Ruth 4:2

Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, "Sit here," and they did so.

Study Bible

Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city
In ancient Israel, elders were respected leaders and decision-makers within the community. The number ten is significant as it often represents completeness or a quorum in Jewish tradition, such as in a minyan, the quorum required for certain religious obligations. Boaz's choice to gather ten elders underscores the importance and formality of the proceedings. This gathering reflects the legal and communal practices of the time, where elders would serve as witnesses to transactions and agreements, ensuring that the actions taken were recognized and binding within the community.

and said, “Sit here,”
Boaz's directive to the elders to "sit here" indicates his authority and the respect he commanded within the community. Sitting was a posture of deliberation and judgment, suggesting that a formal legal proceeding was about to take place. This setting at the city gate, a common place for legal matters and public business, highlights the transparency and public nature of the transaction. The city gate was a central location where justice was administered, and community issues were addressed, as seen in other biblical accounts such as in the story of Lot in Genesis 19:1.

and they did so.
The elders' compliance with Boaz's request demonstrates their recognition of the importance of the matter at hand and their respect for Boaz. Their willingness to participate also reflects the communal nature of decision-making in ancient Israel, where the involvement of respected leaders lent legitimacy to the proceedings. This act of sitting and witnessing would ensure that the transaction was conducted according to the law and customs of the time, providing a legal and social framework for the redemption process that Boaz was about to undertake.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Boaz
A prominent and wealthy man from Bethlehem, Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. His actions in this chapter demonstrate his integrity and adherence to the law.

2. Elders of the City
These are respected leaders within the community of Bethlehem. Their role is to witness and validate legal transactions, ensuring that community standards and laws are upheld.

3. The City Gate
The city gate was a central place for legal matters, business transactions, and public gatherings in ancient Israelite society. It served as a courtroom and a place for public discourse.

4. Ruth
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Ruth is the Moabite widow whose loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and faith in the God of Israel are central to the account.

5. Naomi
Ruth's mother-in-law, who returned to Bethlehem with Ruth after the death of her husband and sons. She plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's providential plan.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Community Witness
Boaz's gathering of the elders underscores the importance of community involvement and accountability in legal and personal matters. In our lives, involving trusted community members in significant decisions can provide wisdom and support.

Integrity in Action
Boaz's actions reflect his integrity and commitment to doing what is right according to God's law. As believers, we are called to act with integrity, even when it requires effort and public accountability.

God's Providence in Legal Matters
The legal proceedings at the city gate are part of God's providential plan to bring about His purposes. Trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence that He is at work in the details of our lives, including legal and relational matters.

Bible Study Questions

1. What role do the elders play in the community, and how does this reflect the importance of accountability in our own lives?

2. How does Boaz's approach to resolving the matter at the city gate demonstrate his character, and what can we learn from his example about handling our own responsibilities?

3. In what ways does the setting of the city gate as a place of legal transactions and public discourse relate to other biblical accounts of justice and community decision-making?

4. How does the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in Ruth 4:2 connect to the broader biblical theme of redemption, and how can this understanding deepen our appreciation for Christ's redemptive work?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a significant decision in a public or community setting. How did involving others impact the outcome, and what biblical principles can guide us in such situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
This passage outlines the law of levirate marriage, which is the backdrop for Boaz's actions as a kinsman-redeemer. Understanding this law helps to illuminate the cultural and legal context of Ruth 4:2.

Proverbs 31:23
This verse speaks of a husband being respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders. It highlights the importance of the city gate as a place of honor and decision-making, similar to the setting in Ruth 4:2.

Genesis 23:10-18
Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah is conducted at the city gate, demonstrating the longstanding tradition of conducting legal transactions in this public setting.