Abstract:
This article investigates the possibility that
Ruth 3:7, where Ruth went to lie at Boaz’ ‘feet’, can be read in an intertextual way in the context of
Exodus 4:25. In Exodus 4:24–26, whilst at a camping place on their way to Egypt, the Lord came
to kill Moses. Then Zipporah, his wife, took a sharp stone (or stone knife), cut off the foreskin of
her son and touched Moses’ ‘feet’ with it. Because of the circumcision she said to Moses: ‘You
are a bridegroom of blood to me’. And so the Lord spared the life of Moses. Zipporah took the
initiative and because of this, God’s will and plan for Moses could still be reached. The covenant
duty of circumcision, according to Genesis 17:10–14, could also be accomplished through her
intervention. This section also clearly illustrates that God welcomes non-Israelites to enter into
the community of Israel. In Ruth 3:7, the same word for feet is used as in Exodus 4:25, namely
רגל . The analogous use of this word clearly emphasises the importance of the functioning of the
covenant 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 that
God’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 the
future of the offspring of Mahlon/Boaz.
