Ruth 4:17-22
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. Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The women's naming of Obed as "servant" wasn't just a cute nickname; it deeply reflects their hope that he would fulfill the promise of being Naomi's comfort and support in her old age. This humble beginning for a child destined to be King David's ancestor highlights how God often uses ordinary faithfulness to build extraordinary legacies.
This passage immediately follows Ruth's marriage to Boaz and her subsequent childbirth, fulfilling Naomi's long-held hope for a descendant. The neighborhood women, celebrating the birth, name the child Obed, signifying his role in serving and supporting Naomi in her old age. This naming isn't just about the present; it intentionally connects Obed to Jesse and then to King David, establishing a crucial lineage that the book has been building towards.
Have you ever felt like an outsider, unsure of your place? This verse shows how a community can affirm and name someone's identity, weaving them into the very fabric of belonging.
In ancient Israel, naming a child was a significant communal event. Here, the "women of the neighborhood" step forward, declaring, "A son has been born to Naomi." This isn't just a casual observation; it's a public affirmation that this child belongs to Naomi's lineage and, by extension, to the community.
This humble birth isn't just about Naomi's comfort. It's the crucial next step in a divine plan, connecting a Moabite woman to Israel's greatest king.
The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of loyalty and redemption, but its ultimate purpose, as this verse reveals, is genealogical. The compilers of this narrative wanted to make a specific connection: Obed is the grandfather of Jesse, who is the father of King David.
Understand the original words
Obed · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning 'servant' or 'worshiper' (of Yahweh). In the biblical context, it signifies the one who serves God's purpose in the messianic lineage.
toledoth · Hebrew Noun
From the Hebrew 'toledoth', it refers to a historical account of descendants. In Scripture, these records often serve to bridge historical events and establish the messianic genealogy.
Peretz · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'breach' or 'bursting forth.' It refers to the son of Judah and Tamar, highlighting the sovereign and sometimes unexpected way God preserves the royal line.
yalad · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew word for "to father" or "to beget" signifies the act of procreation and the continuation of a biological or genealogical line. In the context of genealogies, it emphasizes the preservation of the family line and the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises through successive generations.
The book of Ruth highlights how God works through ordinary lives and unexpected circumstances, even incorporating a foreigner into the royal and messianic line, demonstrating His faithfulness and inclusive purposes.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Boaz Marries Ruth
Boaz, a wealthy landowner from Bethlehem, marries Ruth, a Moabite widow. This union is blessed by God with a son, securing Naomi's lineage.
c. 1080 BC
Birth of Obed
The son born to Ruth and Boaz is named Obed. The community celebrates this as a return of joy and prosperity to Naomi's family.
c. 1060 BC
Birth of Jesse
Obed becomes the father of Jesse. This continues the lineage established by Ruth and Boaz, anchoring it within the tribe of Judah.
c. 1040 BC
Birth of David
Jesse becomes the father of David, who will famously rise from humble beginnings to become the king of Israel.
c. 1010 BC
This verse directly quotes the genealogy found in Ruth, highlighting Obed's crucial place in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:58-66The neighbors gathering and proposing a name for a newborn echoes the scene in Luke, showing a communal joy and participation in naming.
Deuteronomy 23:3This passage notes that a Moabite was not to enter the assembly of the Lord; Ruth 4:17 shows a significant exception, with a Moabite woman's descendant becoming a foundational figure in Israel's history and the Messiah's line.
1 Samuel 16:1-13This passage details David's anointing as king, directly stemming from the family line established by Obed, Jesse, and David himself as mentioned in Ruth.
cambridgeRuth 4:17: "And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."
17 . the women her neighbours ]. Cf. Ruth 4:14 and Ruth 1:19 . In St Luke 1:58 f., the neighbours and kinsfolk propose to name the child. There is a son born to Naomi ] The child is popularly considered to belong to Naomi’s family. Cf. Genesis 30:3 , where the son of Bilhah, born on the knees of Rachel, is regarded as Rach…
henryRuth 4:13-22: "So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."
4:13-22 Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time th…
The women's naming of Obed as "servant" wasn't just a cute nickname; it deeply reflects their hope that he would fulfill the promise of being Naomi's comfort and support in her old age. This humble beginning for a child destined to be King David's ancestor highlights how God often uses ordinary faithfulness to build extraordinary legacies.
This passage immediately follows Ruth's marriage to Boaz and her subsequent childbirth, fulfilling Naomi's long-held hope for a descendant. The neighborhood women, celebrating the birth, name the child Obed, signifying his role in serving and supporting Naomi in her old age. This naming isn't just about the present; it intentionally connects Obed to Jesse and then to King David, establishing a crucial lineage that the book has been building towards.
This passage immediately follows Ruth's marriage to Boaz and her subsequent childbirth, fulfilling Naomi's long-held hope for a descendant. The neighborhood women, celebrating the birth, name the child Obed, signifying his role in serving and supporting Naomi in her old age. This naming isn't just about the present; it intentionally connects Obed to Jesse and then to King David, establishing a crucial lineage that the book has been building towards.
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Boaz · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning "in his strength" or "swiftness." He was the son of Salmon and Rahab, and the husband of Ruth, playing a pivotal role in the preservation of the Messianic line. He is a type of kinsman-redeemer, illustrating God's grace in incorporating Gentiles into the lineage of the Messiah.
Obed · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning "serving" or "worshiper." He was the son of Boaz and Ruth, representing the bridge between the period of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, continuing the line of promise.
Yishay · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning "Yahweh exists" or "gift of God." He was the son of Obed and the father of King David; he represents the common Israelite family through whom God chose to work in establishing the royal line.
David · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning "beloved." He was the second king of Israel, the "man after God's own heart," and the primary human ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The covenant made with him (the Davidic Covenant) established an eternal throne, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
David Reigns as King
David is crowned king of Israel, establishing a unified monarchy. His reign marks a golden age for the nation.
"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. Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered…" — The women's naming of Obed as "servant" wasn't just a cute nickname; it deeply reflects their hope that he would fulfill the promise of being Naomi's comfort and support in her old age. This humble b…
