Ruth 4:2

Ten was considered a perfect number (Jeremiah 6:27; 1 Samuel 25:5; 2 Samuel 18:15): where ten Jews live there should be a synagogue; these ten elders are heads of the community, sheikhs, as they would be called today.

3-5. Elimelech was not their brother in the strict sense, but was a member of the same family (Genesis 13:8; 1 Samuel 20:6; 1 Samuel 20:29; 2 Samuel 19:13). Naomi had already sold the land. Ruth's being under the necessity of gleaning shows that her mother-in-law was no landowner: Ruth 2:18 is an eloquent testimony to their poverty. The kinsman had now the opportunity of buying it back for them, and it is plain from Ruth 2:5 that this transaction would take the form of a purchase from Naomi: the presence of the elders and the other inhabitants, 'them that sit here,' would make it a valid bargain. But if he bought the land he must also purchase Ruth as his wife. There can be no doubt that Boaz said: 'Thou must also buy Ruth': Ruth has nothing to do with the sale; see also Ruth 2:10. The money which the bridegroom used to give to the bride's family was compensation for the loss of her valuable services. And at the present time in Syria 'No marriage is strictly legal among the Mussulmans without a Mahr or settlement from the bridegroom to the bride. It may consist of only a few silver pence, still it must be made.' Jacob's services to Laban were prices paid for Leah and Rachel.