Birth of Obed

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: Ruth
• Chapters: Ruth 4
• Summary: Ruth and Boaz have a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of David.

Details

After Boaz redeems Ruth and Naomi’s family line, the women of Bethlehem bless the LORD for providing a redeemer. Obed’s birth turns Naomi’s emptiness into restoration and carries the line toward David and ultimately Jesus Christ.

Key People Involved

• Ruth — Mother of Obed
• Boaz — Father of Obed
• Naomi — Receives restoration through Obed’s birth
• David — Grandson of Obed

Key Places

• Bethlehem — Setting of the birth and genealogy

Important Verses

“And they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” — Ruth 4:17

Cross-References

• Related events: Ruth’s Vow to Naomi, Birth of Jesus
• Related books: Ruth, Matthew, Luke

Notes

Obed’s birth is the hinge from the grief of Judges-era Bethlehem to the hope of the Davidic line.