Who is the kinsman redeemer in the book of ruth

Although we may enjoy the story, we miss a certain nuance in the story. Boaz was her kinsman-redeemer. In the instance of Ruth, because she had lost her husband, she had to work for essentially scraps.

Women in the Ancient world had a difficult time finding enough employment to feed themselves, let alone their other relatives. Boaz, seeing this need and his duty as her kinsman-redeemer, proposes, and marries Ruth.

As mentioned before a kinsman-redeemer is a male relative who helps a weaker relative in need or danger. But this goes beyond mere marriage proposals. This person avenges in the case of a relative being murdered via manslaughter , delivers, rescues, and in many cases, redeems property. The role far extends beyond nuptial duties. Or in case a man has no kinsman, but so recovers his means as to find sufficient for its redemption, then he shall calculate the years since its sale and refund the balance to the man to whom he sold it, and so return to his property.

If a relative runs into a debt problem, a kinsman-redeemer helps to bail them out. Leviticus continues to list the terms for the kinsman redeemer and the person in need of redemption. Genesis talks about a man whose brother died.

If a husband died, a woman would have to fight for her life. It was almost impossible to live in Ancient times without a male guardian or husband. As the book of Proverbs illustrates the wisdom of a righteous man, it concludes with chapter 31—the description of the virtuous woman. Ironically, Boaz is wisdom personified. He is a wise man, who acts with respect and dignity even in the most tempting situation. Interestingly, Ruth, a Moabitess, is personified as the godly woman. In fact, the very language used to describe the Proverbs 31 woman of character whose "works praise her in the gates" Prov.

Boaz foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate kinsman redeemer who will redeem a bride for himself—the church. The story of Ruth portrays God's blessing on the righteous. This outcome was only accomplished though, through Boaz's righteous response. Through his actions, Boaz communicates Christ.

His person and character illustrate the incredible hesed that Christ possesses for his people, as well as, the great measures he is willing to take to redeem his bride. Though Ruth arrives at Boaz's bed, empty-handed and humbled to the core, Boaz treats her with respect and kindness Disgraced by her position and despised for her ethnicity, the young Moabite woman appears to have little to offer.

Yet, despite all this, Boaz views her as a worthy woman That is what makes this epic so beautiful. Four things were required in order for a kinsman to redeem:. He must be near of kin. Leviticus ; Ruth — He must be able to redeem Ruth —6. He must be free of any calamity or need of redemption himself. He must be willing to redeem Ruth ff.

Redemption was completed when the price was completely paid Leviticus ; Ruth Jesus is my nearest kinsman through the incarnation. He was like us in every way except that He never experienced sin. In order to identify Himself with us He "emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men" Philippians You had the right to redeem me.

Jesus has the power to redeem me. He assumed our debt and paid it with His life. Hebrews —3. Jesus is willing to redeem me. Jesus Christ "gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds" Titus ; cf.

Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" Mark Jesus is referring to His voluntary, sacrificial, vicarious, and obedient payment to effect the release of slaves or captives from bondage.

No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father" John Jesus has paid the price in full and I have received my redemption.

Thus he is able to help us in our times of need. See also Redeem, Redemption. Ringgren, TDOT, Plus Toggle navigation.

Password Assistance. Email address. Share Tweet Save.