In ancient history, the law for transferring or redeeming property was finalized when the owner removed his sandal and gave it to the other party. Because the other relative had rightful ownership as the closest kinsman-redeemer he had to give up his rights by taking off his sandal and giving it to Boaz - which gave Boaz the right of ownership. Then immediately to complete the transaction Boaz called upon the witnesses to confirm the transaction of redemption (4:9-10). He turned to the ten elders and to the people standing around witnessing the scene, calling upon them to be witnesses to the legal transaction. He then itemized exactly what he was redeeming.
1. Bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, from the hand of Naomi.
2. Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, acquired as his wife in order to keep alive the family name and family property
Once Boaz had finished calling upon the elders to be a witness, they joyfully responded "We are witnesses". Then they gave a beautiful prayer and blessing upon Ruth and Boaz, for which we will examine further in our next post.
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