“Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel.”
Ruth 4:7 provides us with a glimpse into an ancient practice in Israel related to redemption and the transfer of property rights. To fully understand its significance, let’s explore the context and cultural background of this verse.
The book of Ruth tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who became the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth’s husband had died, and she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, instead of returning to her own people. Eventually, Ruth caught the attention of a wealthy relative of Naomi’s husband, named Boaz, who became a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.
In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a kinsman-redeemer:was a male relative who had the right and responsibility to rescue family members in need, especially widows and orphaned children. This role involved actions such as redeeming property, marrying the widow to provide her with a new husband, and continuing the family line.
Ruth 4:7:specifically describes a customary practice during the process of redeeming and exchanging property. When the transaction occurred, a man would pluck off his shoe and give it to his neighbor. This act held symbolic significance as a testimony or witness to confirm the agreement being made.
The act of exchanging a shoe was likely a symbolic gesture representing the transfer of rights and responsibilities. By taking off his shoe and giving it to his neighbor, the man was relinquishing his claim to the property or confirming his intent to honor the agreement. This practice served as a visible and tangible confirmation of the transaction, establishing it as a legal and binding contract in the eyes of the community.
In Ruth’s story, this practice is significant because Boaz had agreed to redeem the property of Ruth’s deceased husband, Elimelech, as well as marry Ruth to continue the family line. Boaz and the nearer kinsman-redeemer engaged in a legal and public discussion regarding the redemption rights. Ultimately, the nearer kinsman-redeemer declined to fulfill the responsibilities associated with the redemption, thereby allowing Boaz to step in and become the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.
In the subsequent verses, we see that Boaz officially acquires the rights to the property and marries Ruth, as witnessed by the community elders. The act of Boaz receiving the shoe from the nearer kinsman-redeemer confirmed the transfer of responsibilities and rights, concluding the redemption process.
The practice described in Ruth 4:7:showcases the meticulousness of legal transactions and the importance of community witnesses in ancient Israel. The act of giving the shoe added a tangible element to the agreement and emphasized the solemnity and commitment involved.
In summary, Ruth 4:7:highlights the customary practice in ancient Israel regarding redeeming and exchanging property. The act of a man plucking off his shoe and giving it to his neighbor served as a testimony, confirming the agreement and the transfer of rights. This practice was a visible and tangible way to establish the legal and binding nature of the transaction in the eyes of the community.
