Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.
Ver. 9. And loose his shoe.] To show that he was worthy to go barefoot, and had no right howsoever to tread upon that ground, as any part of his estate. See Ruth 4:7. The Turks have a ceremony somewhat like this; a the woman may sue a divorce, when her husband would abuse her against nature: which she doth by taking off his or her shoe before the judge, and holding it the sole upward, but speaking nothing, for the uncleanness of the fact.
And spit in his face.] As unworthy to show his face amongst his brethren. See Num 12:14 Isaiah 50:6 .
That will not build up his brother's house.] See Trapp on " Exo 1:21 "
a Blunt's Voyage.