Why did Ruth uncover Boaz’s feet? What does this mean? What do you say to those who suggest immoral activity here?

This text is from a transcript of a talk by David Gooding, entitled ‘Maintaining the Inheritance’ (2005).

That is a suggestion that comes from their own imagination. It is not in the text. 'She lay at his feet,' is what the text says. If you were to add that that is immoral and there were some immoral goings on, as the rabbis sometimes say there were, then you are adding to that text. It doesn't say so and Boaz observes that everybody knows that she is a virtuous woman.

And secondly, let there be no occasion for misunderstanding. 'Go home before it is light'—as if there had been immoral behaviour and Boaz is now covering it up. That is suggesting an enacted lie, but there is no need to suppose there was anything immoral. What she appealed to was the fact that he was a kinsman, and therefore she uncovered his feet and took her position there at his feet, signifying her submission. That she asked him to put the edge of his garment over her, is a symbolic act as a kinsman would do, guaranteeing her protection 'under his wings,' It is the same word as, 'God—under whose wings we have come to trust.' So here now as a kinsman he acknowledges the kinsman's responsibility to act in her interest and to protect her as a widow. But beyond that, of course, he promises to marry her.