8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.
8 So the guardian-redeemer said to Boaz, "Buy it yourself." And he removed his sandal.
8 So when the redeemer said to Boaz, "Buy it for yourself," he drew off his sandal.
8 So when Boaz's "redeemer" relative said, "Go ahead and buy it," he signed the deal by pulling off his shoe.
8 Therefore the close relative said to Boaz, "Buy it for yourself." So he took off his sandal.
8 So the other family redeemer drew off his sandal as he said to Boaz, "You buy the land."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ruth 4:8
Commentary on Ruth 4:1-8
(Read Ruth 4:1-8)
This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.