Witnesses played an active role in ancient Israel’s judicial system. They were necessary to ensure fairness and accountability. As the nearer guardian exited the courtroom, Boaz turned to the elders and the crowd and reminded them of their place in these legal proceedings: “Today you are witnesses” (v. 9).

Then he pronounced the two rights that the nearer redeemer had ceded to him, making sure the details were clear. In his formal statement, he specified: “I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon” (v. 9), ensuring that the legal account was accurate.

Next, Boaz proclaimed his right to take “Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow,” as his wife, and he underscored his motive (v. 10). In contrast to the other guardian’s selfish posture, Boaz’s purpose was to honor Elimelek and preserve his name—his act of hesed. Everyone at the gate responded, “We are witnesses” (v. 11). Then they bestowed a three-part blessing on Boaz.

First, the witnesses asked the Lord to bless Ruth with fertility, comparable to that of Rachel and Leah, matriarchs of Israel. Extraordinarily, they invited Ruth, a foreigner, into this honored position. Second, they prayed that Boaz would prosper and “be famous” (v. 11)—in other words, that his name and reputation would live on with his ancestors. Third, they prayed, “May your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah” (v. 12). In a similar situation, Tamar became pregnant with twins by her father-in-law Judah after her husband died (Genesis 38). Her son Perez was first in the line that led to Boaz.

Perhaps most importantly, the witnesses recognize that the Lord alone is the source of all blessing. Any benefit Boaz would enjoy would be by His hand alone.

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