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Boaz: The Kinsman-Redeemer
Boaz: The Kinsman-Redeemer
The Book of Ruth, though brief, is a profound narrative woven with themes of loyalty, providence, and redemption. At its heart stands Boaz, a wealthy and righteous man of Bethlehem, whose actions beautifully illustrate the ancient Israelite concept of the "kinsman-redeemer," or Goel in Hebrew. More than just a captivating love story, the account of Boaz and Ruth serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and His redemptive work on behalf of humanity.
The Concept of the Kinsman-Redeemer (Goel)
In ancient Israel, the Goel played a vital role in preserving the family line, property, and honor. This specific legal and social obligation was primarily outlined in the Mosaic Law. The duties of a kinsman-redeemer included:
- Redeeming alienated land: If a family member became poor and sold their land, the nearest kinsman had the right and obligation to buy it back, ensuring the inheritance remained within the family.
- Redeeming enslaved relatives: If a fellow Israelite sold himself into servitude due to poverty, a kinsman could redeem him from slavery.
- Avenge blood: In cases of murder, the Goel was responsible for avenging the death of a slain relative.
- Receiving restitution: If a wrong was committed against a person and they died without a kinsman to receive restitution, it was to be given to the LORD's priest.
- Nearness of Kin: For Boaz to be Ruth's redeemer, he had to be her kinsman. Similarly, for Christ to redeem humanity, He had to become one of us. He took on flesh and blood, becoming fully God and fully man, so that He could be our "kinsman."
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
- Willingness to Redeem: Boaz was willing to redeem Ruth and Naomi, even though there was a closer kinsman. He sought out the opportunity and went through the legal process. Christ, likewise, was not compelled but willingly offered Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. He laid down His life of His own accord (John 10:18).
- Ability to Redeem: Boaz was a "mighty man of wealth," possessing the resources to redeem the land and provide for Ruth. We, like Ruth and Naomi, were spiritually impoverished and enslaved by sin, unable to redeem ourselves. Christ, being God, possesses infinite power and the ultimate "wealth" – His own precious blood – to pay the price for our redemption.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
- Cost of Redemption: For Boaz, redemption meant taking on the responsibility of a deceased man's lineage, potentially at personal cost to his own inheritance. For Christ, redemption came at the ultimate cost: His life on the cross. He bore our sins and endured the penalty of death that we deserved.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
- Outcome of Redemption: Boaz's redemption brought Ruth from destitution to security, from foreignness to inclusion in Israel, and ultimately into the lineage of David and Christ. Likewise, Christ's redemption brings us from spiritual poverty and alienation to spiritual riches and adoption into God's family. We are given a new name, a new inheritance, and a new life in Him.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then he shall redeem that which his brother sold.
And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger's family: After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.
The avenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, even to the priest; beside the ram of the atonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him.
While not explicitly a Goel duty, the levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) shares a similar spirit: to raise up a name for the deceased and preserve the family line and inheritance. Boaz's actions combine elements of both the kinsman-redeemer and the levirate customs, making him a unique and powerful figure of redemption.
Boaz's Character and Piety
Boaz is introduced as "a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech" (Ruth 2:1). His character, however, far surpasses his material possessions. He exemplifies godliness, integrity, and compassion. When he first encounters Ruth gleaning in his field, his immediate greeting to his reapers is a blessing: "The LORD be with you" (Ruth 2:4). This suggests a man whose daily life is infused with faith and who acknowledges God in all his ways.
Boaz's kindness and generosity towards Ruth are evident from their first interaction. Upon learning of her virtuous loyalty to Naomi, he instructs his young men not to molest her, to let her glean among the sheaves, and even to purposely leave handfuls of grain for her (Ruth 2:8-16). He provides her with water and invites her to eat with his reapers, ensuring her safety and provision. His words to Ruth reveal his admiration for her faith and devotion:
The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
Later, when Ruth approaches him at the threshing floor, seeking his protection and redemption, Boaz commends her virtue, acknowledging that "all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman" (Ruth 3:11). His actions are always guided by a deep respect for the law and a genuine desire to do what is right and honorable, even when it involves personal cost or inconvenience.
Boaz's Redemption of Ruth and Naomi
The narrative of Ruth reaches its climax in Boaz's meticulous and public act of redemption. Naomi, understanding the law of the kinsman-redeemer and Boaz's honorable character, instructs Ruth to present herself to Boaz at the threshing floor, asking him to "spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman" (Ruth 3:9). This was a symbolic request for protection, marriage, and redemption.
Boaz, being a man of integrity, immediately acknowledges his responsibility and Ruth's request. However, he also reveals that there is a kinsman nearer than himself (Ruth 3:12). This demonstrates his commitment to following the law precisely. He promises Ruth that he will handle the matter first thing in the morning.
True to his word, Boaz goes to the city gate, the public place where legal and business matters were conducted. He gathers ten elders of the city as witnesses and confronts the nearer kinsman. He presents the situation clearly: Naomi is selling the parcel of land that belonged to Elimelech, and as the nearest kinsman, this man has the first right to redeem it. Boaz adds the crucial detail:
What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.
The nearer kinsman, unwilling to jeopardize his own inheritance by marrying Ruth and raising up a son for Elimelech, declines the redemption. This provides Boaz with the lawful opportunity to step in. In a public declaration, before the elders and all the people, Boaz proclaims:
I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi; And moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
Boaz fully fulfills the role of the kinsman-redeemer, restoring Naomi's inheritance and providing Ruth with a husband, security, and a future. Their union results in the birth of Obed, who becomes the father of Jesse, and the grandfather of David, firmly placing Boaz and Ruth in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).
Boaz as a Type of Christ
The story of Boaz and Ruth is not merely an ancient historical account; it is a profound type, or picture, of Jesus Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. The parallels are striking and offer deep theological insight into God's plan of salvation.
Boaz's compassion, integrity, and proactive pursuit of redemption for Ruth and Naomi beautifully mirror Christ's divine love and His active pursuit of our salvation. Just as Boaz provided a future and a lineage for Ruth, Christ secures our eternal future and incorporates us into His spiritual family, making us heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29).
Conclusion
Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer of Bethlehem, stands as a beacon of righteousness and a testament to God's providential care. His actions in the Book of Ruth are not merely a historical footnote but a divinely orchestrated narrative pointing to the greater redemption found in Jesus Christ. Through Boaz, we see the characteristics of our Savior: His willingness, His ability, and His costly love to redeem us from our spiritual lostness and bring us into His glorious inheritance. The story of Boaz reminds us that God is always at work, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances, to fulfill His eternal purposes and to bring about salvation through His chosen Kinsman-Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.
This article was generated by AI to serve as a helpful starting point for study. The Scriptures are always the ultimate guide. Explore them directly on our Study page.
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