Commentary on Ruth 4:2

Verse Text: "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."

Introduction

The Book of Ruth is a profound narrative that encapsulates loyalty, providence, and redemption. Chapter 4 marks a significant moment where Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, acts in accordance with the customs that governed Israelite society. This commentary seeks to explore the implications and significance of Ruth 4:2 using insights drawn from public domain commentaries.

Contextual Overview

This verse is situated in the climactic scenes of the book, where Boaz, having expressed his desire to redeem Ruth and her deceased husband’s inheritance, prepares to formally fulfill this role in the presence of community witnesses. The gathering of ten elders is indicative of protocol in legal matters during that time.

Significance of Elders

The selection of ten elders is noteworthy. Both Matthew Henry and Albert Barnes note that this reflects a solemn assembly, where the presence of multiple witnesses is mandated to ensure the legality of the actions taken.

• Matthew Henry: Highlights that elders were respected individuals who offered wisdom and authority, essential in legitimizing Boaz's actions.
• Albert Barnes: Emphasizes that this reflects a community-centered approach to covenantal and familial duties within Israel.

Cultural Customs

The act of gathering these elders aligns with the cultural customs of ancient Israel where public participation was crucial in any decision-making process regarding land and inheritance.

• Adam Clarke: Points out that the practice of sitting down to witness legal proceedings symbolizes agreement and readiness to adjudicate.
• Matthew Henry: Further interprets this as Boaz seeking the counsel and consent of the community, underscoring his character as a righteous man.

Theological Insights

Ruth 4:2 is rich in theological implications, as it denotes not only legal procedures but highlights the sovereignty of God in the midst of human affairs. The redemption of Ruth through Boaz serves as a type and foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work.

The Nature of Redemption

This verse illustrates the concept of redemption as being both communal and personal:

• Communal Aspect: The involvement of ten elders suggests that redemption is not simply an individual action but a community-oriented process. This reflects God's desires for His people to be interdependent.
• Personal Aspect: Boaz's initiative emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in redemption, exemplifying Christ who took on a personal role to redeem humankind.

The Role of Witnesses

The choice of gathering witnesses also speaks to the nature of truth and accountability in relationships:

• Albert Barnes: Stresses that the presence of these elders served to uphold the truth. Their role as witnesses meant that the transaction was transparent and legitimate, preventing any future disputes.
• Adam Clarke: Points to this as an essential part of God’s covenantal dealings with humanity, where the truth is established by the testimony of many.

Application for Today

For pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars, Ruth 4:2 provides several applications:

• The Value of Community: Church leaders are reminded of the significance of community in decision-making and the necessity of conducting affairs transparently.
• Understanding Redemption: This verse serves as a reminder of the ongoing significance of Christ’s redemptive work and how we are called to participate in redemptive efforts in our own communities.
• Establishing Accountability: In all dealings, the importance of having witnesses who can affirm the integrity of actions taken is crucial, mirroring the covenantal relationships God establishes with His people.

Conclusion

Ruth 4:2, while seemingly a simple narrative detail, reveals deep theological and practical truths. The insights provided by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke encourage us to reflect on our own roles in the community, the nature of redemption, and the integrity in our relationships. As we study this passage, may we be inspired to pursue righteousness and uphold accountability in our interactions, embodying the principles of God's kingdom.