Proverbs 23:11

Redeemer. Heb. go’el, the only occurrence of this word in Proverbs. Go’el at times designates a near kinsman, whose responsibility it is to avenge bloodshed and to see to the welfare of those in the family who are in need (Lev. 25:25, 47-49; Num. 35:9-29). Upon the go’el rested the obligation to marry a related widow in order to perpetuate the line of the deceased husband (see on Ruth 2:20; cf. Ruth 4:1-10). In the text before us God represents Himself as the go’el of the needy. He will take up the case of the oppressed and will avenge the innocent (Prov. 22:23).