664 B
664 B
to the elders and to all the people
This refers to all the people who were present at the meeting place, not to everyone in the town.
all that was Elimelech's and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's
This refers to all the land and possessions of Naomi's dead husband and sons.
raise up the name of the dead
The first son that Ruth bore would be legally considered Mahlon's son and would inherit the land that Boaz bought from Naomi.
the name of the dead will not be cut off
This could also be translated as "he will not be left without a descendent."
from the gate of his place
"among the people of his hometown of Bethlehem"