What does Ruth 4:8 mean?
"Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe." - Ruth 4:8
Sure, here is a detailed commentary on the Bible verse Ruth 4:8 from the King James Version.
Now, Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there; and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz had spoken came by. So Boaz said, "Come aside, friend, sit down here." So he came aside and sat down.
This verse comes from the book of Ruth in the Old Testament. The book of Ruth tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who becomes the great-grandmother of King David. In the fourth chapter, we see Boaz, a wealthy landowner and kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, fulfilling his duty to redeem and marry Ruth to carry on the family line of her deceased husband.
In this verse, we see Boaz taking the initiative to ensure that the rightful redemption of Ruth takes place. He goes to the gate of the city, which was the place where legal and business transactions were conducted. This shows that Boaz is taking the proper steps to ensure that the redemption of Ruth is done in a lawful and public manner.
The close relative, who is the potential kinsman-redeemer, is passing by, and Boaz calls him to come and sit. This action shows Boaz's respect and courtesy towards the potential redeemer. He doesn't force the issue but instead invites him to sit and talk things over.
One of the themes that can be drawn from this verse is the theme of redemption. In the biblical context, the concept of redemption is about restoring or buying back something that was lost or forfeited. In this case, Boaz is stepping in as a redeemer to restore the inheritance and family line of Ruth's deceased husband. This act of redemption foreshadows the ultimate redemption that comes through Jesus Christ, who redeems us from sin and restores our relationship with God.
Another important theme in this verse is the theme of justice and righteousness. Boaz is making sure that the redemption of Ruth is done in a just and lawful manner. This reflects the character of God, who is just and righteous in all His ways. It also serves as a reminder for us to seek justice and righteousness in our dealings with others.
Symbolically, the gate of the city can represent the place of authority and judgment. Boaz's actions at the gate show that he is seeking to fulfill his responsibilities in a public and official manner. This can remind us of the importance of conducting our affairs with honesty and integrity, especially in the presence of authority.
Overall, Ruth 4:8 is a significant verse that highlights the themes of redemption, justice, and righteousness. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of conducting our affairs in a lawful and honorable manner. As we reflect on this verse, may we be inspired to seek justice, show kindness, and walk in righteousness in our own lives.
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Ruth 4:8 - "Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe."
"Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe." - Ruth 4:8
Ruth 1:4 - "And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years."
Ruth 2:8 - "Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:"
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."
Ruth 4:18 - "¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Ruth 4:20 - "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,"
Ruth 4:21 - "And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,"
Ruth 4:19 - "And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,"
Ruth 4:22 - "And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David."
Ruth 4:5 - "Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance."
Ruth 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 4:10 - "Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day."
"And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years." - Ruth 1:4
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
"¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron," - Ruth 4:18
"And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David." - Ruth 4:22
"And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," - Ruth 4:20
"And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab," - Ruth 4:19
"And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed," - Ruth 4:21
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
"¶ 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." - Ruth 4:13
Ruth 4:14 - "And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel."
Ruth 4:17 - "And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."
"Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:" - Ruth 2:8
Ruth 4:4 - "And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it."
Ruth 4:12 - "And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman."
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."