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Strong Redeemer

King Solomon had a lot to say about ancient landmarks, and how they should not be moved. This might make us think about people who deface or even topple statues, something that we have seen a rise in of late. But that is not what Solomon had in mind. The landmarks referred to boundary markers that separated one person's property line from another.

You might know where your land ends and your neighbor's begins because there is a fence separating your lots, but during the days of the Bible people piled up stones for that purpose. If you wanted to expand your territory, all you had to do was move the stones a little farther onto your neighbor's side. If you wanted more land to farm or more room for cattle to graze, you could deceive your neighbor by moving the stones. This was considered one of the most heinous of offenses, but it happened.  

So in Proverbs 23:10-11 Solomon wrote, "Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you."

The easiest of targets would be the fatherless, children with no dad to fight for them. Someone would move the landmarks and reduce a widow's land and hurt her chances of making money. Solomon warned not to do such a thing, for even though there was no father, there was a Heavenly Father who would fight for the children. 

He is a strong Redeemer; that is the same term used in the book of Ruth to describe the Kinsman Redeemer. In the original language, Redeemer is emphatic, putting emphasis on the idea of God fighting for His family. The idea is that God will step into the role of your defender, doing what a father or husband could no longer do for their family. 

If you are considering doing something to hurt a vulnerable person, you better think twice. God will fight for them, defending their cause. If you are that vulnerable person, view yourself as a relative of the Most High God. 


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