The Verse
King James Version (KJV): 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.
New International Version (NIV): (Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.)
English Standard Version (ESV): Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was a manner of attesting in Israel.
Introduction
Ruth 4:7 is a fascinating verse, whirling us back to ancient times, to complex traditions, and to a world vastly different from ours. Yet, within its rich tapestry of social norms and cultural practices, we find a profound lesson of sacrifice, redemption, and allegiance. The verse captures a moment of transformation, a turning point, where Ruth’s future is secured due to the ancient law of redemption.
While the act of exchanging a sandal may seem peculiar to us, it represents a powerful commitment in the context of Ruth’s story. It symbolizes the legal transfer of rights and responsibilities, a binding covenantal gesture that secures Ruth’s future and seals her place within God’s grand narrative of redemption.
Historical Context
Ruth 4:7 appears within the Book of Ruth, a narrative situated in the period of the Judges. Likely composed during the monarchy of King David, this story of loyalty and redemption provides a contrasting backdrop to the moral and spiritual anarchy of the time. The verse represents a crucial moment in the story when Boaz redeems Ruth, securing her place in the lineage of King David, and ultimately, Jesus Christ.
Key Word Analysis
Redeeming: From the Hebrew “ga’al” meaning to buy back, redeem, or act as a kinsman-redeemer. This refers to the social-cultural practice in ancient Israel where the nearest kin had the responsibility to assist a relative in distress.
Changing: This refers to the transaction, the exchange of property rights. The act of removing the sandal symbolizes this change of ownership.
Testimony: The Hebrew “teudah,” meaning a witness or evidence. The giving of the sandal was a public act, serving as a legal testimony of the transaction.
Spiritual Insight
This verse reveals the concept of redemption and the importance of covenant faithfulness in the Bible. It shows God’s providential care, even in seemingly mundane actions. Moreover, Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth’s story serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, our ultimate Redeemer.
Life Application
One way to apply this verse in our daily life is to understand the concept of redemption better. We can reflect on how God has redeemed us through Jesus Christ and commit ourselves to live in gratitude and faithfulness, recognizing and serving those in need as Boaz did for Ruth.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
“Beloved, just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, I have come to redeem you. Do not fear for I am your kinsman-redeemer, I’ve paid the price to free you from sin and death. Live in the security of my love, and let it inspire you to be a source of love and redemption in the world.”
Prayer Prompt
Lord, thank you for being our ultimate Redeemer, our Boaz. Help us understand the depth of your redeeming love and let it transform us into vessels of your love and redemption for others. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What does the removal of the sandal symbolize?
Ans: The removal of the sandal symbolizes a legal transfer of property rights in ancient Israelite culture.
Ques: What does redemption mean in this context?
Ans: Redemption here refers to the act of a kinsman buying back the rights and responsibilities of a relative in distress.
Ques: Who is being redeemed in Ruth 4:7?
Ans: Ruth is being redeemed by Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer.
Ques: How is this verse relevant to Christians today?
Ans: This verse serves as a vivid reminder of God’s redeeming love, portrayed through the story of Ruth and Boaz, and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Related Verses
Leviticus 25:25: If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold. (This verse explains the law of redemption followed by Boaz.)
Ruth 4:13: So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. (It shows the result of the redemption process.)
Matthew 1:5: And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse. (This shows Ruth and Boaz in the lineage of Jesus Christ, highlighting the far-reaching implications of this redemption.)
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