Ruth 4:7

Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel.

Study Bible

Now in former times in Israel
This phrase sets the historical context, indicating a practice from ancient Israel. The book of Ruth is set during the time of the Judges, a period characterized by social and religious upheaval. Understanding the customs of this era is crucial for interpreting the narrative. The phrase suggests a tradition that was well-known to the original audience but may have been outdated by the time the text was written.

concerning the redemption or exchange of property
The concept of redemption is central to the book of Ruth. In Israelite law, redemption involved the recovery of property or persons through a kinsman-redeemer, as outlined in Leviticus 25:25-28. This practice ensured that land remained within the family, preserving tribal inheritance. The exchange of property also reflects the economic and social structures of ancient Israel, where land was a primary source of wealth and security.

to make any matter legally binding
Legal transactions in ancient Israel required formal procedures to ensure their validity. This phrase highlights the importance of public and recognized acts to confirm agreements. The legal system was based on community acknowledgment and oral tradition, as written contracts were not common.

a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party
This custom of removing a sandal is unique to ancient Near Eastern cultures and is mentioned in Deuteronomy 25:9-10 in the context of levirate marriage. The act symbolized the transfer of rights and responsibilities. The sandal represented one's ability to walk on and claim the land, thus transferring ownership or rights to another.

and this was a confirmation in Israel
The confirmation of a transaction through the sandal exchange was a public declaration, witnessed by the community. This practice ensured transparency and accountability, preventing disputes over property rights. It reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where legal matters were settled in the presence of elders and witnesses, as seen in Ruth 4:1-2.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Boaz
A prominent man of noble character from the tribe of Judah, who acts as the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth.

2. Ruth
A Moabite widow who remains loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi and becomes part of the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus.

3. Naomi
Ruth's mother-in-law, who returns to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons.

4. Bethlehem
The setting of the account, a town in Judah, significant as the birthplace of King David and Jesus.

5. The Sandal Exchange
A cultural practice in ancient Israel symbolizing the transfer of rights and property, akin to a legal contract.

Teaching Points

Cultural Context and Legal Practices
Understanding the cultural and legal practices of ancient Israel, such as the sandal exchange, helps us appreciate the historical context of biblical accounts.

Redemption and Responsibility
Boaz's willingness to redeem Ruth and Naomi's property illustrates the biblical principle of taking responsibility for family and community, reflecting God's redemptive nature.

Faithfulness and Loyalty
Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and Boaz's integrity are examples of faithfulness that believers are called to emulate in their relationships.

God's Sovereignty and Providence
The events in Ruth demonstrate God's sovereign plan and providence, working through ordinary people and events to fulfill His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the cultural practice of the sandal exchange in Ruth 4:7 enhance our understanding of legal transactions in ancient Israel?

2. In what ways does Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadow the redemptive work of Christ?

3. How can Ruth's loyalty to Naomi inspire us in our relationships with family and community?

4. What does the inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite, in the lineage of David and Jesus teach us about God's inclusivity and grace?

5. How can we see God's providence at work in our own lives, similar to how it is displayed in the account of Ruth?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
This passage outlines the law of levirate marriage, which provides context for Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer.

Leviticus 25:25-28
Discusses the redemption of property, which is relevant to the transaction taking place in Ruth 4:7.

Genesis 38
The account of Tamar and Judah, which also involves levirate marriage, highlighting the importance of preserving family lineage.

Matthew 1:5-6
The genealogy of Jesus, which includes Ruth, showing the fulfillment of God's plan through her inclusion.