Feb 19 (Ruth 3)

Ruth 3

Here we see Boaz fulfilling the role of the Kinsman Redeemer, which is called a Goel in Hebrew. In those days, if you couldn't afford to keep your land, then a relative (a kinsman) could buy it on your behalf. This is what Boaz was doing for Naomi.

Boaz is a type of Christ in this book, Naomi is a type of Israel, and Ruth is a type of the Church or Bride of Christ.

In order to be a Goel, the kinsman must fulfill the following:

~ must be kin (Jesus became man to die in our place)
~ must be able to purchase (Jesus' blood purchased us)
~ must be willing (Jesus willingly was beaten and crucified for us)
~ must assume all debt (Jesus took on all our sins)

So here we see Boaz, as the Lord of the Harvest, taking on the role of the Goel, and redeeming Naomi (Israel) to her land. In the process, he has taken a Gentile Bride and had all debts forgiven...does this sound familiar?

Is it no wonder that the book of Ruth is read by Jews at the Feast of Shavout (Feast of Weeks) every year? Doesn't it seem strange that this is the only feast that uses leavened bread, and two loaves at that? Isn't this pointing to the existence of the Gentiles in God's plan and the two loaves represent Israel and the Bride of Christ?

Also, this is the very feast that the Church was born on Pentecost! (Acts 2)