The closestrelativesaid,"I cannotredeem[it] for myself, becauseI would jeopardizemy own inheritance.Redeem[it] for yourself; you [may have] my rightof redemption,for I cannotredeem[it]."
Then Judahsaidto Onan,"Goin to your brother'swife,and performyour dutyas a brother-in-lawto her, and raiseup offspringfor your brother."
Ifa fellowcountrymanof yours becomesso poorhe has to sellpart of his property,then his nearestkinsmanis to comeand buybackwhathis relativehas sold.
"But ifthe mandoes not desireto takehis brother'swife,then his brother'swifeshall goup to the gateto the eldersand say,'My husband'sbrotherrefusesto establisha namefor his brotherin Israel;he is not willingto performthe dutyof a husband'sbrotherto me.'
"Then the eldersof his cityshall summonhim and speakto him. And [if] he persistsand says,'I do not desireto takeher,'
then his brother'swifeshall cometo him in the sightof the elders,and pullhis sandaloffhis footand spitin his face;and she shall declare,'Thusit is doneto the manwhodoes not buildup his brother'shouse.'
Naomisaidto her daughter-in-law,"May he be blessedof the LORDwhohas not withdrawnhis kindnessto the livingand to the dead."Again Naomisaidto her, "The manis our relative,he is one of our closestrelatives."
"Remainthis night,and when morningcomes,ifhe will redeemyou, good;let him redeemyou. But ifhe does not wishto redeemyou, then I will redeemyou, as the LORDlives.Liedownuntilmorning."
He said,"Whoare you?" And she answered,"I am Ruthyour maid.So spreadyour coveringoveryour maid,for you are a closerelative."
