And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:
All the people at the city gate and the elders said, 'We are witnesses to this. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built the nation of Israel. May you prosper in Ephratah and become well-known in Bethlehem.'
The community is blessing Boaz's marriage to Ruth, asking God to make her as fruitful and honored as the matriarchs who helped build Israel.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of Ruth, this verse takes place at the city gate in Bethlehem during the time of the Judges, where community elders gathered to witness and approve legal matters like marriages and property transactions. Boaz is redeeming Ruth, a Moabite widow, through a customary arrangement to secure her late husband's inheritance and continue his family line, reflecting ancient Israelite practices of loyalty and provision. The elders bless Boaz by comparing Ruth to Rachel and Leah, the wives of Jacob who played pivotal roles in building the nation of Israel through their descendants.
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