The Kinsman's Shoe
“Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.”
Ruth 4:7 · KJV
“Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.”
Ruth 4:8 · KJV
“If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.”
Leviticus 25:25 · KJV
Ruth needed a redeemer, a near kinsman who could buy back the family land and take her in. There was a nearer one than Boaz, but he would not risk his own inheritance, and he gave up his right.
He sealed it by taking off his shoe. “This was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming... a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour” (Ruth 4:7). The man who could not redeem took his shoe off; Boaz kept his on, and stood on the land he was buying. A redeemer had to be able, willing, and near, and the first man failed on willing. Christ is the kinsman-redeemer who was all three: near (made flesh), able (sinless), and willing (He kept His shoes on and bought the field). Ruth the Moabite, another Gentile, is in the line too.