Breakdown of Ruth 4:13-17

"So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name…" — The simple phrase "the LORD gave her conception" is a powerful reminder that even the most intimate and personal aspects of life, like bearing children, are ultimately a gift from God. This isn't jus…

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Ruth 4:13-17

What does Ruth 4:13-17 mean?

The simple phrase "the LORD gave her conception" is a powerful reminder that even the most intimate and personal aspects of life, like bearing children, are ultimately a gift from God. This isn't just good luck; it's divine providence at work, highlighting God's hand in fulfilling the promises made through Boaz and Ruth.

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Ruth 4:13-17 means

After Boaz publicly redeemed Naomi's land and took Ruth as his wife, fulfilling ancient custom and showing profound loyalty, the narrative immediately shifts to the blessing of their union. This verse marks the culmination of their relationship, emphasizing that their ability to conceive and bear a child was a direct gift from the LORD, underscoring God's active role in their lives and the unfolding of His plan.

A Moabite Woman in Israel

Ruth was from Moab, a nation with a complicated history with Israel. Yet, she's welcomed and becomes a wife, mother, and ancestor of kings. How was this possible?

The Old Testament law had restrictions about who could marry into the Israelite community. Specifically, a Moabite was not to enter the assembly of the Lord, even to the tenth generation (Deuteronomy 23:3).

However, there's a crucial distinction here: the prohibition was for those who remained Moabites in their heathen practices and allegiance.

Ruth wasn't just a foreigner; she was a sincere convert to the God of Israel. She left her homeland, her people, and her gods to embrace the Lord and His covenant people. This profound commitment made her eligible and welcomed, demonstrating God's grace extending beyond ethnic lines to those with a faithful heart.

The Lord's Conception: A Divine Gift

Boaz and Ruth's intimacy leads to conception, but the text gives credit to Someone else. What does this tell us about their child?

The verse says, '...and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son.' This isn't just poetic language; it's a theological statement.

In ancient Israelite thought, as well as in the biblical narrative, human fertility and the birth of children were understood as direct blessings from God. It was not merely a biological event but a divine gift, reflecting God's sovereignty and His active involvement in human lives.

This phrase emphasizes that their son, Obed, was not just the result of Boaz and Ruth's union but was a special provision from the Lord. It signifies God's blessing on their marriage and His unfolding plan, setting the stage for this child's significant role.

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What Ruth 4:13-17 means

What does Ruth 4:13-17 mean?

What Ruth 4:13-17 means

A Moabite Woman in Israel

The Lord's Conception: A Divine Gift

Ask Sola about this verse

What Ruth 4:13-17 means

A Moabite Woman in Israel

The Lord's Conception: A Divine Gift

Ask Sola about this verse

Ancestor of the Messiah: Ruth's Legacy

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