The concept of the kinsman-redeemer (go’el in Hebrew) is a vital theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Ruth. This law provided a way for families to be restored and protected, ensuring that inheritance and lineage were preserved. The role of the kinsman-redeemer finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who redeems us from sin and restores us to God.
1. The Kinsman-Redeemer Law in the Old Testament
The kinsman-redeemer (go’el) was a close male relative who had the right, ability, and willingness to redeem a family member or their property. The law of redemption was established in the Mosaic Law and had three primary functions:
A. Redemption of Property
Leviticus 25:25 – “If your brother becomes poor and sells part of his property, then his nearest redeemer shall come and redeem what his brother has sold.”
- Land was God’s gift to Israelite families and was meant to stay within the tribe.
- If a man became poor and had to sell his land, the nearest kinsman-redeemer could buy it back to keep it in the family.
- If no one redeemed it, the land would return to the original family in the Year of Jubilee (every 50 years).
B. Redemption from Bondage
Leviticus 25:47-49 – “If a stranger or sojourner with you becomes rich, and your brother beside him becomes poor and sells himself to the stranger, then after he is sold he may be redeemed. One of his brothers may redeem him.”
- If an Israelite fell into debt and had to sell himself as a servant, his nearest relative could redeem him by paying his debt.
- This protected individuals from permanent slavery and ensured that they were not cut off from their people.
C. Levirate Marriage – Redeeming a Widow
Deuteronomy 25:5 – “If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife.”
- If a man died without children, his brother or closest relative was to marry his widow.
- The firstborn son of this union would carry the name and inheritance of the deceased man.
- This ensured that the family name and property remained within the tribe.
2. Boaz as Ruth’s Kinsman-Redeemer
Boaz fulfills the kinsman-redeemer role in Ruth’s life, demonstrating the love and responsibility outlined in the Law.
How Boaz Redeemed Ruth:
- He Had the Right – Boaz was a close relative of Naomi’s deceased husband (Ruth 2:1).
- He Had the Ability – Boaz was a wealthy landowner, capable of redeeming Naomi’s land (Ruth 4:9-10).
- He Was Willing – Unlike the closer relative who refused (Ruth 4:6), Boaz gladly took Ruth as his wife.
Outcome:
- Ruth, a Moabite, was brought into the covenant people of Israel.
- She and Boaz became ancestors of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-6).
- Their story symbolizes how God redeems outsiders and brings them into His family.
3. Jesus as Our Kinsman-Redeemer
Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, Jesus is our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, fulfilling each requirement of redemption.
How Jesus Fulfills the Role of Redeemer:
- He Had the Right – Jesus became our kinsman by taking on human nature (John 1:14, Hebrews 2:14-15).
- He Had the Ability – As the sinless Son of God, He alone could pay the price for sin (1 Peter 1:18-19).
- He Was Willing – Jesus willingly laid down His life to redeem us (John 10:18, Romans 5:8).
Redemption Through Christ:
- He redeems our inheritance – We are restored to God’s kingdom (Ephesians 1:13-14).
- He redeems us from bondage – We are freed from slavery to sin (Galatians 4:4-5).
- He redeems His bride – The Church is the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Conclusion: Christ, Our Ultimate Redeemer
Ephesians 1:7 – “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”