In the Old Testament, the Israelite community depended on each other. They especially depended on their families. If a person fell on hard times and could not pay their debts, the closest relative who had resources would come to the rescue. This family member would redeem (ga-al) or release the debtor from their debt.

This was not only the job of a relative; God himself took on that assignment for us. He said through the prophet Isaiah,

Isaiah 41:14
…I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

We are sinners and cannot pay our debts. Our best efforts fall short, so God did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He is our Ga-al, our Redeemer. He sent his Son to release us from sin’s penalty. Paul wrote in Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV), “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” In Titus 2:14, Paul explained that Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” God is the One who comes to our rescue. He is our Redeemer.

Father,
I am a sinner and unable to pay my debt. I am caught in the slavery of sin. Thank you for sending Jesus to release me and set me free. Thank you for being my Redeemer.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.