Ruth 4:2 kjv
And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.
Ruth 4:2 nkjv
And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, "Sit down here." So they sat down.
Ruth 4:2 niv
Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, "Sit here," and they did so.
Ruth 4:2 esv
And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, "Sit down here." So they sat down.
Ruth 4:2 nlt
Then Boaz called ten leaders from the town and asked them to sit as witnesses.
Ruth 4 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 19:15 | ...a single witness shall not suffice... two or three witnesses | Principle of requiring multiple witnesses for legal matters. |
| Deut 17:6 | On the evidence of two or three witnesses a person shall be put to death... | Enforcement of law relied on multiple credible witnesses. |
| Num 35:30 | ...a single witness shall not suffice to bring about conviction. | Reiterates the necessity of multiple witnesses for judicial conviction. |
| Jer 32:9-12 | ...I signed the deed... and had it attested by witnesses... | Example of formal land purchase with signed deeds and witnesses. |
| Ex 18:21-22 | ...select out of all the people able men... and let them judge the people at all times. | Foundation of judicial elders and structured leadership. |
| Deut 21:19 | ...the parents shall take him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of his dwelling place... | Elders at the gate as the public court for legal matters. |
| Josh 20:4 | ...shall declare his case in the ears of the elders of that city at the entrance of the gate... | The city gate functioned as a place for legal proceedings and arbitration. |
| Zech 8:16 | Administer true justice in your gates. | Prophetic call for integrity in judgment at the city's legal seat. |
| Psa 69:12 | Those who sit in the gate talk about me... | Depiction of the city gate as a place for public gathering and discussion. |
| Job 29:7 | When I went out to the gate, I took my seat in the square; | Illustrates the practice of taking a judicial or authoritative seat at the city gate. |
| Ruth 3:11 | And now, my daughter, do not fear; I will do for you all that you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a worthy woman. | Boaz's public reputation and the community's awareness, underscoring public dealings. |
| Ruth 4:1 | Boaz went up to the gate... sat down there... | Immediate context; Boaz's intent to conduct legal business at the designated place. |
| Lev 25:25 | If one of your relatives becomes poor... then his nearest redeemer shall come and redeem what his relative has sold. | Torah law regarding kinsman-redeemer (goel) for land. |
| Gal 3:13 | Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us... | Theological parallel of redemption (though of a spiritual nature). |
| Eph 1:7 | In him we have redemption through his blood... | New Testament concept of redemption through Christ's sacrifice. |
| Matt 18:16 | But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. | New Testament upholding of the two/three witness principle. |
| 2 Cor 13:1 | Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. | Paul reiterating the Old Testament legal principle for discipline. |
| Heb 10:28 | Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. | New Testament acknowledges the gravity of judgment based on witness. |
| Heb 12:1 | Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses... | Illustrates the concept of being witnessed, though spiritually applied here. |
| Prov 11:14 | Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. | Implies the value of a council of elders in governance. |
| Ezra 10:14 | Let all our leaders stand for the whole assembly, and let all in our cities... come at appointed times... | An example of formal legal gathering by appointed leaders. |
| 1 Tim 5:19 | Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. | Shows the application of witness principles in church leadership. |
| Titus 1:5 | This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every city... | Establishes the role of elders in communal leadership and order. |
Ruth 4 verses
Ruth 4 2 Meaning
Ruth 4:2 describes Boaz taking a decisive and legally mandated action to formalize the redemption of Elimelech's property and secure his right to marry Ruth. He gathers ten prominent elders of Bethlehem at the city gate, instructing them to take their places as official witnesses, thus initiating the public and lawful transaction in accordance with Israelite custom and law. This public assembly of judicial figures ensures the validity, transparency, and communal endorsement of the upcoming proceedings concerning property and lineage.
Ruth 4 2 Context
Ruth 4:2 immediately follows Boaz's arrival at the city gate and his meeting with the other kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 4:1). The chapter's primary theme is the legal redemption of Elimelech's land and the fulfillment of a levirate-like obligation to Ruth. This verse is pivotal as it formalizes the commencement of the legal proceedings necessary for these actions.
