Category: Bible Study

The role of a “kinsman-redeemer” (often referred to as “go’el” in Hebrew) is a concept found in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Ruth. The role is multifaceted and derives from several Mosaic laws meant to ensure the protection and continuation of family inheritance and name within the Israelite community. Here’s an overview of the responsibilities and roles of a kinsman-redeemer:

1. Redeeming Land: According to Leviticus 25:25, if an Israelite became impoverished and sold some of his property, his nearest relative was to come and redeem what his relative had sold. This helped ensure that land remained within the family, preserving the ancestral inheritance.
2. Marrying a Childless Widow: If a man died without leaving a son, his brother (or nearest relative) was to marry the widow and have a child with her. This child would then carry on the deceased man’s name, ensuring that the name did not die out in Israel (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). This practice is often called “levirate marriage” (from the Latin word “levir,” meaning “brother-in-law”).
3. Redeeming from Slavery: If an Israelite had to sell himself into slavery due to debt, his relative could redeem him (Leviticus 25:47-49). This provision ensured that family members could assist one another in times of extreme hardship.
4. Avenger of Blood: In cases of unintentional manslaughter, the “go’el” also had the role of an “avenger of blood.” It was his responsibility to bring the person responsible to justice, ensuring that the death was indeed accidental (Numbers 35:19-28). If the killing was intentional, the avenger had the right to kill the murderer.

In the book of Ruth, Boaz takes on the role of the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Boaz redeems the land that belonged to Naomi’s late husband and marries Ruth, ensuring that the family line of her deceased husband, Mahlon, continues (Ruth 4).

The kinsman-redeemer is a significant theological concept as well, with many Christian theologians seeing it as a foreshadowing or typology of Jesus Christ, who redeems believers from sin and brings them into a new relationship with God.

While Jesus is not explicitly mentioned by name in the Old Testament, including in 1 Samuel, Christians believe that there are typologies, prophecies, and themes within the Old Testament that foreshadow or point towards Jesus.

Hebrews 11:13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.

In essence, typology sees certain Old Testament occurrences as predictive prototypes of New Testament realities, especially in relation to the life, work, and mission of Jesus Christ.

Here are a few ways we see Jesus in the book of 1 Samuel:

The Anointing of David:

• In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel anoints David, the shepherd boy, to be the next king of Israel. David is from the tribe of Judah and the town of Bethlehem, and he becomes a significant figure in the lineage of Jesus. Jesus is often referred to as the “Son of David,” and His birth in Bethlehem and lineage from the tribe of Judah are significant in fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
• Furthermore, the word “Christ” means “anointed one.” Just as David was anointed by Samuel to be king, Jesus is the Anointed One par excellence.

The Rejected Stone:

• When Samuel is led by God to anoint one of Jesse’s sons, the youngest (David) is initially overlooked. Yet this overlooked shepherd boy becomes the most important, prefiguring Jesus’ teaching in Psalm 118:22 and reiterated in the New Testament: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”

Hannah’s Prayer:

• The book begins with Hannah’s heartfelt prayer for a child. When God blesses her with Samuel, her prayer of thanksgiving (1 Samuel 2:1-10) has thematic parallels with Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Both women praise God for looking upon their lowly state and for His mighty deeds that turn societal expectations upside down. Both prayers also speak of a King and the Lord’s Anointed.

Priesthood of Eli and Jesus:

• Eli’s priesthood was marked by compromise and corruption, especially with regard to his wayward sons. This can be contrasted with Jesus, our perfect high priest, who always did the will of His Father and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for sin.

David’s Persecution by Saul:

• David, despite being anointed as the next king, faced intense persecution from King Saul. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own persecution by the religious leaders and authorities of His time, despite being the Anointed One and the true King.

Note: It’s essential to approach typologies with caution, ensuring interpretations align with the broader biblical narrative.

The primary focus of 1 Samuel is on the history and events of Samuel, Saul, and David in the context of Israel’s story.

However, as with much of the Old Testament, the themes, patterns, and characters can often be seen to foreshadow or point towards the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ.

As you recalled this past Sunday, I mentioned the overview of the book of 1 Samuel
Here is the overview of the book and events that transpired.

Samuel’s Birth and Childhood (Chapters 1-3):

• Hannah’s fervent prayer at Shiloh leads to the birth of Samuel (1:1-20). She dedicates him to the Lord, and he serves under Eli at the temple (1:21-2:11). Eli’s sons act wickedly, but Samuel grows in favor with God (2:12-26). The Lord calls Samuel, solidifying his prophetic role in Israel (3:1-21).

Eli and His Sons (Chapter 2-4):

• Eli’s sons misuse their priestly roles (2:12-17). Prophecies foretell their downfall and the decline of Eli’s house (2:27-36; 3:11-18). The Ark is captured by the Philistines, and both of Eli’s sons die (4:1-22).

The Ark of the Covenant (Chapters 5-7):

• In Philistine custody, the Ark brings about calamities (5:1-12). The Philistines decide to return it to Israel (6:1-21). The Ark is eventually settled at Kiriath-Jearim (7:1-2).

Israel Demands a King (Chapters 8-10):

• Israelites demand a king (8:1-22). Saul is chosen and anointed as king by Samuel (9:1-10:27).

Saul’s Reign (Chapters 11-15):

• Saul has military successes (11:1-15) but also shows disobedience by making a rash oath (14:24-46) and not following God’s commands against the Amalekites (15:1-35).

David and Goliath (Chapter 17):

• David, trusting God, defeats the Philistine giant, Goliath (17:1-58).

David and Saul (Chapters 18-24):

• Saul grows jealous of David (18:1-16). Saul’s attempts to kill David intensify (18:17-19:24; 23:7-29). David, despite opportunities, spares Saul’s life (24:1-22).

David’s Relationships (Chapters 18-20):

• David and Jonathan form a close bond (18:1-4; 20:1-42). David marries Michal, but they later become estranged (18:20-28; 19:11-17).

Saul’s End (Chapters 28-31):

• Saul seeks guidance from the Witch of Endor, leading to a prophecy of his doom (28:3-25). Saul and his sons die in battle (31:1-13).