Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
I have also taken Ruth the Moabite, who was Mahlon's wife, to be my wife. This way I can carry on the family name of her dead husband and keep his property in the family, so that his name won't be forgotten among his relatives or in his hometown. You are all witnesses to this today.
Boaz is publicly declaring that he's marrying Ruth not just for love, but to honor her deceased husband by preserving his family line and inheritance.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, there was a law called 'levirate marriage' where a close relative could marry a widow to continue her deceased husband's family line and preserve his inheritance. This prevented families from dying out and protected widows from poverty. Boaz is following this custom by marrying Ruth and ensuring Mahlon's name and property rights continue through any children they might have.
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