2nd December 2013

The First Goel

“After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him:”
Leviticus 25:48 (KJV)

Yes, you did read correctly: “The First Goel”—Goel being the Hebrew word for Kinsman Redeemer, of whom Boaz was the first and fulfilled the requirements laid down in Leviticus 25 for a Kinsman Redeemer. The book of Ruth is rich with significance. Not only does Boaz secure the return of land to Naomi but purchases Ruth the Moabitess, a gentile, as his wife at the same time. Naomi depicts Israel in exile, and Ruth depicts the church. Ruth tells Naomi about Boaz.

Marvellous though this history is, Boaz merely prefigures the ultimate Kinsman Redeemer, Christ Jesus Himself, who redeemed us with His precious blood, when we were sold under sin (1 Peter 1:18-19, Revelation 5:9). We read in Hebrews 2:16-17, “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

In the light of Ruth telling Naomi about Boaz, we should give serious thought to our Christian responsibility to pray for and proclaim the gospel to God’s people Israel, whom God has NOT forsaken( Romans 9 to 11), and to the whole world (Matthew 28:19). As first and second Advent carol services approach, perhaps we should re-word the chorus of a well known carol to read: “Goel ,Goel, Goel, Goel, born is the King of Israel”!

Prayer
Wonderful God, Our Father, thank you for providing Your only begotten Son, Christ Jesus, Immanuel, to be the ultimate Goel who has redeemed us at such awful cost. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen

Study by John Armstrong

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About the Author:
John Armstrong is on the Pastoral Council of the Exeter Congregation of the Worldwide church of God, UK.