City Gate of Bethlehem

The fortified gateway in the city wall of Bethlehem where the elders gathered to witness contracts and settle disputes — the standard "town hall" of an Iron Age Israelite city. In Ruth 4 Boaz brings the case of the redemption of Naomi's land before "ten of the elders of the city" at this gate; the nearer kinsman refuses his right of redemption, Boaz accepts it, and Ruth becomes his wife in front of the assembled witnesses.