What significance does Hezron hold in the lineage mentioned in Ruth 4:19? Scripture Focus: Ruth 4:19 “Hezron fathered Ram, and Ram fathered Amminadab.” Who Hezron Is • Grandson of Judah and son of Perez (Genesis 46:12) • Patriarch of the “Hezronite” clan within Judah (Numbers 26:21) • Father of Ram, Jerahmeel, and Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:9–20) • Born in Egypt, yet foundational to the tribe that would inherit Bethlehem in Canaan Why Hezron Matters in Ruth’s Genealogy • Links the royal promise given to Judah (Genesis 49:10) with the house of David emerging in Bethlehem (Ruth 4:22) • Bridges Israel’s bondage in Egypt to the conquest of Canaan—showing God’s preservation of the messianic line across centuries • Establishes Ram, Nahshon, and later Boaz as legitimate leaders in Judah (Exodus 6:23; Numbers 2:3) • His clan provides stability and identity for Judah during the wilderness and settlement periods Threads Woven Through the Old Testament 1. Promise to Judah → Perez → Hezron (Genesis 49:10; 46:12) 2. Hezron’s son Ram → Amminadab → Nahshon, leader of Judah’s army in the Exodus (Numbers 1:7) 3. Nahshon → Salmon → Boaz, kinsman-redeemer in Bethlehem (Ruth 2–4) 4. Boaz → Obed → Jesse → David, Israel’s king (Ruth 4:21–22; 1 Samuel 16) Echoes in the New Testament • Matthew 1:3-6 and Luke 3:32-33 both list Hezron, underscoring his role in the genealogy of Christ • Shows continuity between Old-Covenant promises and their fulfillment in Jesus the Messiah What We Learn from Hezron • God faithfully preserves His promised line—even through obscurity and slavery • Every name in Scripture serves a purpose; no link in the chain is accidental • The unfolding plan of redemption runs through ordinary families, emphasizing God’s sovereignty over history |
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