Ruth 4:10
“Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, I have purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers, and from the gate of his place. You are witnesses today.””
What does Ruth 4:10 mean?
Boaz is publicly declaring his commitment to marry Ruth and care for her, which was a beautiful custom in ancient Israel called levirate marriage. By taking Ruth as his wife, he's also protecting Mahlon's family legacy and ensuring his land stays in the family rather than being lost. This wasn't just a personal promise between two people; it was a legal and community act, which is why Boaz announces it at the city gate where witnesses could confirm it. What shines through is Boaz's genuine kindness and his respect for Ruth, combined with his sense of duty to honor the dead and protect the vulnerable.