In Chapter 5 the author has emphasized on the fact that in order to be able to understand the New Testament it is but imperative to have prior knowledge of the Old Testament as there are many words that have a meaning that is specific to the Bible. The author says that while reading the New Testament, we can most definitely look up the difficult words in the dictionary but we will still not be able to comprehend the essence of the words or the exact connotation the words imply as per the given situation in the Bible. The author also emphasizes on the fact that the language in the New Testament continues in the same flow as that used in the Old Testament. It is with the belief and understanding that the reader has read and understood the Old Testament before taking up reading of the New Testament, and fully comprehends what God desires to convey.
In Chapter 5, the author highlights the word “Redemption” with reference to the Book of Ruth. He says that the word “Redemption” has two to three meanings in Hebrew. The first word he brings up in “Goel”. To explain the word further he tells us about Naomi who left Bethlehem with her husband and two sons but when she returned she was unfortunate to have no belongings or money. She was accompanied by only her daughter-in-law Ruth. In those days it was the custom in Israel for a next-of-kin to come forward and lift the burden of the destitute relative and pay the debts which could not be paid back. For that purpose a “Kinsman-Redeemer” or a “Goel” was sought. Hence Naomi and Ruth required a “Kinsman-Redeemer” to lift the burden of their debts and provide them relief in their hard times. It must also be understood that the “Kinsman-Redeemer” would simply pay off the debts, not as a loan but as full and final payment which would close that account for good. The next word that the author highlights is “Padah”. Goel is the Redeemer and Padah is the amount that he pays for the redemption.
When the word “Redemption “ appears in the New Testament it implies that Jesus Christ is the “Goel” or the “Kinsman-Redeemer” who will relieve us of our pain, our miseries, our troubles and most of all, our sins. He will pay the price or the “Padah” on our behalf and finish all our debts if we trust in him as our “Kinsman-Redeemer”.
Lessons Learnt:
- The true meaning of the Bible Words can only be understood when there is in-depth study of both the Old and the New Testaments.
- On earth, we need our family members or friends to come forth and help us in our hour of need but in the New Testament we receive the glad tidings that God sent His son to be our “Kinsman-Redeemer” so that we may be cleansed of all our sins.
- God loves us humans so much that he sent His son Jesus Christ who paid a very heavy price “Padah” for our sins so that there would be no debt remaining.
Conclusion:
Chapter 5 has revealed to me that I am extremely blessed to have a “Kinsman-Redeemer” in my life, who stands tall in all aspects. My debt of sins has been washed away by God Himself and I am now free of my burden. My troubles have been lifted and there is no more pain and misery in my life. All I have to do is remain faithful to God, ask for His mercy and rejoice in the fact that I am no more carrying the load of sins that were committed by Adam and the generations that followed thereafter. My “Goel” was Jesus Christ!
