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 the time of the Judges in ancient Israel, family inheritance and lineage were crucial, so customs like levirate marriage allowed a close relative to marry a widow and continue the deceased husband's name and property. In Ruth 4:10, Boaz is publicly affirming his role as the kinsman-redeemer by marrying Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to preserve Mahlon's legacy and ensure his name is not forgotten in the community. This transaction occurs at the city gate, which served as the public forum for legal and social matters, with witnesses to make it binding.
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