Why did Boaz gather "ten of the elders" for the meeting?

Why Boaz Called Together Ten Elders

“Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, ‘Sit here,’ and they did so.” (Ruth 4:2)

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Purpose of Elders in Israel

• God instructed that each town appoint respected men as elders to judge disputes and guard righteousness (Deuteronomy 16:18).

• Legal matters were settled “at the gate,” the public forum of the city (Deuteronomy 21:19; Proverbs 31:23).

• Elders authenticated contracts, property transfers, and family obligations (Deuteronomy 25:7-10).

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Why Exactly Ten?

• Ten formed a complete, representative panel of the town’s leadership—large enough for unquestioned credibility yet small enough to convene quickly.

• Later Jewish practice uses ten for a quorum (minyan). Ruth predates that custom, but the number already symbolized fullness and integrity (Genesis 18:32; Exodus 18:21 lists groups of tens).

• With ten witnesses, Boaz ensured the decision could never be challenged for lack of testimony (cf. Deuteronomy 19:15, “a matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”).

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Legal Steps Boaz Needed Witnessed

1. Offer of redemption to the nearer kinsman.

2. Transfer of land from Elimelech’s estate.

3. Acceptance of levirate-like duty to marry Ruth (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).

4. Formal exchange of the sandal, sealing the transaction (Ruth 4:7-8).

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What the Elders’ Presence Achieved

• Public record: everyone in Bethlehem could rely on their collective memory.

• Protection for Ruth and Boaz: no one could later claim the marriage or land deal was invalid.

• Preservation of Naomi’s family line: the elders immediately blessed the union (Ruth 4:11-12).

• Demonstration of Boaz’s character: he sought transparency, obeyed the Law, and honored community order (Psalm 112:5-6).

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Lessons for Today

• God values accountability and open integrity in legal and relational commitments.

• Community participation safeguards the vulnerable—Naomi and Ruth were defended by public justice.

• Obedience to God’s revealed standards invites His blessing, as seen in the lineage that leads to David and ultimately to Christ (Ruth 4:17; Matthew 1:5-6).