Page "Book of Ruth" Paragraph 12

Moreover, it seems that an understanding of this kind of redemption among the Israelites included both that of people and of land.

In Israel land had to stay in the family.

The family could mortgage the land to ward off poverty ; and the law of Leviticus 25: 25ff required a kinsman to purchase it back into the family.

The kinsman, who Boaz meets at the city gate, first says he will purchase the land, but, upon hearing he must also take Ruth as his wife, withdraws his offer.

His decision was primarily a financial decision since a child born to Ruth through the union would inherit Elimelech's land, and he would not be reimbursed for the money he paid Naomi.

Boaz becomes Ruth and Naomi's " kinsman-redeemer.