Boaz

Q: What is a kinsman-redeemer?

In Israelite law, a kinsman-redeemer (goel) was a close relative who could buy back family property, marry a widow to continue the family line, or redeem a relative from slavery. Boaz fulfilled this role for Ruth and Naomi, becoming a beautiful picture of how Christ redeems us.

Kinsman-Redeemer, Husband of Ruth

Old Testament

Boaz was a wealthy landowner in Bethlehem who showed kindness to Ruth, a Moabite widow gleaning in his fields. As a kinsman-redeemer, he married Ruth according to the custom of levirate marriage. They became the great-grandparents of King David, placing them in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Character Traits

Kinsman-RedeemerGenerousRighteousHonorable

Life Timeline

Meeting Ruthc. 1100 BC

Boaz notices Ruth gleaning in his fields and shows her kindness.

RUT 2:1-16

Threshing Floorc. 1100 BC

Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, requesting redemption.

RUT 3:1-15

Redemptionc. 1100 BC

Boaz redeems Ruth and Naomi's land and marries Ruth.

RUT 4:1-12

Birth of Obedc. 1099 BC

Ruth bears Obed, grandfather of King David.

RUT 4:13-17

Key Relationships

RuthFamily

Wife - Boaz redeemed and married Ruth, showing chesed (loyal love).

NaomiFamily

Mother-in-law - By marrying Ruth, Boaz redeemed Naomi's family line.

Key Locations

Bethlehem

Town where Boaz lived and where the redemption took place.

Spiritual Lessons

Picture of Christ

Boaz as kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Christ. He had the right to redeem (he was a relative), the power to redeem (he was wealthy), and the will to redeem (he loved Ruth). Christ redeems us the same way.

Key Verses

Ruth 2:1-23 Ruth 3:1-18 Ruth 4:9-17

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a kinsman-redeemer?+

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