The unnamed redemptioner, “ploni almoni,” refuses to redeem the family property. Boaz, however, takes on this responsibility, and in the following verses, this is legally confirmed according to the customs of the time.
Ruth 4
7 This was the custom in former times in Israel for redemption and for exchange, to confirm every matter: a man would take off his shoe and give it to his neighbor. And this was the law in Israel.
8 And the redemptioner said to Boaz, “Get it for yourself.” And he took off his shoe.
to stand in someone’s shoes
Here we read that according to the custom in Israel, “ploni almoni” had to give his shoe to Boaz. The shoe represents a person’s conduct and position. This depicts Boaz’s position as the “Ploni Almoni,” the first to claim the right to redeem the land. “Ploni Almoni” must publicly relinquish his position to Boaz. Boaz is the true redeemer and able (>wealthy, 2:1) to meet all the conditions.
Shame
What we find described here largely corresponds with the law regarding brother-in-law marriage in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, although there are some differences. Apparently, the custom in Israel regarding redemption was derived from this. Deuteronomy 25:9-10 clearly emphasizes that removing the shoe was a sign of shame, because the person in question did not fulfill their moral obligation.
Prophetic
In the future, the one who presents himself as the Messiah, but turns out to be a false Messiah, will speak great words (Dan. 7:25; Rev. 13:6), but he will not be able to fulfill them. The true Boaz will appear, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is worthy to act as a Redeemer (Rev. 5:5). He will expose this false Messiah and put him aside (2 Thess. 2:8).