Ruth 2:20

One of our next kinsmen. What Naomi doubtless explains to Ruth is not simply that Boaz is a relative, but that, as a near kinsman, he has the right of redeeming Elimelech’s property, probably already sold for debt (see on Lev. 25:24). Naomi’s first thought is of the family inheritance. Ruth does not yet understand what the “right” to “redeem” (Ruth 4:6) involves in Jewish social law, but she does hasten to tell Naomi how Boaz had urged her to remain in his field throughout the harvest. Naomi heartily approves of Boaz’ earnest invitation to Ruth to continue gleaning in his field (see ch. 2:22).

The word translated “kinsmen” is from the root ga’al, meaning “to redeem,” “to ransom,” “to recover,” that is, by the settlement of outstanding obligations. The participle is go’el, a “near relative.” Preceded by the definite article it becomes haggo’el, “nearest kinsman,” as in ch. 4:1.

There were several important responsibilities that, according to Jewish law and custom, devolved upon a near kinsman. It was his duty to: (1) Buy back the property a near kinsman had sold to a creditor, or to someone else, to meet the creditor’s demands, as in Lev. 25:25; Ruth 4:4, 6; Jer. 32:7. (2) “Redeem” one near of kin who had of necessity sold himself into servitude, as in Lev. 25:48, 49. (3) Avenge the blood of a near kinsman, if slain by an enemy, as in Num. 35:19; where go’el is translated “revenger.” (4) Marry the childless widow of a near kinsman, as in Ruth 3:13, and become trustee of the property on behalf of the offspring of this union.

Bible writers adopted the figure of the near kinsman as a “redeemer” and applied it to God as the Redeemer of man from sin and death. Job, for instance, said, “I know that my redeemer [go’el] liveth” (Job 19:25) — the one who would redeem him from the grave at the resurrection. Isaiah uses ga’al and go’el 18 times in reference to God as the Redeemer of Israel from their foes, and of men from the clutches of sin (see Isa. 43:1, 14; 44:22; 49:7, 54:5, 8; 63:16; etc.). Well may we rejoice in Christ, our near Kinsman, who accepted on our behalf the responsibilities implied in that relationship. He it is who has redeemed us from the power of sin and of death (Isa. 44:22; Hosea 13:14). If we but come to Him, He will not decline as did Ruth’s next of kin (Ruth 4:6); He will in no wise cast us out (John 6:37). And in coming to Him we will find “rest” unto our souls (Ruth 3:1; Matt. 11:29).