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Ruth 4:7

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Ruth 4:7

Verse 7 of 22

Scripture focus

Now this [was the manner] in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave [it] to his neighbour: and this [was] a testimony in Israel.

Ruth 4:7 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Ruth 4:7

Theological / Devotional

In former time. See on v. 8.

To confirm all things. Literally, “to confirm any transaction.” The procedure noted in this verse is not out of harmony with the law of Deut. 25:7-9, which is concerned with a woman who finds no kinsman of her deceased husband willing to perform the duty of a kinsman. Consequently, she takes the initiative against the kinsman who refuses her proposal. He confirms his refusal by allowing the woman to pluck off his shoe.

According to Jewish commentators, however, the woman spits on the ground before his face, which the Hebrew construction would allow.

But in the case of Boaz the situation was different. Ruth had asked him to marry her, and he was ready to do so. The request to the nearer kinsman was not being made by the woman whose husband had died. Boaz was evidently granting the other kinsman the chance to marry Ruth if he wanted to do so, a prerogative that was his by law.

By SdaBc