Ruth 4:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ruth 4:7
7 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.
Chapter Context
Ruth 4 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, truth, hope. Written during the period of the Judges (c. 1100 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: During the tribal confederacy period, local customs and family laws were paramount for survival.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ruth and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ruth 4:7
7 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.
Analysis
Legal custom: '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'. The narrator explains ancient custom (no longer practiced in narrator's time—'former time') where sandal exchange confirmed transactions. This physical symbol sealed agreements before witnesses, similar to modern handshakes or signatures. The sandal possibly symbolized right to walk on/possess the land being transferred, or authority being transferred. Public witness plus physical symbol created legally binding transaction.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures used various symbolic acts to seal agreements: cutting covenants (walking between divided animals), placing hands under thighs, raising hands in oath, etc. Sandal exchanges appear in multiple biblical contexts (Deuteronomy 25:9-10; Psalm 60:8; 108:9). Archaeological evidence shows ancient sandals were valuable items, not disposable, making exchange meaningful. The narrator's explanation suggests generational distance between events and writing—either Ruth lived long before narrator's time, or this specific custom had ceased by narration time. The parenthetical explanation demonstrates Scripture's historical reliability—recording customs even when no longer practiced.
Reflection
- What does the use of physical symbols in covenant-making teach about embodying spiritual realities in tangible ways?
- How does this explanatory note demonstrate Scripture's historical awareness and reliability?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter