And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.
RUTH 4:2KJVWhat does Ruth 4:2 mean?
Ruth 4:2 describes how Boaz gathered ten elders of the city and asked them to sit down as witnesses for an important legal discussion at the city gate. This step set up a formal setting for resolving the matter of redeeming Ruth and Naomi’s land.
Boaz is speaking to the elders of Bethlehem, arranging for them to serve as official witnesses in a public place. In ancient Israel, elders were respected leaders who handled legal matters, and the city gate was where such business was conducted. By gathering ten men, Boaz ensured the process would be recognized as legitimate and binding in the eyes of the community.
The Hebrew behind Ruth 4:2
- "elders" (זָקֵן, zaqen): This word refers to respected leaders or senior men in the community, not just those who are old in age. Their presence shows this is a formal, legal proceeding.
- "ten" (עֶשֶׂר, ‘eser): The specific number ten often signified a complete or sufficient group for public matters, suggesting Boaz wanted to follow proper custom and ensure the decision would be accepted by all.
- "sit down" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This verb is used twice, emphasizing the deliberate, official nature of the meeting. Sitting together at the gate was a sign that a legal case or transaction was about to take place.
Why Ruth 4:2 matters
- Ruth 4:2 shows that Boaz was careful to handle the redemption of Ruth and Naomi’s land in a way that was open and above reproach, involving the right people and following community customs.
- The verse highlights the importance of witnesses and public accountability in ancient Israelite society, especially for legal and family matters.
- This careful setup prepares the reader for the legal negotiation that follows, showing that the outcome will be recognized and honored by the whole community.