Historically and culturally, the city gate (sha'ar) in ancient Israel was far more than an entrance. It served as the central hub for all legal, commercial, and administrative activities. Elders (z<sup>e</sup>qenim), as the respected leaders and judges of the community, would convene there to arbitrate disputes, ratify land transactions, witness covenants, and generally maintain public order and justice. Their presence ensured the legality and public accountability of significant community affairs. The formal summoning and seating of "ten men" signifies Boaz's meticulous adherence to proper legal procedure, a stark contrast to potentially arbitrary or private agreements, ensuring a fully legitimate and publicly recognized outcome. This process underscored the community's role in upholding justice and familial law according to the Mosaic covenant.
Ruth 4 2 Word analysis
- And he took: Boaz's deliberate action; he is actively initiating the formal legal process. This shows his intentionality and determination to resolve the matter according to established norms.
- ten men: Hebrew:
‘aserah(עֲשָׂרָה). This specific number is significant. While not explicitly prescribed in the Torah for every legal proceeding, it likely represented a quorum for public judicial matters or was deemed a sufficient number of witnesses/elders to legitimize the proceeding in Bethlehem. In later Jewish tradition, ten adult males form a "minyan" for public worship, highlighting the significance of this number for communal functions and official assembly. This numerical specificity emphasizes the highly formal and verifiable nature of the upcoming transaction. - of the elders: Hebrew:
z<sup>e</sup>qenim(זְקֵנִים). Refers to the "aged ones," respected leaders, and judicial authorities of the city. These individuals were experienced in law, custom, and local affairs, holding civic and religious authority. Their role was crucial in witnessing and validating transactions, ensuring adherence to the law, and preserving justice within the community. - of the city: Bethlehem. Pinpoints the specific locale where these designated leaders held authority, highlighting the localized jurisdiction of these ancient judicial bodies.
- and said: Boaz addressing them. Indicates a clear and direct communication of his purpose.
- 'Sit down here.': Hebrew:
sh<sup>e</sup>bu(שְׁבוּ). A command, inviting them to assume their positions for judgment or witness. This act of "sitting down" (also seen in Psa 69:12, Job 29:7, 1 Sam 4:18) is commonly associated with judges or those in authority who are about to preside over or observe an official proceeding. It formalizes their role as a judicial council or an official body of witnesses. - And they sat down: Their compliance signals their agreement to participate as official witnesses or judges. It signifies the commencement of the legal hearing or ratification process. Their willingness highlights Boaz's standing and their recognition of the legitimacy and importance of the matter.
Words-group analysis
- "he took ten men of the elders of the city": This phrase emphasizes Boaz's meticulous adherence to the proper legal procedure. He doesn't act privately or arbitrarily but publicly engages the recognized judicial authorities, thereby upholding the communal integrity of the transaction. The chosen number, ten, signifies a legitimate quorum, leaving no room for questions about the validity of the witnessing body.
- "'Sit down here.' And they sat down.": This brief exchange captures the solemn and formal nature of the moment. Boaz issues a command fitting for someone orchestrating a legal proceeding, and the elders' immediate compliance underscores their acceptance of their designated role as official witnesses or arbitrators, setting the stage for a legitimate and publicly binding decision.
Ruth 4 2 Bonus section
- The number ten, as specifically chosen elders for the judicial gathering, further legitimizes the event. While not an explicit Mosaic law for this type of general assembly, it might prefigure or reflect the principle seen in the later Jewish minyan, indicating a minimum for a community-representative body to carry out official duties.
- Boaz's initiative to gather these men highlights his leadership and thorough understanding of the proper legal and social protocols. He acts not merely to acquire property or a wife but to correctly restore a family line and its heritage.
- The fact that they "sat down" emphasizes their transition from merely present individuals to an assembled body taking an official stance, ready to deliberate or witness with full authority, adding weight to the impending legal transaction.
Ruth 4 2 Commentary
Ruth 4:2 is a masterstroke in demonstrating Boaz's honorable character and commitment to biblical law. Faced with a complex situation involving land redemption, a childless widow, and the intricacies of the kinsman-redeemer tradition, Boaz takes all necessary steps to ensure that the proceedings are transparent, lawful, and above reproach. By gathering ten elders at the city gate – the established judicial forum – he leaves no room for future disputes or challenges regarding the validity of his actions. This public formality underscores the seriousness of transactions affecting family lineage, property rights, and social order in ancient Israel. It reflects a societal value placed on communal oversight and witness for significant legal matters, thereby upholding the integrity of justice and ensuring the protection of the vulnerable, particularly Ruth and Naomi. This act highlights how divine providence works through human beings who honor and adhere to God's established laws and customs, ensuring order and righteousness in human affairs.