In the previous blog post, we saw that the Israelite law stipulated that a relative could act as a redeemer by repurchasing the lost family property. Like all regulations and rituals, this requirement also has a deeper meaning.
YAHWEH is the Redeemer
Already in the Tanakh, it becomes clear that God Himself is the Redeemer. The Hebrew word goel is often translated as redeemer (in Dutch: losser), but when referring to God as Redeemer, the same word (in Dutch: Verlosser) is used as in the book of Ruth, where it refers to Boaz.
Isaiah 54
7 For a brief moment I have forsaken you, but with great compassion I will gather you;
8 In wrath I hid my face from you for a moment, but with eternal faithfulness will I have mercy on you, says your Redeemer, the LORD.
Forsaken and Gathered Again
Here it is said that God, after having forsaken Israel for a short time, will regather the people with great mercy. The parallel passage states that He has abandoned them in His wrath and hidden His face from them. This path the Jewish people would take is depicted in the book of Ruth by their period of sojourn abroad, where they suffer great misfortune: Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion die there, and Naomi, together with Ruth, returns to the land in bitterness. There Boaz has compassion on them (cf. Hosea 1:6; 1:11-12).
Isaiah 59
20 And the Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob, declares the LORD.
Israel Saved
Paul refers to these words in Romans 11, where he speaks of the secret. In this time, when God is gathering a people for Himself from the nations, Israel is hardened. It will continue to be so until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Rom. 11:25).
When the ecclesia is complete, it will be taken up (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17) to take up its heavenly destiny and position. Afterward, God will resume His dealings with Israel. In this regard, Paul quotes Isaiah, saying: “And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, and will turn away ungodliness from Jacob’” (Romans 11:26).
Isaiah 60
15 Instead of being forsaken and hated, so that no one passed through you, I will make you a glory forever, a joy for all generations.
16 Then you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
The Messianic Kingdom
Here too, we find the period of Israel’s setting aside, followed by the future glory of Zion (Jerusalem), when God restores Israel and establishes His kingdom. It is a prophecy of the Messianic kingdom, in which Jerusalem becomes the center of God’s rule and the nations are blessed by Israel’s restoration. Yahweh himself is Israel’s Savior and Redeemer, who returns the land to its original owners.