The Kinsman Redeemer

The book of Ruth is a classic love story of loyalty and devotion, yet it also contains some surprising insights that go far beyond the historical narrative itself.

One of the principal characters is Naomi, a Bethlehemite, who migrates with her husband and two sons to distant Moab because of a famine. The two sons take Moabite women for wives. During the ten years that follow, Naomi's husband and both her two sons pass away, leaving her destitute.

Upon hearing that things have turned for the better in her native Bethlehem, Naomi decides to return home. She encourages the two young girls to make new lives for themselves among their own people.

However, Ruth refuses, insisting upon remaining with Naomi, declaring one of the most famous commitments in the Scriptures:

Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. Ruth 1:16, 17

Upon returning to Bethlehem, Ruth encounters the hero of the tale, the land owner, Boaz. To follow the plot, one must understand the Law of Redemption. In ancient Israel, land wasn't sold as we are used to. Since God was the real landowner, Israel was simply a tenant under conditions of obedience. When land was "sold," the buyer received only the use of the land, not clear title. There were conditions under which a kinsman of the seller could "redeem" the land back to the original family.

The scroll mentioned in Revelation Chapter 5 was written "within and on the backside," which identifies it as a deed subject to redemption. A Kinsman of Adam, in His role as a Kinsman-redeemer, Jesus will take final possession of what He already purchased with His blood as the sacrificial Lamb. He not only purchased the land; he also purchased a Bride. The Kinsman Redeemer needed to be qualified to fulfill the deed and be willing to fulfill it. Christ was qualified because he came to earth as a man and lived a sinless life. Also he was willing to take on our sin and shame, as he subjecting his will to His Father.

In the Book of Ruth, Naomi is viewed by scholars as a type of Israel, exiled from her land; Boaz is her kinsman, who performs the redemption of the land; and Ruth (a Gentile) is also purchased for a wife. It is interesting that Ruth is introduced to Boaz through an unnamed servant (functioning as the Holy Spirit). The Church, as the Gentile "Bride of Christ," is introduced to the ultimate Kinsman-redeemer by the Holy Spirit also. Boaz is not only the "lord of the harvest," he saves the day by performing the role of a  "Kinsman- Redeemer." In Hebrew tradition, a Kinsman Redeemer was a qualified relative, someone who could step into a situation, and assist with restoring property, financial security, and future inheritance.

Boaz and Ruth marry and have a child, ensuring the continuation of the Davidic line. God works through the actions of a widow, a foreigner, and a wealthy farmer to bring about the birth of the grandfather of King David, which ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus.

It is interesting that the field of Boaz is near where the shepherds received the annoucement of Christ's birth. Caves where shepherds “kept watch over their flock” still abound in the area east of Bethlehem. The angel’s good news was not given to the noble or pious, but to workers of low reputation. Jewish literature ranked “shepherds” among the most despised occupations of the time — but Christ was to identify himself with this occupation when he called himself “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11).

How can we be a Kinsman Redeemer to those in need around us?

1. Notice others. Take a look around you. Who do you see lagging behind?  Someone who has fallen on hard times?

2. Clothe with Comfort & Kindness. Sometimes a big hug or a listening ear is all that one needs. Clothing others with kindness means that we are investing in their desires and care about them.

3. Give. Go out of your way to give. When Boaz noticed Ruth, first he showed compassion to her by listening to her needs. He made sure she was protected by instructing his workers to look after her by giving extra food. Boaz wanted to make sure that no further harm would come to her.  


With the passing of jazz legend Dave Brubeck, here is a musical selection from his last album with his quartet, made 7 years ago at age 84. The other video following is an interview with Dave on World War 2 reflections when he served his country.