Redeemer in the Old Testament: Foreshadowing Jesus in Redemptive History
The concept of a “redeemer” in the Old Testament is deeply rooted in the covenantal and legal structures of ancient Israelite society, and it serves as a profound theological foreshadowing of the person and work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The Hebrew word for redeemer, go’el, refers to a person who acts on behalf of a relative or fellow Israelite to restore rights, property, or freedom that has been lost. This role was not only social and legal but also deeply spiritual, pointing forward to the ultimate redemption that God would accomplish through the Messiah. The Old Testament uses the term “redeemer” approximately 18 times, primarily in the context of God’s covenantal faithfulness to Israel. This article will explore the biblical concept of a redeemer, its usage and significance in the Old Testament, and how it anticipates the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
The Role of the Redeemer in Ancient Israel
In the Old Testament, a redeemer (go’el) was typically a close relative who had the responsibility to act on behalf of a family member in distress. This could involve redeeming land that had been sold (Leviticus 25:25), redeeming a relative who had sold himself into slavery (Leviticus 25:47-49), or avenging the blood of a murdered family member (Numbers 35:19). The redeemer’s role was to restore what had been lost and to protect the family’s inheritance and dignity.
The book of Ruth provides a vivid example of this role. Boaz acts as a go’el for Ruth and Naomi by redeeming the land that belonged to Naomi’s deceased husband and marrying Ruth to preserve the family line (Ruth 4:1-10). This act of redemption is not only a legal transaction but also a demonstration of covenantal love and faithfulness. Boaz’s role as redeemer foreshadows the greater redemption that Jesus Christ would accomplish for his people.
God as Israel’s Redeemer
While the legal role of the go’el was fulfilled by human agents, the Old Testament also presents God himself as the ultimate Redeemer of Israel. This theological development is especially prominent in the prophetic literature, where God is portrayed as the one who rescues his people from bondage, restores their fortunes, and forgives their sins.
In Isaiah, the term “redeemer” is used repeatedly to describe God’s relationship with his people. For example, Isaiah 43:1 declares, “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’” Here, redemption is tied to God’s creative and covenantal initiative. He redeems not because of Israel’s merit but because of his steadfast love and faithfulness.
The identity of the redeemer in Isaiah 59 is particularly significant. In Isaiah 59:20, the prophet writes, “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, declares the Lord.” This verse anticipates a future Redeemer who will come to deliver and purify God’s people. The context of Isaiah 59 emphasizes the moral and spiritual failure of Israel and the need for divine intervention. The Redeemer in this passage is not merely a human agent but a messianic figure who brings salvation and righteousness. The apostle Paul quotes this verse in Romans 11:26 to refer to Jesus Christ, affirming that the Redeemer foretold by Isaiah is fulfilled in the person of Christ.
Examples of Redemption in the Old Testament
The theme of redemption runs throughout the Old Testament narrative, beginning with the Exodus. God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt is the foundational act of redemption in the Old Testament. In Exodus 6:6, God says to Moses, “Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.’” This act of redemption is not only historical but also theological, revealing God’s power, justice, and mercy.
Another example is found in the book of Job. In the midst of his suffering, Job expresses hope in a personal redeemer: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25). Though the full identity of this Redeemer is not revealed in the Old Testament, Job’s declaration reflects a deep trust in God’s justice and a future vindication. Christians have historically understood this verse as a foreshadowing of Christ’s resurrection and final judgment.
The Psalms also frequently speak of God as Redeemer. Psalm 130:7 declares, “O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.” Redemption here is associated with God’s covenant love (hesed) and his willingness to forgive and restore. Similarly, Psalm 103:4 praises God “who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.”
The Redeemer Fulfilled in Jesus Christ
The New Testament reveals that all the Old Testament shadows of redemption find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and final go’el, who redeems not merely from physical bondage or social disgrace, but from sin, death, and eternal separation from God. Paul writes in Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Christ’s redemptive work secures not only forgiveness but also adoption and inheritance.
Titus 2:13-14 further emphasizes this truth: “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Here, redemption is both a past accomplishment and a present calling. Christ redeems us not only from guilt but also for holiness.
The book of Revelation also presents Jesus as the Redeemer in heavenly glory. In Revelation 5:9, the elders sing a new song to the Lamb: “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed [redeemed] people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” This cosmic vision of redemption fulfills the promises made throughout the Old Testament and reveals the universal scope of Christ’s redemptive work.
Conclusion
The concept of a redeemer in the Old Testament is both rich and multifaceted. It begins with the legal and familial responsibilities of the go’el, expands to God’s covenantal actions on behalf of Israel, and culminates in the prophetic anticipation of a messianic redeemer. The term “redeemer” appears around 18 times in the Old Testament, often in the context of God’s saving acts. In Isaiah 59, the Redeemer is a future figure who brings salvation to those who repent, a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Examples of redemption in the Old Testament–such as the Exodus, the story of Ruth, and the declarations of Job and the psalmists–serve as types and shadows of the greater redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ. In him, the full meaning of redemption is revealed: not merely the restoration of earthly fortunes, but the eternal reconciliation of sinners to God. As Paul writes in Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
Thus, the Redeemer of the Old Testament is not only a historical figure or legal role but a divine promise fulfilled in Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).