Lexical Summary Obed: Obed Original Word: עוֹבֵד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Obed Active participle of abad; serving; Obed, the name of five Israelites -- Obed. see HEBREW abad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom abad Definition "worshiper," the name of several Isr. NASB Translation Obed (10). Brown-Driver-Briggs עוֺבֵד, עֹבֵד proper name, masculine (worshipper; compare Sabean עבד Os22and DHMZMG xxxvii (1883), 14; — 1 son of Boaz and Ruth Ruth 4:17, Ruth 4:21 = 1 Chronicles 2:12; Ruth 4:22 (only here עֹבֵד) = 1 Chronicles 2:12, ᵑ6 Ωβηδ. 2 names in Judah, ᵐ5 Ωβηδ: a. 1 Chronicles 2:37,38 b.2Chronicles 23:1. 3 a mighty man of David 1 Chronicles 11:47, ᵐ5 Ιωβηθ, A Ιωβηδ. 4 a doorkeeper 1 Chronicles 26:7 ᵐ5 Ωβηδ. Topical Lexicon Principal Bearer: Obed of BethlehemObed enters the biblical narrative at the close of the Book of Ruth as the child born to Boaz and Ruth and joyfully claimed by Naomi. “And the neighbor women said, ‘A son has been born to Naomi,’ and they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David” (Ruth 4:17). With that single verse the child is woven into the royal lineage that culminates in David, and ultimately in the Messiah (Matthew 1:5–6). Obed therefore stands at the hinge between the era of the Judges, marked by spiritual turbulence, and the rise of the united monarchy, marked by the covenant promises to David (2 Samuel 7). Genealogical Significance Ruth 4:21–22 and 1 Chronicles 2:12–13 present the same succinct pedigree: Salmon → Boaz → Obed → Jesse → David. By appearing in the inspired genealogies of both Testaments, Obed testifies to the historical reliability of Scripture and to the deliberate providence that preserves a Messianic line through seemingly fragile circumstances—widowhood, famine, and foreign origin. Through Obed the faithful love of God for a Moabite convert is grafted permanently into Israel’s royal and redemptive story. Typological Foreshadowings 1. Kinsman-redeemer fulfilled: Obed’s conception follows Boaz’s act of redemption, foreshadowing Christ who “redeems us from the curse of the law” (Galatians 3:13). The child born of that redemption secures the line through which the Redeemer Himself will come. Other Individuals Named Obed 1. Clan Chief in Judah (1 Chronicles 2:37–38). In post-exilic genealogical lists a different Obed appears within the descendants of Jerahmeel. Though obscure, his inclusion underscores the chronicler’s theme that every family line in Judah mattered in rebuilding covenant identity. Liturgical and Ministerial Associations The combination of a gatekeeper Obed and a warrior Obed links the name to both sanctuary service and military courage—two spheres that often overlap in biblical leadership. Scripture’s seamless integration of worship and warfare teaches that defending true worship is itself a form of spiritual battle (compare Nehemiah 4:17; Ephesians 6:10–18). Covenantal Continuity From Ruth through Chronicles, each mention of Obed occurs at a turning point where covenant fidelity is being challenged or reaffirmed: Through every occurrence the Spirit highlights God’s unbroken resolve to advance His redemptive purposes, often through seemingly minor figures. Lessons for Faith and Practice 1. Small beginnings, lasting impact. Obed never speaks a recorded word, yet his life shapes history. Believers are reminded that obedience in hidden places can bear fruit for generations. In every appearance, עוֹבֵד points beyond itself to the Servant-King who redeems, restores, and reigns forever. Forms and Transliterations וְעֹבֵד֙ וְעוֹבֵ֔ד וְעוֹבֵ֖ד וְעוֹבֵ֧ד וְעוֹבֵד֙ ועבד ועובד עוֹבֵ֔ד עוֹבֵ֜ד עוֹבֵֽד׃ עובד עובד׃ ‘ō·w·ḇêḏ ‘ōwḇêḏ oVed veoVed wə‘ōḇêḏ wə‘ōwḇêḏ wə·‘ō·ḇêḏ wə·‘ō·w·ḇêḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ruth 4:17 HEB: וַתִּקְרֶ֤אנָֽה שְׁמוֹ֙ עוֹבֵ֔ד ה֥וּא אֲבִי־ NAS: So they named him Obed. He is the father KJV: his name Obed: he [is] the father INT: gave A name Obed He is the father Ruth 4:21 Ruth 4:22 1 Chronicles 2:12 1 Chronicles 2:12 1 Chronicles 2:37 1 Chronicles 2:38 1 Chronicles 11:47 1 Chronicles 26:7 2 Chronicles 23:1 10 Occurrences |
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