Redemption of a Family Legacy
“Then Boaz said to the leaders and to all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon.” Ruth 4:9 GW [Context– Ruth 4:9-12]
Words require context to be understood. Many words have different meanings according to their context. Redemption is one of those words. Various words are used to define the meaning of redemption—to buy back or repurchase; to free from, release, or extricate; atone, reform, or restore.
How a word is used is what gives it meaning within its context—in other words, it’s associated with, when it’s spoken, by who, and how it’s expressed.
The word large can describe the size of a shirt, a generalized amount, such as a large segment of the population, and even the idea of excess or extravagance—they were living large on borrowed money.
When a word can be defined in different ways and with various words, context is very important. And context isn’t just about words. The historical time or time sequence and culture, with its various customs, also help shape our understanding of a word. This is especially true in the Scriptures.
The Mercy and Grace of God
The concept of redemption by a kinsman-redeemer requires insight into ancient history and culture, along with the Jewish Law of Moses. We see this concept mentioned in two places in the Old Testament—Leviticus 25:23-28 and Deuteronomy 25:5-10—and is related to the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-13).
The Year of Jubilee was a sacred or holy year where no work was to be done in the fields and took place every 50 years. In that year, all property reverted to the original family owners. It’s a picture of God’s mercy and grace.
Mercy and grace are the basis for all of God’s redemptive work.
In the case of the kinsman-redeemer (go-el in Hebrew), the property is restored to the original family line, and the widow of the deceased husband is to be taken in as a wife.
This redemption restores the family legacy and results in the restoration of the widow in the family line. She is included in the family’s legacy and returned to the status of marriage—no longer alone or dependent on others.
Consider how this works for Ruth the Moabite, a Gentile (non-Jew). Though she is not Jewish, she is included as if she were because of Boaz’s commitment to marry her. Unlike her sister-in-law, Orpah, she trusted in the God of Israel, which brought great blessings to her life.
God’s Redemption Brings Restoration
The commitment and role of a kinsman-redeemer are significant. Boaz makes sure it is witnessed, so it complies with the Law of Moses and the customs of that time (see text link below).
The witnesses at the city gate included elders from the community. They acknowledged Boaz's commitment and pronounced a blessing on Ruth, Boaz, and their offspring. As will be seen in the last segment of Ruth's story, their blessing reaches beyond the morning of this transaction.
Although it may seem from the words used in the text that Ruth is “bought” with the property, this is not the case. Redemption isn’t a mere legal transaction or purchase or repurchase—it is a process of restoration.
Restoration is always the intent of the Lord in redemption.
This is why Jesus is the great Kinsman-Redeemer. He repurchased all humanity from our indebtedness and judgment because of sin through His atoning sacrifice on the cross.
Why? To restore those who trust in God back into fellowship in the family of God, even as Ruth trusted in the God of Israel. We see this illustrated in the three parables of Luke 15, especially the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32).
King David—a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14)—knew redemption and restoration after he repented of his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah (Psalm 51:12). David expressed this with assurance in Psalm 23 — "He restores my soul" (Psalm 23:3).
What about you?
Have you experienced God’s redemption and restoration?
Reflection—
Mercy and grace are the basis for all of God’s redemptive work. Restoration is always the intent of the Lord in redemption.
Prayer Focus—
When you find yourself struggling with your faith, remember to reach out to God in prayer and ask Him to restore you by His mercy and grace.
Text for this devotional-study– Ruth 4:9-12 GW
This is adapted from the book Stories of Redemption by Trip Kimball (available on Amazon)
