Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel.Somehow, I don't feel too bad about needing this explanation. I'm used to getting to passages and not being quite sure why an action is being described, or what the significance of it is. But that's me, looking back on something that happened the better part of 3,000 years ago.
From what I recall, this book was written around David's time, so we're dealing with his grandparents. I like the fact that the customs have changed so radically in a couple of generations to where they needed explanation for this also. It helps me to understand better how in flux things were at this time, how shifting traditions were. But from this simple custom comes confirmation of an eternal dynasty.
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