Ruth 4:9

¶ And Boaz said unto the elders, and [unto] all the people, Ye [are] witnesses this day, that I have bought all that [was] Elimelech's, and all that [was] Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

And Boaz {H1162} said {H559} unto the elders {H2205}, and unto all the people {H5971}, Ye are witnesses {H5707} this day {H3117}, that I have bought {H7069} all that was Elimelech's {H458}, and all that was Chilion's {H3630} and Mahlon's {H4248}, of the hand {H3027} of Naomi {H5281}.

Bo'az addressed the leaders and all the people: "You are witnesses today that I am purchasing from Na'omi all that belonged to Elimelekh and all that belonged to Kilyon and Machlon.

At this, Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon.

And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.

Commentary

Ruth 4:9 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Ruth, as Boaz publicly formalizes his commitment to redeem the family line of Elimelech and Naomi. This declaration, made before the elders and all the people at the city gate, solidifies his role as the kinsman-redeemer.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, the city gate served as the primary legal and administrative center. It was the place where public transactions, judicial decisions, and official declarations were made, ensuring transparency and accountability. The presence of "elders" and "all the people" meant this was a legally binding and widely recognized act. Boaz's declaration directly addresses the Levitical law concerning the kinsman-redeemer, or go'el, whose responsibility was to restore family property and preserve the family name, particularly for those in distress, as was the case with Naomi, Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Redemption: The central theme is Boaz's act of redemption. He publicly declares his purchase of the land that belonged to Elimelech, Naomi's deceased husband, and his sons Chilion and Mahlon. This act ensures the land remains within the family line, preventing its permanent loss and restoring Naomi's economic security.
  • Public Witness: The emphasis on "Ye are witnesses this day" underscores the legal validity and public nature of the transaction. This was not a private agreement but a formal covenant made before the community, ensuring its legitimacy and future enforceability.
  • Restoration and Hope: Boaz's actions bring restoration not only of property but also of hope and future for Naomi's family. It sets the stage for the continuation of Elimelech's lineage, which is crucial for the narrative's ultimate purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "bought" is qanah (קָנָה), which signifies to acquire, purchase, or obtain. While it can also mean to create or possess, in this legal context, it clearly denotes a formal acquisition through payment or agreement. The term "witnesses" (Hebrew: ‘edim, עֵדִים) highlights the indispensable role of public testimony in ancient legal proceedings, validating the transaction before God and man.

Related Scriptures

This verse is deeply connected to the broader laws of redemption found in the Old Testament, such as those concerning the go'el in Leviticus 25:25-34. Boaz's declaration here is the legal prerequisite for the subsequent act described in Ruth 4:10, where he also takes Ruth to be his wife, further ensuring the preservation of the family name and lineage through levirate marriage principles.

Practical Application

Boaz's integrity and public commitment serve as a powerful example of faithfulness. For believers today, this narrative provides a rich illustration of spiritual redemption. Just as Boaz acted as the kinsman-redeemer for Naomi and her family, Jesus Christ serves as our ultimate Redeemer, buying us back from the slavery of sin and death through His sacrifice. This verse reminds us of the importance of living with integrity, fulfilling our commitments, and the transformative power of God's providence working through faithful individuals to bring about His greater plan of salvation and restoration.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 32:10 (2 votes)

    And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed [it], and took witnesses, and weighed [him] the money in the balances.

  • Jeremiah 32:12 (2 votes)

    And I gave the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, the son of Maaseiah, in the sight of Hanameel mine uncle's [son], and in the presence of the witnesses that subscribed the book of the purchase, before all the Jews that sat in the court of the prison.

  • Genesis 23:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current [money] with the merchant.

  • Genesis 23:18 (2 votes)

    Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.