Redeemer - Boaz

Ruth 2:4–9

The specific noun “kinsman-redeemer” is used seven times in the Old Testament, all in the book of Ruth and all referring to Boaz (according to BibleStudyTools.com). So Boaz is the prime example of what a redeemer should be. First of all, he obviously cares about his workers and observes them. He notices there is someone new gleaning behind his workers (Ruth) and takes the trouble to find out more about her, even before he knows for sure she is the one he has heard about helping her mother-in-law. Second, he rewards Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi in small ways by feeding her and letting her glean extra barley, even before her big ask (for him to be the kinsman-redeemer). Third, he fulfills the role of kinsman-redeemer even when it gains him nothing … the child born to Ruth won’t be his heir, but the heir of Naomi’s family. 


Questions for further thought:
1. Taking care of family members can be one of the most frustrating jobs. Can you think of a time a family member took care of you in some way that showed the spirit of being a true kinsman-redeemer?

2. What about you? Have you been faithful as a kinsman-redeemer in some way, however small?  


Challenge: Observe your family during this disruptive time and find a way to be a redeemer.