Ruth 4:13-22

¹³ Boaz married Ruth. She became his wife. Boaz slept with her. By God's gracious gift she conceived and had a son. ¹⁴ The town women said to Naomi, "Blessed be God! He didn't leave you without family to carry on your life. May this baby grow up to be famous in Israel! ¹⁵ He'll make you young again! He'll take care of you in old age. And this daughter-in-law who has brought him into the world and loves you so much, why, she's worth more to you than seven sons!" ¹⁶ Naomi took the baby and held him in her arms, cuddling him, cooing over him, waiting on him hand and foot. ¹⁷ The neighborhood women started calling him "Naomi's baby boy!" But his real name was Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David. ¹⁸ This is the family tree of Perez: Perez had Hezron, ¹⁹ Hezron had Ram, Ram had Amminadab, ²⁰ Amminadab had Nahshon, Nahshon had Salmon, ²¹ Salmon had Boaz, Boaz had Obed, ²² Obed had Jesse, and Jesse had David.

< Ruth 3

Ruth 4

1 Samuel 1 >

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ruth 4:13-22

Commentary on Ruth 4:13-22

(Read Ruth 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 they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.