Not only does Ruth end up marrying Boaz (an Israelite of influence), but her grandson David also becomes Israel’s greatest king (and the earthly ancestor of Jesus). In this short book the Hebrew word goel is used thirteen times. It means “close relative” (3:9) and conveys the concept of kinsman-redeemer. That’s exactly who Jesus turned out to be for the human race—one of us who became the advocate for all of us. According to ancient Hebrew law, the goel must fulfill certain requirements in order