¹⁸ to Abraham as his property^(A) in the presence of all the Hittites^(B) who had come to the gate^(C) of the city.

²⁰ So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city^(A) to speak to the men of their city.

²⁴ All the men who went out of the city gate^(A) agreed with Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male in the city was circumcised.

Boaz Marries Ruth

4 Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate^(A) and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer^[a](B) he had mentioned^(C) came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.

⁴ I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you^[a] will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you,^(A) and I am next in line.”

“I will redeem it,” he said.

¹¹ Then the elders and all the people at the gate^(A) said, “We are witnesses.^(B) May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah,^(C) who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah^(D) and be famous in Bethlehem.^(E)