en_tn_lite_do_not_use/rut/04/07.md

Now this was the custom

The writer of the book explains of the custom of exchange during the time of Ruth. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)

in former times

"in earlier times." This implies that the customs had changed from when the story took place until the book was written. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)

his neighbor

This refers to the person with whom he was making the agreement. In this situation the near kinsman gave Boaz his shoe.