41 Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there , and behold , the close relative of whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said , "Turn aside , friend e , sit down here ." And he turned aside and sat down . 2 He took ten men of the elders of the city and said , "Sit down here ." So they sat down . 3 Then he said to the closest relative , "Naomi , who has come back from the land of Moab , has to sell the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech . 4 "So I thought to inform e you, saying , ' Buy it before those who are sitting here, and before the elders of my people . If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if not, tell me that I may know ; for there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am after you.' " And he said , "I will redeem it." 5 Then Boaz said , "On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi , you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess , the widow of the deceased , in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance ." 6 The closest relative said , "I cannot e redeem it for myself, because I would jeopardize my own inheritance . Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption , for I cannot e redeem it." 7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter : a man removed his sandal and gave it to another ; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel . 8 So the closest relative said to Boaz , "Buy it for yourself." And he removed his sandal .
9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people , "You are witnesses today that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon . 10 "Moreover , I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess , the widow of Mahlon , to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance , so that the name of the deceased will not be cut off from his brothers or from the court of his birth place ; you are witnesses today ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ruth 4:1-10
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.
Commentary on Ruth 4:9-12
(Read Ruth 4:9-12)
Men are ready to seize opportunities for increasing their estates, but few know the value of godliness. Such are the wise men of this world, whom the Lord charges with folly. They attend not to the concerns of their souls, but reject the salvation of Christ, for fear of marring their inheritance. But God did Boaz the honour to bring him into the line of the Messiah, while the kinsman, who was afraid of lessening himself, and marring his inheritance, has his name, family, and inheritance forgotten.