And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi. (Ruth 4:9)
Boaz calls upon the citizen jury and all others standing by to witness the act of transfer symbolized by the ceremony of the sandal. As the nearer kinsman had the prior right to marry Ruth and administer her property, so also he had the right to decline to do so (Deut. 25:7-9).