Vv 5-10: The next of kin (Heb "gaal" or "kinsman-redeemer")
had the duty of preserving the family by marrying the widow of a deceased
brother if he had died childless. Under such a law, the continuity of the family
was maintained, even though its continuance may have been threatened by folly or
disaster. The duty of Preserver of the Family is clearly linked with the duty to
redeem the land inheritance.
In the Book of Ruth, the wealthy Boaz, acting as the "gaal",
made it possible for Ruth -- the Moabite widow of a Jew -- to have fellowship
with Israel, and a covenant relationship with God.
The Lord Jesus, as our "gaal", has done likewise for us who
are Gentiles: "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been
brought near through the blood of Christ" (Eph 2:11-13). "This mystery is that
through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together
of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus" (Eph
3:6).
YOU SHALL BLOT OUT THE MEMORY OF AMALEK FROM UNDER
HEAVEN: See Lesson, Amalek.
UNDER HEAVEN: A phrase suggesting the universality of
Yahweh's judgement: Gen 6:17; Exo 17:14; Deu 7:24; 9:14; 25:19; 29:20; 2Ki
14:27. The two NT references (Acts 4:12; Col 1:23) expand the theme to show that
the Father is indeed concerned with salvation for all mankind.