What does Ruth 4:17 mean?
"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." - Ruth 4:17
Sure, here is a detailed and in-depth meaning and commentary on Ruth 4:17 from the King James Version (KJV):
"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."
The book of Ruth is a beautiful and moving account of loyalty, love, and redemption. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite widow who chooses to remain with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, rather than return to her own people. In doing so, Ruth sets a powerful example of faithfulness and devotion, and her story ultimately plays a crucial role in the lineage of King David and, eventually, Jesus Christ.
In Ruth 4:17, we see the culmination of all the events that have transpired throughout the book. Naomi, who had lost her husband and two sons, has experienced a resurrection of hope and joy with the birth of her grandson, Obed. The women of her community recognize the significance of this birth, not just for Naomi, but for all of Israel. They name the child Obed, meaning "servant" or "worshipper," and they acknowledge his connection to Jesse, the father of King David. This lineage is significant because it leads to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to David, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
The themes present in Ruth 4:17 are numerous and profound. One of the central themes is the idea of redemption. Throughout the book of Ruth, we see God's hand at work, bringing restoration and blessings to those who are faithful to Him. The birth of Obed is a concrete demonstration of this redemption, as it symbolizes the restoration of Naomi's family line and the continuation of God's plan for His people.
Another important theme in Ruth 4:17 is the idea of faithfulness and loyalty. Ruth's decision to remain with Naomi is a powerful example of commitment and love, and it ultimately leads to blessings beyond what she could have imagined. Obed's birth represents the fruit of her faithfulness, as well as the faithfulness of Boaz, who also played a crucial role in the events leading up to this moment.
Symbolism can also be found in Ruth 4:17. The naming of Obed carries deep significance, as names often do in the Bible. Obed's name is a reflection of the humble and obedient heart that he will come to embody, and it also serves as a reminder of the importance of serving and worshiping God in all things. Additionally, the connection to Jesse and David is filled with symbolism, as it points to the powerful lineage from which Jesus Christ will come. This lineage serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and His overarching plan for redemption and salvation.
In its broader context, Ruth 4:17 is a testament to the sovereignty and providence of God. It serves as a reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, orchestrating events and bringing about His perfect will. It also serves as a call to faithfulness and trust in God, even when circumstances seem bleak. Just as Naomi and Ruth experienced redemption and blessings beyond what they could have imagined, so too can we trust that God is working all things together for good, according to His purpose.
In conclusion, Ruth 4:17 is a powerful and poignant verse that encapsulates the themes of redemption, faithfulness, and providence that are woven throughout the entire book of Ruth. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His perfect plan for His people, and it points to the ultimate fulfillment of that plan in the birth of Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this verse, may we be inspired by the example of Ruth and Naomi, and may we trust in God's providence and sovereignty in our own lives.
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Ruth 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."
"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." - Ruth 4:17
Ruth 1:4 - "And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years."
Ruth 4:13 - "¶ 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."
Ruth 4:18 - "¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Ruth 4:20 - "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,"
Ruth 4:21 - "And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,"
Ruth 4:19 - "And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,"
Ruth 4:22 - "And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David."
Ruth 4:5 - "Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance."
Ruth 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
Ruth 2:17 - "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:10 - "Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day."
Ruth 1:17 - "Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."
"And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years." - Ruth 1:4
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
Ruth 4:8 - "Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe."
"¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron," - Ruth 4:18
"And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David." - Ruth 4:22
"And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," - Ruth 4:20
"And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab," - Ruth 4:19
"And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed," - Ruth 4:21
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
Ruth 1:16-17 - "But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.""
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
"¶ 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." - Ruth 4:13
Ruth 4:14 - "And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel."
Ruth 4:4 - "And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it."
Ruth 4:12 - "And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman."