7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging, to confirm anything: one man took off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation in Israel. 8 Therefore the close relative said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” So he took off his sandal.
Now we come to the formal agreement that Boaz would be the kinsman-redeemer. Verses seven and eight are a parenthetical commentary concerning an ancient legal custom for a legal transaction.
4:7
Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging, to confirm anything: one man took off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation in Israel.
To seal the deal, Boaz and his relative performed a symbolic act. The passing of the sandal symbolized transference of property from one to another. This was a legally binding act.
4:8
Therefore the close relative said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” So he took off his sandal.
The legal court proceedings deal was now finalized. By taking off his sandal and handing it to Boaz, the other relative symbolized his abdication of his rights as redeemer and transferred it to Boaz, the next in line.
PRINCIPLE:
Jesus our Redeemer made our salvation legally binding with God.
APPLICATION:
Redemption has to do with paying a ransom price for sin. Jesus paid for our deliverance from both our personal sin and the capacity to sin. He discharged us from the slavery to sin.
Eph 1:7, In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
