The answer is: 10

Ruth 4:2

In the fourth chapter of Ruth, we see Boaz taking steps to secure his promise to Naomi and Ruth, and he does so with the assurance of community involvement. Gathering ten elders sounds quite specific, right? You might wonder why this number is significant. In ancient Israelite culture, ten elders typically constituted a recognized authority, embodying the legal groundwork representing the community. Their presence gave weight to Boaz's transaction and transformed personal vows into collective responsibility.

But here's a fun tidbit: this practice draws a parallel to other key biblical moments that utilize the number ten. For example, when Lot went to rescue his family from Sodom, a mere ten righteous souls were determined enough to save the city! It’s almost as if ten served as a magical threshold for divine thresholds throughout scripture.

Then there's also the characteristic chat amongst early Talmudic teachers who puzzle over the personhood and what it means to bear witness. Boaz recognized their importance not purely as formalities, but as providers of social credibility in this lifecycle resorting to longstanding traditions.

Finally, this act underscores the spirit of community. They were not just bystanders; their endorsed nod wasn’t about gossip, but a solidarity that surrounded vulnerable members in their society, reinforcing relationships bound by kinship, morality, and faith. We see echoes of Ruth’s resilience amidst these interactions — she’s doing personal well while deeply cared for by a whole community. This picture of cultural diversity and collective commitment for justice exists timelessly and appeals to communal affections still relevant today.