We are working through a series on the theme of redemption in the Bible.

A redemption is simply the transfer of a possession back to where it belongs.

Something that rightfully belongs in one person or family's possession,

and through some circumstance, usually sad, tragic,

wrong, evil, that person or thing ends up in someone else's possession, and it's not right.

The Hebrew word, Pada, is translated, Redeem, and it basically just means this, to take something

back into possession, to repossess.

There's another Hebrew word that focuses on a specific type of repossession.

Let's say a distant nephew has to sell his land or even sell himself into slavery.

Now a family member, like an uncle or or second cousin, could come and buy that land

back on behalf of their nephew. This type of repossession from one family member towards another

gets a special Hebrew word. It's the word ga'al. And when someone gaal's, they become the goel.

The goel, the redeemer, takes initiative to go get that thing back.

Now one more word to keep in mind.

Sometimes, in order to initiate a transfer of ownership, it's going to cost something.

Like if I want to redeem that land, I might have to pay the value of the land to the person

who currently owns it.

The item of value and the exchange value, it's called a kofor.

Now where these ideas first come to life in the Bible is in the story of Exodus.

God is the goel, who redeems Israel from Pharaoh.

Now, God doesn't give Pharaoh a kofor. He just takes them back. God also redeems Israel from Pharaoh. Now, God doesn't give Pharaoh a coffer. He just takes them back. God also redeems Israel

from death on the night of Passover. You see, death is coming for us all, but God gave Israel a gift.

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