DISCOVER BIBLE | KINSMAN-REDEEMER

1. Introduction

a) The Bible is full of wonderful stories and special truth. What we want to do is to discover the Bible.  

b) Psalm 119:11 says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." 

c) Nurture and grow your understanding of the Bible as you read and discover the Bible.  

2. The Concept of the Kinsman-Redeemer

Ruth 3:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

⁹ “Who are you?” he asked.

“I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”

a) In Hebrew, Go 'El. The nearest kinsman had the right to redeem the forfeited inheritance of the family. Elimelech's death meant the needs of the women were to be met by the Go 'El. Involved were:

i) Support and protect the women.

ii) Insure their property remained intact for them, even if liens had to be paid.

iii) In a childless marriage where there was no heir, the Go 'El must marry the widow and sire a child to inherit the land of his father.

iv)  If the widow's property was put up for sale, the Go 'El would buy it at public auction.

v) If the man had been murdered, the Go 'El would avenge the death.

vi) If the dead's relatives were sold into slavery or servitude, the Go 'El would purchase and free them. 

vii) If the nearest kinsman-redeemer refused the responsibility to act as Go 'El, he lost the right to the inheritance and sometimes suffered the indignity of spit in the face (See Deuteronomy 25:9). 

Deuteronomy 25:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

⁹ the widow must walk over to him in the presence of the elders, pull his sandal from his foot, and spit in his face. Then she must declare, ‘This is what happens to a man who refuses to provide his brother with children.’

viii) The next kinsman-redeemer was then free to come forward and take over. Taking off the shoe and handing it to another was a symbol of transfer of obligation - "You walk in my shoe!"