Ruth 4:1-8
The Redeemer Who Said No
Read the passage
1Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.
2Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, “Sit here,” and they did so.
3And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech.
4I thought I should inform you that you may buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do so. But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know, because there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I will redeem it,” he replied.
5Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.”
6The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.”
7Now 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.
8So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Boaz sits at the town gate and calls the nearer redeemer to join him. He gathers ten elders as witnesses. The family matter Ruth raised during the night will now be addressed publicly, with the other relative given his opportunity to act.
First Boaz explains that Naomi is selling the land belonging to Elimelech. The nearer relative has the first right to redeem it; Boaz comes next. The man agrees to redeem the property.
Then Boaz explains the further responsibility: acquiring the land includes taking Ruth, the widow, in marriage to preserve the deceased man's name through his inheritance. The relative declines, saying this would jeopardize his own inheritance. He yields his right to Boaz.
To confirm the transfer, he removes his sandal. The narrator explains that this was a former custom in Israel for making a property transaction binding. The sandal gives a visible confirmation to an agreement heard by the witnesses.
By the end, the nearer relative has made his decision and Boaz is free to proceed. The needs of a bereaved family have been brought into a public agreement with clear responsibilities.
How We Know
Leviticus 25:25 describes a relative redeeming family land. Deuteronomy 25:5–10 concerns a deceased man's brother marrying his widow to preserve his name. Ruth involves related concerns, but Boaz is a more distant relative. The sandal ceremonies also differ: Ruth describes confirmation of a property transaction; Deuteronomy describes a widow removing the sandal of a brother who refuses his duty. The passages should not be treated as identical arrangements.
Questions
1 Who does Boaz gather at the gate?
AnswerThe nearer redeemer and ten elders of the city. The elders sit as witnesses while the men discuss the family property and responsibilities.
2 What makes the nearer relative change his answer?
AnswerBoaz explains that the arrangement includes marriage to Ruth to preserve the deceased man’s name through his inheritance. The relative says this would jeopardize his own inheritance.
3 What does removing the sandal confirm?
AnswerIt confirms the transfer of the right of redemption to Boaz, following the property custom the narrator explains.
4 Why should we understand the responsibilities before making a commitment?
AnswerA decision can affect people whose needs we have not yet considered. Clear terms help us weigh the cost honestly and take responsibility for what we agree to do.
What This Means for Us
Faithfulness includes the practical details of an agreement. When a decision affects a family's home, money, or care, make the responsibilities clear and respect the people involved. We can trust God with the outcome while doing our part openly and carefully, even when a shortcut looks easier.
Prayer
Lord, help us deal honestly with one another. Give us patience with necessary details and concern for the people affected by our decisions. Make us faithful in the responsibilities we accept. Amen.