The story in the book of Ruth beautifully describes how the romance between Ruth and Boaz develops. But this is not the only story, because beneath the surface, this story turns out to be strongly prophetic in nature and rich in symbolism.
Ruth 3
3 Bathe yourself, anoint yourself with oil, and put on your garments, and go down to the threshing floor. But don’t make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
4 And when he lies down, and you know the place where he lies, go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what you shall do.
5 And she said to her, “All that you say to me I will do.”
Washed
When Ruth, representing the people of Israel, meets her Redeemer on the threshing floor, she will be washed, a representation of the cleansing of the people (Isaiah 1:16; Isaiah 4:4). Just as the Lord now cleanses us in and through His word (Ephesians 5:26).
Oil
The anointing with oil, in the Bible olive oil (Deuteronomy 28:40), is a representation of receiving spirit and life. Kings and priests were anointed, and here it speaks in type of Israel, to whom God says: “And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).
Clothing
The putting on of (different) clothing also speaks of new life. The old is put off and the new is put on (Genesis 35:2; 2 Samuel 12:20). Paul uses this imagery when he says that we should put off the old man and put on the new man (Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:9-10).
Submission
Naomi further tells Ruth to lie at Boaz’s feet. This expresses submission (e.g., Heb. 2:8; 1 Cor. 15:25). This is also evident from Naomi’s next statement: “He will tell you what you shall do.” Ruth responds: “I will do everything you say to me.” These words refer to words once spoken by the people of Israel when they received the Law at Mount Sinai.
Exodus 19
5 And now, if you listen, yes, listen to my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be mine, a special possession above all peoples, for the whole earth is mine.
6 And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the children of Israel.
7 Then Moses came and called for the elders of the people and explained to them all these words that the LORD had commanded him.
8 And all the people answered together and said,
All that the LORD has spoken we will do.
Marriage vow
This solemn vow was given to the people of Israel when the old covenant was established. The old covenant was a marriage covenant, and these words can be read as Israel’s “yes.” Israel pledged their loyalty to God and would do everything God had asked of them. But the people were unfaithful and did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD.
in the heart
The story of Boaz and Ruth concerns the establishment of the new covenant with Israel and the redemption that takes place with it. The old covenant is a foreshadowing of the new (Heb. 10:1). The new covenant is not imposed on them like the old, but God’s instruction is given to them inwardly and written on their hearts (Jer. 31:33), and therefore we find here a promise of faithfulness through Ruth.