Job's faith in a Redeemer (one who saves) could only become fulfilled in Christ. This was also true for his wish for an advocate and a witness in heaven (9:33; 16:19). The term Redeemer (Hebrew go’el) comes from both criminal and civil law. A person could redeem or take revenge because of the wrong shedding of blood or redeem lost property. This included buying back a slave or marrying the widow who inherited the property (Numbers 35:12–18; Leviticus 25:25, 47–49; 27:11–13; Ruth 3:13).
The Old Testament recognized the Lord as Redeemer (Exodus 6:6; Psalms 19:14; 103:4; Proverbs 23:10–11; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 54:5). New Testament Christians know the Redeemer as the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7, 14; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:18). Job wanted his Redeemer to declare his innocence (see Job 1:1 and corresponding study note).