Sep 25, 2022
Scripture Reading: Ruth 3
… 'Redeemer' in the Old Testament
… nearest relative … "kinsman redeemer"
… Hebrew word - goel
…. the concept of the 'goel' included the notion of protecting, saving, sustaining, guarding a family member, usually with some purchase involved.
…. Lev 25:25,26 - redemption of property
…. Lev 25:47-49 - redemption of people
…. Num 35:16-19 - avenging a murder
…. Deut 25:5-10 - law of levirate marriage, though the word 'goel' is not mentioned in this section. Levirate marriage is not the same thing as the work of the 'goel,' but the principle of legally caring for the nearest
relative is connected to the story of Ruth.
…. in Ruth - 2:20; 3:9,12,13; 4:1,3,4,6,8,14
In Ruth, Boaz is the second nearest relative to Naomi's family. When Naomi sells a parcel of land belonging to her deceased husband, Elimelech, Boaz buys (redeems) the land for the family and marries Naomi's daughter-in-law, Ruth, who is legally connected to the land.
In the Old Testament, God is referred to as Redeemer . . . Job 19:25; Psa 19:14; Isa 44:6,24; 47:4; 54:8 (13 times in Isaiah 40-66).
In the New Testament Christians have been redeemed by the person and work of Christ . . . Rom 3:24; Gal 3:13; Col 1:14; Titus 2:13,14; Heb 9:12. As our Redeemer, Christ, saves, protects, sustains us for all eternity.