Israel will be accomplished. It is also indicated that Ruth, like Zipporah,is accepted into the community of Israel and that she will play an important role ensuring thefuture of the offspring of Mahlon/Boaz.