The go’el custom which has been investigated from sociological and anthropological perspectives contains rich implications for leaders today. I previously argued that “the go’el custom, as reflected in Ruth, depicts an established custom wherein the redemption of property was merged with the practice of levirate marriage” (p. 237). This current proposal builds upon that work by exploring the go’el role more broadly throughout Old Testament literature and considering its relevance for contemporary leadership.
Over time, the term go’el shifted from a legal and familial function to an exclusively spiritual one, as reflected in its later usage in the Talmud, where it refers solely to a “redeemer” (Isidore Singer, The Jewish Encyclopedia). In Ruth, the kinsman-redeemer provides protection and provision for the widow, the family, the land, and the legacy of the deceased. More broadly, the go’el had three key responsibilities in ancient Israel: redeeming land (Lev 25:23–38), redeeming family members from slavery (Lev 25:47–55), and avenging the blood of a murdered kinsman (Num 35:16–31).
This paper argues that the underlying principles of the go’el custom—protection, provision, and redemption—offer a model for contemporary leadership, particularly in the home and church. Fathers and husbands, as well as church leaders, are called to embody these responsibilities by safeguarding their families, providing for their needs, and ensuring their spiritual well-being. By recovering the biblical vision of the go’el, modern leaders can cultivate a deeper sense of duty and service in their roles.