Who is the blood avenger in the Bible?

In the Bible, the concept of the "blood avenger" originates in the Old Testament, where the term in Hebrew is "goel haddam." While it initially referred to a specific role within ancient Israelite law, Jesus Christ is ultimately presented as the New Testament fulfillment of this concept, acting as humanity's ultimate "Blood Avenger" and Kinsman-Redeemer.

The Old Testament "Goel Haddam"

In ancient Israel, the "goel haddam" was a close male relative who had the legal right and duty to avenge the death of a murdered family member. This role was part of a larger tribal justice system designed to maintain order and protect family honor.

Key aspects of the Old Testament blood avenger:

• Role and Duty: If a person was murdered, their "goel haddam" was responsible for executing the murderer, ensuring justice was served.
• Cities of Refuge: To prevent hasty retribution and distinguish between intentional murder and accidental killing, God established "Cities of Refuge." If someone accidentally caused another's death, they could flee to one of these cities for sanctuary. The blood avenger was permitted to pursue the accidental killer up to the city's gates, but once inside, the individual was safe until their case could be judged. If found innocent of intentional murder, they had to remain in the City of Refuge until the death of the high priest. If they left before then, the blood avenger had the right to kill them.
• Kinsman-Redeemer (Goel): The role of "goel" (redeemer) extended beyond avenging blood to other duties, such as buying back family land that had been sold due to poverty, redeeming a family member who had been sold into slavery, and marrying a deceased brother's widow to raise offspring in his name (levirate marriage), as seen in the book of Ruth. The "goel haddam" was a specific application of this broader "goel" role.

Boaz: A Type of Kinsman-Redeemer

The biblical narrative of Boaz in the book of Ruth serves as a significant Old Testament illustration of the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz, as a close relative of Naomi and Ruth, exercised his right and duty as a "goel." He redeemed their land and married Ruth, ensuring the continuation of their family line and providing a secure future. His actions prefigure the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Blood Avenger and Kinsman-Redeemer

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament "goel" or Kinsman-Redeemer, and by extension, our "Blood Avenger."

• New Testament Fulfillment: Just as the Old Testament "goel" redeemed property or family members and avenged blood, Jesus Christ redeems humanity from the bondage of sin and death, which metaphorically constitutes the "blood" (life) that was lost due to humanity's fall.
• Redemption from Sin: Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus paid the ultimate price, redeeming those who believe in Him from the curse of the law and the power of sin and death. He "avenges" the spiritual death and separation caused by sin by offering new life and reconciliation with God.
• Close Kinship: To be a kinsman-redeemer, one had to be a close relative. Jesus, by taking on human flesh, became our Kinsman, making Him eligible to redeem humanity.
• Advocate and Deliverer: He stands as our advocate, defending us against the accuser, and delivers us from spiritual enemies, effectively acting as our divine "Blood Avenger" against the forces of evil and death.

In essence, while the Old Testament "blood avenger" dealt with physical death and legal justice, Jesus Christ fulfills this role on a grander, spiritual scale, delivering humanity from the eternal consequences of sin.