Redemption in Old Testament Covenant Context
Redemption, in the Old Testament covenant context, fundamentally involves the concept of "purchase back" or "ransom" [1]. The Hebrew term goel refers to a redeemer, one charged with restoring the rights of another or avenging wrongs [8]. This idea is evident in passages like Leviticus 25:48-49, where a kinsman redeems a relative from servitude, and Numbers 35:31-32, concerning the redemption of a life [1, 8]. The Septuagint (LXX) uses lutron for ransom, a term also found in the New Testament, signifying a price paid for redemption [1].
The Old Testament frequently speaks of God as the Redeemer of Israel. For instance, Psalm 111:9 states, "Redemption He hath sent to His people, He hath appointed to the age His covenant" [5]. Isaiah 1:27 declares, "Zion in judgment is redeemed, And her captivity in righteousness" [6]. This divine redemption often refers to deliverance from physical bondage, such as the Israelites' liberation from Egypt [2]. God's redemptive acts are tied to His covenant promises, as seen in Psalm 119:154, where the psalmist pleads, "Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise" [7].
The Old Covenant, established at Sinai, was not without fault and did not fully address human weaknesses [9]. The prophet Jeremiah foretold a "new covenant" (Jeremiah 31:31-34), which the author of Hebrews later references, indicating that the first covenant was becoming obsolete [3, 9]. This new covenant, mediated by Christ, provides redemption for transgressions committed under the first covenant, leading to an eternal inheritance [4, 10]. The death of Christ is presented as the means by which this redemption is achieved, offering a superior solution to the limitations of the old covenant's offerings [4, 9, 10]. The purpose of this redemption is to honor God through the praises of the redeemed [11].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Redemption — The purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom. The Greek word so rendered is apolutrosis, a word occurring nine times in Scripture, and always with the idea of a ransom or price paid, i.e., redemption by a lutron (see Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45). There are instances in the LXX. Version of the Old Testament of the use of lutron in man's relation to man (Lev. 19:20; 25:51; Ex. 21:30; Num. 35:31, 32; Isa. 45:13; Prov. 6:35), and in the same sense of man's relation to God (Num. 3:49; 18:15). There are many passages in the New Tes”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Salvation — This word is used of the deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians (Ex. 14:13), and of deliverance generally from evil or danger. In the New Testament it is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin wrought out by Jesus Christ, "the great salvation" (Heb. 2:3). (See [546]REDEMPTION; [547]REGENERATION.)”
- Hebrews “In that he says, “A new covenant”, he has made the first old. But that which is becoming old and grows aged is near to vanishing away. -- Hebrews 8:13”
- Hebrews “For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. -- Hebrews 9:15”
- Psalms “Psalms 111:9 (YLT) — Redemption He hath sent to His people, He hath appointed to the age His covenant, Holy and fearful <FI>is<Fi> His name.”
- Isaiah “Isaiah 1:27 (YLT) — Zion in judgment is redeemed, And her captivity in righteousness.”
- Psalms “Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise. -- Psalms 119:154”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Redeemer — Heb. goel; i.e., one charged with the duty of restoring the rights of another and avenging his wrongs (Lev. 25:48, 49; Num. 5:8; Ruth 4:1; Job 19:25; Ps. 19:14; 78:35, etc.). This title is peculiarly applied to Christ. He redeems us from all evil by the payment of a ransom (q.v.). (See [524]REDEMPTION.)”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 8:7: 8:7-13 The author quotes Jer 31:31-34, an Old Testament prophecy concerning the new covenant that includes a number of striking promises. Establishing the superiority of the new covenant lays a foundation for the argument in Heb 9:1–10:18 that the Son’s offering under the new covenant was superior to the offerings of the old covenant. 8:7 The first covenant, made at Sinai, was not faultless. It was not the end of God’s plan, because it didn’t solve human weaknesses (see 7:11-28; 8:9).”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 9:15: for this cause--Because of the all-cleansing power of His blood, this fits Him to be Mediator (Heb 8:6, ensuring to both parties, God and us, the ratification) of the new covenant, which secures both forgiveness for the sins not covered by the former imperfect covenant or testament, and also an eternal inheritance to the called. by means of death--rather, as Greek, "death having taken place." At the moment that His death took place, the necessary effect is, "the called receive the (fulfilment of the) promise" (so Luk 24:49 uses "promise"; Heb 6:15; ”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 43:21: 43:21 One purpose of redemption is to honor God through the praises of the redeemed (see 1 Pet 2:9).”