Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer in the book of Ruth (chapters 2–4) carries profound spiritual and theological significance. In Israelite law, the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: goel) was a close relative responsible for preserving the family’s name and inheritance by redeeming property or marrying a widow of the family (Leviticus 25:25, Deuteronomy 25:5–10).
Ruth, a Moabite widow, returned to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi after both had lost their husbands. To provide for them, Ruth gleaned in the fields, where she met Boaz, who was a wealthy and godly man, and who showed her kindness. Naomi later explained Boaz’s position:
“The man is a relation of ours, one of our close relatives.”
(Ruth 2:20)
As a kinsman-redeemer, Boaz had the right to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth, ensuring the continuation of her late husband’s lineage. Boaz willingly fulfilled this role, demonstrating integrity, compassion, and obedience to God’s law. His redemption brought security and blessing to both Ruth and Naomi:
“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.”
(Ruth 4:13)
Their son, Obed, became the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth in the lineage of the Messiah (Matthew 1:5).
Spiritually, Boaz foreshadows Christ, our ultimate Redeemer:
Relationship – Just as Boaz was related to Ruth through family, Jesus became our kinsman by taking on human flesh (John 1:14).
Redemption – Boaz paid the price to secure Ruth’s future; Christ paid the ultimate price with His blood to redeem us from sin (1 Peter 1:18–19).
Restoration – Boaz brought Ruth into covenant blessing; Jesus brings believers into eternal life and fellowship with God.
The kinsman-redeemer role illustrates God’s faithfulness, grace, and the gospel message of redemption. Boaz’s actions remind us that God provides a Redeemer who restores what is lost and brings us into His family forever.
