Ga'al, Redeemer

Every Christian has probably heard Jesus is our Redeemer.  Many are familiar with the allegory of Boaz in the story of Ruth as kinsman redeemer painting a beautiful illustration of Jesus and the Church.  But did you know Redeemer is one of the names God declares Himself to have in Isaiah 44:6?  And did you know that “Redeemer” like “Counselor” is can be a verb ? Here are some AMAZING details about God’s name as Redeemer that you’ve probably never known.

The word translated Redeemer comes from the Hebrew word “Ga’al” which means literally ‘to redeem,’ ‘to act as kinsman.’ Ga'al is a femine verb/noun in Hebrew.  Redeemer is the word in the Aramaic Gospel of John chapter 14 used to describe the masculine word translated in Greek as "Comforter."  Ga’al is made up of three letters which when combined create an extraordinary image of Christ.

           Gamel – camel, walking, movement, lifted up
           Alef – ox (sacrificial animal), yoke, tame, strength,
                      leader what is first
           Lamedh – staff, cattle goad, authority, to learn,
                       to study, to teach

God has a deeper revelation behind the Hebrew letter ‘lamed’ than just these basic interpretations.  Lamed is unique in the Hebrew alphabet being the tallest letter, towering over all the other letters from its central position in the alphabet.  It is said Lamed represents melekh hamelakhim (the King of Kings).  The concept of Lamed having this kingly representation is supported by the preceding letter standing for kisei hakavod, "the throne of Glory," and the following letter standing for malkhut, "kingdom."  Thus being in the middle, Lamed would represent One who sits on the Throne in the Kingdom of God's Glory.  Jewish scholars also acknowledge the three central letters of the alphabet spell the word "melekh," meaning "King."  While Lamed is pictured as a shepherd’s staff of old, used to incite or prick the cattle into action, the staff also represents authority.  Lamed represents a Shepherd King, out of the lineage of David.

Interesting, the gematria (numerical value) of Lamed represents the number 30, which is the same numerical value as the word “Judah.”  This again emphasises the Shepher King lineage of David who comes from the tribe of Judah.  Lamed is created by two other letters which combine to make the Lamed.  Vav and Kaf blend to create Lamed.  Together these smaller parts equal the number 26; the same numerical value as the word “YHVH” Yaweh, the name of God.

Thus, the word “Redeemer” (Ga’al) is a picture of “the sacrifice of Judah, who is Yaweh, lifted up" or "lifts up" for your redemption.  How AMAZING is that! The Hebrew word “Redeemer” itself as a noun reveals exactly what it means to be a kinsman redeemer.  God as man in Christ Jesus from the tribe of Judah will lift you up. 

As a verb, Redeemer represents God who is actively in the process of redeeming people.  Hallelujah!  Ga’al unveils a deeper meaning of Jesus’ words to the Pharisees in John 5:39, when He said, "the scriptures testify of Me."  Indeed they do!

Every verse, every word, and every letter glorifies Jesus! 

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