Topical Bible: Ruth: Becomes an Ancestor of Jesus

◄ Ruth: Becomes an Ancestor of Jesus ►

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Ruth, a Moabite woman, is a central figure in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Ruth. Her account is one of loyalty, faith, and divine providence, ultimately leading to her becoming an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Ruth's journey from a foreigner to a revered matriarch in the lineage of the Messiah is a testament to God's inclusive plan of salvation and His sovereign orchestration of events.

Background and Context

Ruth lived during the time of the judges, a period characterized by social and spiritual turmoil in Israel. The narrative begins with a famine in Bethlehem, prompting Elimelech and his wife Naomi, along with their two sons, to seek refuge in Moab. After the death of Elimelech and her sons, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, famously pledges her loyalty to Naomi with the words, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16).

Ruth's Faithfulness and Redemption

Upon returning to Bethlehem, Ruth's dedication to Naomi and her willingness to embrace the God of Israel set the stage for her redemption. Ruth's industriousness is evident as she gleans in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech. Boaz, recognizing Ruth's loyalty and virtue, extends kindness and protection to her. Naomi, perceiving Boaz as a potential kinsman-redeemer, instructs Ruth to approach him according to the custom of levirate marriage.

Boaz, moved by Ruth's integrity and her commitment to Naomi, agrees to redeem her, stating, "All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character" (Ruth 3:11). Boaz's actions not only secure Ruth's future but also restore Naomi's hope and lineage.

Ruth's Role in the Messianic Lineage

Ruth and Boaz's union results in the birth of Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. This genealogical connection is significant, as it places Ruth in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew highlights this lineage, stating, "Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king" (Matthew 1:5-6).

Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Despite her Moabite origins, Ruth's faith and character earn her a place of honor in the history of salvation. Her account exemplifies the transformative power of God's grace, which transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Theological Significance

Ruth's narrative is rich with theological themes, including God's providence, the importance of covenant loyalty, and the foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. Her account illustrates how God works through ordinary individuals to fulfill His divine purposes. Ruth's faith and actions serve as a model of devotion and righteousness, reflecting the virtues that are esteemed in the kingdom of God.

In summary, Ruth's journey from a Moabite widow to an ancestor of Jesus Christ is a profound testament to God's sovereign grace and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history. Her life and legacy continue to inspire believers to trust in God's providence and to live lives marked by faithfulness and integrity.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 4:13,21,22
So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in to her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Melito and the Circumstances which He Records.
... during the great reign of thy ancestor Augustus, it ... Leviticus, [1310] Deuteronomy;
Jesus Nave, Judges, Ruth; of Kings ... If this be true, he becomes with Rufinus ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxvi melito and the circumstances.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... 352]403, [353]413; more blessed than Ruth, [354]443; unless Ruth knew what ... 356; tended
at times toward Academics: his prayers for help: becomes Catechumen, [440 ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... it through an atmosphere in which it becomes a splendid ... power and passion, just touched
with human ruth; Hector, the ... of a faith which was the ancestor of our ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm