41 Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there , and behold , the close relative of whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said , "Turn aside , friend e , sit down here ." And he turned aside and sat down . 2 He took ten men of the elders of the city and said , "Sit down here ." So they sat down . 3 Then he said to the closest relative , "Naomi , who has come back from the land of Moab , has to sell the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech . 4 "So I thought to inform e you, saying , ' Buy it before those who are sitting here, and before the elders of my people . If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if not, tell me that I may know ; for there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am after you.' " And he said , "I will redeem it." 5 Then Boaz said , "On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi , you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess , the widow of the deceased , in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ruth 4:1-5
Commentary on Ruth 4:1-8
(Read Ruth 4:1-8)
This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.