7 “In earlier times” (“in former times,” JB, KJV, RSV; cf. 1 Sam 9:9, where the same phrase is found) introduces the author’s parenthetical insertion to describe a custom that was no longer practiced at the time the book was written (cf. Jer 32:9–12, where written, attested documents for transfer of land were in use). The origin of the custom has been traced to an ancient practice of taking possession of property by walking on the soil that was being claimed (cf. Deut 1:36; 11:24; Josh 1:3; 14:9).