Ruth 4:6-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 4:7

And this was formerly a custom in Israel, on occasion of surrendering rights of kinship, or of selling and buying land, in order to confirm any matter; a man drew off his shoe and gave it to the other contracting party. This was attestation in Israel. We give a free translation. The custom was significant enough. He who sold land, or surrendered his right to act as a kinsman in buying land, intimated by the symbolical act of taking off his shoe, and handing it to his friend, that he freely... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 4:8

And the kinsman said to Boaz, Acquire for thyself; and drew off his shoe. On the instant that he said, "Acquire for thyself," viz; the land with its living appurtenant, he drew off his shoe and presented it. Josephus allowed his imagination to run off with his memory when, mixing up the historical case before us with the details of the ancient Levirate law ( Deuteronomy 25:7-9 ), which were, in later times at all events, more honored in the breach than in the observance, he represents Boaz... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 4:9

And Boaz said to the eiders and all the people, Ye are witnesses this day that I have acquired the whole estate of Elimelech, and the whole estate of Chillon and Machlon, from the hand of Naomi. It is absolutely necessary that, at this part of the narrative, as well as in several other portions, we read "between the verses." Naomi, either personally or by representative, must have appeared on the scene, to surrender her territorial rights and receive the value of the estate that had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 4:9-11

Honorable conduct honorably witnessed. By the "shoe" in the context is meant, no doubt, the sandal, which in the East was, and is, the ordinary covering of the foot, fastened by means of a thong of leather. Although in a house, or in a temple, the sandal was dispensed with, it was always used in walking and upon a journey. It was taken off at meals, in every sacred place, and in the presence of every sacred person, and on occasion of mourning. The context brings before us a symbolical use... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 4:10

And likewise Ruth the Moabitess, wife of Machlon, have I acquired to myself to wife, to establish the name of the deceased upon his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased may not be cut off from among his Brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day. This, to Boaz, would be by far the most delightful part of the day's proceedings. His heart would swell with manly pride and devout gratitude when he realized, amid all the cumbrous technicalities of old Hebrew law,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 4:10

The name of the dead. Elimelech was dead, Mahlon was dead. But to Naomi and to Ruth, who survived, and even to Boaz, the kinsmen of the deceased, the dead were sacred. Not only was their memory treasured in the hearts of the survivors; the fact that they had lived exercised an influence, and a very marked influence, over the conduct of those still living. This was human, admirable, and right. I. THE NAME OF THE DEAD SHOULD BE SACRED IN EVERY FAMILY . We were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 4:11

And all the people who were in the gateway, and the elders, said, Witnesses! May Yahveh grant that the wife who has come into thy house may be as Rachel and Leah, who built, the two of them, the house of Israel ! The people of the city in general, and the venerable elders in particular, were pleased with every step that Boaz had taken. They felt that he had acted a truly honorable part, at once in reference to Naomi, and to Ruth, and to the nearest kinsman, and likewise in reference to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 4:11-12

Good wishes. When the marriage of Boaz with Ruth was resolved upon, the elders of the city, the bridegroom's neighbors and friends, expressed with cordiality their congratulations and good wishes. They wished well to himself, to his Wife, to his house or family, to his offspring, his seed. I. KIND WISHES ARE FOUNDED IN A PRINCIPLE DIVINELY PLANTED IN HUMAN NATURE . Sympathy is a principle of human nature. Benevolence is as natural as selfishness, though less... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 4:12

And may thy house he as the house of Pharez, whom Tamer bare to Judah, (springing) from the seed which Yahveh will give to thee of this young woman! Pharez's descendants, the Pharzites, were particularly numerous, and hence the good wishes of Boaz's fellow-townsmen (see Numbers 26:20 , Numbers 26:21 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ruth 4:13

And Boaz took Ruth, and she became to him his wife; and he went in to her, and Yahveh gave her conception, and she bore a son. read more

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