Obed

Obed is a significant figure within the Tribe of Judah, primarily known as the son of Boaz and Ruth. His account is a testament to God's providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the lineage of David and ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Lineage and Birth

Obed's birth is recorded in the Book of Ruth, a narrative that highlights themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence. Ruth, a Moabite woman, showed remarkable faithfulness to her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring, "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). This commitment led her to Bethlehem, where she met Boaz, a wealthy and influential man from the Tribe of Judah.

Boaz, acting as a kinsman-redeemer, married Ruth to preserve the family line. Their union was blessed by God with the birth of Obed. The women of the town celebrated this event, saying to Naomi, "He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth" (Ruth 4:15).

Role in the Davidic Lineage

Obed holds a crucial place in the genealogy of King David. He is the father of Jesse, who became the father of David, the greatest king of Israel. This lineage is explicitly outlined in the Book of Ruth: "Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David" (Ruth 4:18-22).

Significance in Messianic Prophecy

Obed's place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ is of profound theological importance. The Gospel of Matthew traces the lineage of Jesus back to David, affirming the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent from the house of David. Matthew 1:5-6 states, "Salmon was 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."

Legacy

Obed's legacy is not only in his direct contribution to the Davidic line but also in the broader narrative of God's faithfulness and the inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan. Ruth, a Moabite, became an integral part of Israel's history, demonstrating that God's grace extends beyond ethnic boundaries. Obed's life serves as a reminder of God's sovereign plan and His ability to work through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.Ruth 4:21
And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one ... common
foe, for we know that the people of Judah aided the tribe of Simeon ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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