Ruth - part 2

Ruth 4:7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel.

 This is then considered a legal transaction by the removing and giving of the sandal. This was done for land transactions and family rights matters. One writer said that the shoe was probably immediately returned to the owner. It was only the symbolism of the physical act that made it legitimate.

 

But what I get the most out of this beautiful story is the importance of what initially seems insignificant.

Naomi says, “Why should you go with me?” and “for the hand of the Lord has gone forth against me.”

Ruth says, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”, and "I am not like one of your maidservants” (lower actually).

 Would Naomi ever think that she would be in the lineage of the Messiah, and the great grandmother of Israel’s greatest Old Testament king?!

One writer said in the Zondervan Handbook, “When God steps in, the ordinary events of life take on extraordinary significance.”