Boaz - Second 'son' as redeemer
Boaz - Second 'son' as redeemer [∞]
Boaz is a key figure in the second son pattern, especially as a second redeemer kinsman in the Book of Ruth. Let's break this down step by step.
1. Boaz’s Role as a Redeemer Kinsman:
In the Book of Ruth, the concept of a kinsman-redeemer (or goel) is central. This was a family member who had the responsibility to marry a widow within the family to preserve the family line and redeem the property that might otherwise be lost.
- Boaz fulfills this role for Ruth, the widow of Mahlon, who was the son of Elimelech and Naomi.
- However, Boaz is not the first kinsman who could redeem Ruth. There is another kinsman, described as a closer relative (Ruth 3:12), who has the first right of redemption, but he declines to marry Ruth because of the associated responsibilities.
2. Boaz as the Second Redeemer:
- Boaz is the second in line to act as the redeemer kinsman, meaning that the first relative declined the responsibility, and Boaz stepped in.
- This placement makes Boaz a second redeemer kinsman, and in doing so, he fulfills a critical role in preserving the family line, just as second sons in the Bible often take up significant roles even when they are not the firstborn.
3. Boaz’s Redemption as a Type of Christ:
- In the story, Boaz acts as a kinsman redeemer, which is a significant biblical theme that points to Christ. Just as Boaz redeems Ruth, Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of all humanity, coming as the second Adam (the second man, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:45-47).
- Boaz is a type of Christ because he redeems Ruth out of love and grace, even though he is not the first option. Similarly, Christ, though not the first (according to some of the world’s expectations), comes to redeem through His sacrifice.
4. Second Son Role in Redemption:
- Boaz embodies the idea of the second son taking a key role in redemption. His willingness to step in as the second redeemer highlights a pattern where, despite not being the firstborn, the second often plays an instrumental role in fulfilling God's larger purposes.
- By marrying Ruth and redeeming her, Boaz ensures the continuation of Elimelech’s line, which ultimately leads to King David and to Jesus Christ in the Messianic lineage.
Conclusion:
Boaz fits the second son pattern not just by being the second-born of Salmon, but also by playing a pivotal role as the second redeemer kinsman. His actions to redeem Ruth echo the broader biblical theme that second sons often fulfill essential, redemptive roles in God’s plan. In this way, Boaz foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Redeemer who also comes as a second (after the fall of the first man, Adam) to bring salvation to the world.
