How does Ruth 4:12 connect to the lineage of King David and Jesus?

Setting the scene

Ruth 4 unfolds at the Bethlehem city gate, where Boaz redeems Ruth. The townspeople bless the couple with these words:

“May your house become like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the LORD will give you by this young woman.” (Ruth 4:12)

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The Perez parallel

• Perez was born to Judah and Tamar under unusual, redemptive circumstances (Genesis 38:27-30).

• The elders invoke Perez because:

– He became the forefather of a thriving clan in Bethlehem (1 Chronicles 2:4-5, 18-20).

– God turned a seemingly hopeless situation into blessing—mirroring Ruth and Boaz’s story.

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Tracing the line from Perez to David

1. Perez

2. Hezron

3. Ram

4. Amminadab

5. Nahshon

6. Salmon

7. Boaz

8. Obed

9. Jesse

10. David (Ruth 4:18-22; 1 Samuel 16:1, 13)

What began with Perez culminates in King David, Israel’s greatest earthly king.

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From David to Jesus

• God promises David a perpetual throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

• The Messiah must descend from David (Isaiah 11:1-2).

• Matthew 1:1-6 traces Jesus’ genealogy through Perez, Boaz, and David.

• Luke 3:31-32 confirms the same line, emphasizing Jesus as “the son of David.”

• Jesus identifies Himself: “I am the Root and the Offspring of David” (Revelation 22:16).

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Why Ruth 4:12 matters

• Assures that God’s covenant purposes move through ordinary, faithful people.

• Shows redemption can emerge from unlikely situations (Tamar, Ruth).

• Connects Bethlehem’s past (Perez), present (Boaz), and future (David, Jesus).

• Affirms Scripture’s seamless storyline—from Genesis to Revelation—culminating in Christ.