Ruth 4:3-8

The goel.

Every nation has its own domestic and social usages. Among those prevalent in Israel was the relationship of the goel . He was the redeemer, or the next kinsman of one deceased, whose duty it was to purchase an inheritance in danger of lapsing, or to redeem one lapsed. The duties were defined in the Levitical law. According to the custom and regulation known as Levirate, he was expected to marry the widow of the deceased, and to raise up seed unto the dead, in case no issue were left of the marriage dissolved by death. From this Book of Ruth it is clear that the two duties, that with regard to property and that respecting marriage, centered in the same person. Failing the unnamed kinsman, it fell to the lot of Boaz to act the part of the near relative of Ruth's deceased husband. Usages and laws differ, but the fact of kindred remains, and involves many duties.

I. HUMAN KINDRED IS A DIVINE APPOINTMENT .

II. AND IS BOTH SUGGESTIVE AND ILLUSTRATIVE OF RELIGIOUS , OF CHRISTIAN TRUTH . E.g. of the fatherhood of God; of the brotherhood of man; based upon that of Christ.

III. KINDRED IS AT THE FOUNDATION OF HUMAN LIFE , AS SOCIAL AND POLITICAL .

IV. KINDRED INVOLVES CONSIDERATION AND REGARD .

V. AND , WHERE CIRCUMSTANCES RENDER IT EXPEDIENT , PRACTICAL HELP .

Appeal:—Do we recognize the just claims of kindred? If we de not, is not our failure traceable to an imperfect apprehension of spiritual relationships?—T.

HOMILIES BY W.M. STATHAM