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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMatthew Poole Commentary - Deuteronomy 25:9 - 25:9
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Loose his shoe; partly as a sign of his resignation of all his right to the woman, and to her husband’s inheritance; for as the shoe was a sign of one’s power and right, Psa_60:8 108:9; so the parting with the shoe was a token of the alienation of such right, and that he would not, and henceforth might not, enter upon his brother’s land; and partly as a note of infamy, to signify that by this unnatural and disingenuous action he was unworthy to be amongst free-men, and fit to be reduced to the condition of the meanest servants or captives, who used to go barefoot, Isa_20:2,4.
Spit in his face, as a return of his contempt upon himself. See Num_12:14 Isa_1:6 Mat_26:67 27:30. This was not done, Rth 4, either because he was not a brother, but a remoter kinsman, and so deserved less shame; or because Ruth did not prosecute him to the utmost, but freely consented to this exchange.
Build up; a phrase oft used for the procreation of children, and the increase of a family. See Gen_16:2 Exo_1:21 1Ki_11:38 1Ch_17:25.