Ruth 4:21
Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ruth 4:21
Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This lineage isn't just a dry list; it's a deliberate setup, highlighting that Boaz, a man known for his righteousness and kindness, was born from a union that crossed ethnic lines—his father Salmon married Rahab, a former Canaanite prostitute. This unexpected heritage sets the stage for Boaz's own openness to Ruth, a Moabite woman, showing God's intentional inclusion of unlikely people in His grand plan.
This verse concludes the genealogy that traces a line from an early ancestor through Boaz and Ruth’s son, Obed, all the way to King David, highlighting Ruth’s crucial role. It shows how God’s redemptive plan, which includes the lineage of the Messiah, unfolds through seemingly ordinary lives and the faithful choices of people like Ruth.
This short verse packs a punch, tracing a lineage that stretches from the very people of God to the King of Kings. It’s more than just names; it’s a story of God’s faithfulness across generations.
The Power of Patrilineal Descent
In ancient Israelite culture, genealogies were incredibly important. They weren't just family trees; they were vital records that established identity, inheritance, and legitimacy. This verse highlights a crucial section of the genealogy leading to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus.
This is not just a list of ancestors, but a testament to God weaving together diverse lives and backgrounds into His grand plan of salvation.
When we hear genealogies, we might tune out. But this verse is a vibrant thread in a much larger tapestry, showing God's purposeful inclusion of faith-filled individuals, regardless of their origin.
Faith as the True Inheritance
This verse, though brief, points to a profound truth: God's lineage is built on faith and obedience, not just physical descent. Salmon, Boaz, and Obed represent key moments where God expanded His covenant family.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
This verse highlights a pivotal point in a genealogy that traces a path from ancient Israelite figures to the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus. It underscores how God works through ordinary lives, even those of foreigners like Ruth, to fulfill His grand redemptive plan.
c. 11th Century BC— this verse
Boaz marries Ruth
Boaz, a respected landowner in Bethlehem, redeems the property of Elimelech and marries Ruth, a Moabite widow. This union fulfills ancient customs and ensures the continuation of Elimelech's family line.
c. 11th Century BC
Birth of Obed
Ruth bears a son named Obed. This birth is a significant blessing, as it secures Naomi's future and continues the lineage of Elimelech.
c. 10th Century BC
Birth of Jesse
Obed, the son of Ruth and Boaz, fathers Jesse. This marks another generation in the crucial lineage.
c. 10th Century BC
Birth of David
Jesse fathers David, who will become the most famous king of Israel. The lineage from Ruth and Boaz culminates in this significant figure.
This passage directly quotes and expands upon the genealogy, highlighting Salmon's marriage to Rahab and Boaz's role in the lineage leading to Jesus.
1 Chronicles 2:10-12This Old Testament passage also lists this same ancestral line, emphasizing the continuity of God's people and promises through generations.
Luke 3:23-38This Gospel account presents another version of Jesus' genealogy, tracing His line back through a different branch but still including key figures like Boaz.
Ruth 4:13-17This immediately preceding section details the marriage of Boaz and Ruth and the birth of Obed, providing the context for this genealogical statement.
Hebrews 11:31This verse mentions Rahab, Salmon's wife and Boaz's mother, highlighting her faith, which is a foundational element in the story and this lineage.
gillRuth 4:21: "And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,"
And Salmon begat Boaz,.... Of Rahab the harlot, whom he married, Matthew 1:5 the very same person that makes a principal part of this book, and whom the Targum here takes to be the judge Ibzan; see Gill on Ruth 1:1 . and Boaz begat Obed; of Ruth; of whom see the preceding verses.
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…
This lineage isn't just a dry list; it's a deliberate setup, highlighting that Boaz, a man known for his righteousness and kindness, was born from a union that crossed ethnic lines—his father Salmon married Rahab, a former Canaanite prostitute. This unexpected heritage sets the stage for Boaz's own openness to Ruth, a Moabite woman, showing God's intentional inclusion of unlikely people in His grand plan.
This verse concludes the genealogy that traces a line from an early ancestor through Boaz and Ruth’s son, Obed, all the way to King David, highlighting Ruth’s crucial role. It shows how God’s redemptive plan, which includes the lineage of the Messiah, unfolds through seemingly ordinary lives and the faithful choices of people like Ruth.
This verse concludes the genealogy that traces a line from an early ancestor through Boaz and Ruth’s son, Obed, all the way to King David, highlighting Ruth’s crucial role. It shows how God’s redemptive plan, which includes the lineage of the Messiah, unfolds through seemingly ordinary lives and the faithful choices of people like Ruth.
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The story woven through these names emphasizes that God’s faithfulness to His promises is the driving force, and faith in Him is the true inheritance passed down.
c. 5th Century BC
Book of Ruth written
The Book of Ruth is compiled, likely during the post-exilic period. It highlights themes of loyalty, redemption, and God's faithfulness, culminating in David's ancestry.
c. 1st Century AD
Matthew's Genealogy
The Gospel of Matthew includes this genealogy, tracing Jesus' lineage back through David, Jesse, Obed, Boaz, and Salmon.
"Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed," — This lineage isn't just a dry list; it's a deliberate setup, highlighting that Boaz, a man known for his righteousness and kindness, was born from a union that crossed ethnic lines—his father Salmon…