The Intimacy of the Devine Goel

The Intimacy of the Divine Goel

The concept of “goel” in ancient Israel was deeply rooted in family and covenant. The kinsman-redeemer was responsible for protecting the family’s lineage, property, and honor. This could involve buying back land, avenging a death, or, as you pointed out, marrying a barren widow to raise up an heir.

When Psalm 103:4 declares that God “goels” our life from the pit, it’s a powerful revelation. It reveals God’s commitment to us isn’t distant or transactional, but profoundly personal. He doesn’t just “redeem” us in a general sense; He enters into a covenant relationship with us, taking on the role of our closest kin.

He binds Himself to us, not out of obligation, but out of an overflowing love that seeks to make us fruitful.

This isn’t merely about rescue from despair or sin, but about a divine union that transforms barrenness into abundance. Just as the kinsman-redeemer’s act ensured the continuation of a family line, God’s “goeling” of our lives ensures our spiritual legacy. Our fruitfulness, our purpose, and our abundant blessings spring directly from this intimate connection.

As Isaiah 47:4 resounds, “As for our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.” His very name, “LORD of hosts,” speaks to His power and sovereignty, yet He chooses to wield that power as our most intimate Kinsman.

To truly experience the fullness of God’s “goeling” power, we are called to lean into this intimacy. It’s a daily, intentional pursuit of closeness—a desire to be as joined and as one with God as humanly possible in every aspect of our lives. When we make this our aim, our lives can’t help but overflow with the fruit of His Spirit, fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.

Heavenly Father, we are awestruck by Your heart to be our Goel, our kinsman-redeemer. Thank You for not just saving us, but for drawing us into such a profound and intimate union with Yourself. Forgive us for the times we have kept You at a distance. Today, we surrender more of ourselves to You. We pray for a deeper hunger to know You more intimately, to be more joined to You in thought, word, and deed. May our lives be a testament to Your fruitfulness as we live ever closer to Your heart. Amen.

God does not merely save us from the pit; He marries us, becoming one with us, so that our lives cannot help but bear fruit.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