How do we make covenants today? How do we signify a transaction has taken place? A signature? A handshake? You probably would not give someone your shoes.
Boaz made his covenant by taking off his shoe. When I think of this agreement, among other things, I think of Moses, standing on holy ground, taking off his shoes before the burning bush.
People in some cultures take off their shoes when they enter a building. Taking off our shoes usually signifies respect. It makes hospitality (and agreements) difficult to leave, makes it more painful to walk away. In some way, Boaz's word is consecrated.
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