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the elders’ blessing

Ruth 4:7-12 (JDV)

Ruth 4:7 At an earlier periods in Israel, a man removed his sandal and gave it to the other party in order to make any matter legally binding concerning the right of deliverance or the exchange of property. This was the method of legally binding a transaction in Israel.
Ruth 4:8 So the deliverer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy back the property yourself.”
Ruth 4:9 Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi everything that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon.
Ruth 4:10 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to perpetuate the deceased man’s name on his property, so that his name will not disappear among his relatives or from the gate of his hometown. You are witnesses today.”
Ruth 4:11 All the people who were at the city gate, including the elders, said, “We are witnesses. May Yahveh make the woman who is entering your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built the house of Israel. May you be powerful in Ephrathah and your name well known in Bethlehem.
Ruth 4:12 May your house become like the house of Perez, the son Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring Yahveh will give you by this young woman.”

the elders’ blessing

Boaz called on the town elders to witness the legal transaction that would deliver Naomi’s property — and allow him to marry Ruth. The elders also blessed Ruth and prayed for a fruitful marriage. They prayed for Boaz that he would become famous. Check, check and check.

Lord, give us the wisdom to seek the blessing of those who lead our community.