The answer is: Sandal

Ruth 4:7-8

In the book of Ruth, there’s this fascinating moment captured in chapter 4, where Boaz redeems Ruth in a dramatic but quirky legal transaction involving a sandal. Picture Boaz, the smooth negotiator that he is, confronting Obed's potential kinsman redeemer. The unusual exchanging of a sandal was not just two buddies swapping shoes for some fun; it symbolized a solemn agreement and served as a legal formality, sealing all the deals.

Now, this might come off as odd to us today, but in the social culture of ancient Israel, such gestures really grounded their laws and responsibilities toward family. A sandal represented access to land, and losing one in this context? That was a toast to closing your connection to it! Speaking of interesting trivia, the act of removing one’s sandal was similar to how later, in the New Testament, we see John the Baptist talk about “the one who comes after” him, comparing his own unworthiness to untie the strap of Jesus’ sandals. There’s an echo of humility and responsibility in both who appeals to something larger than themselves: me or God.

Interestingly, this theme of sandals echoes another significant moment in the biblical narrative, when Moses takes off his sandals while on holy ground at the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. So, while we might take shoes for granted today, back then, they were a powerhouse of representation in legally binding decisions, spiritual growth, and familial identity!