Old Testament
Ruth 4:22
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Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of David.
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And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.
What Ruth 4:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the genealogy of King David, which is significant in the biblical narrative. Obed, the son of Ruth and Boaz, is mentioned as the father of Jesse. Jesse, in turn, is the father of David, who becomes one of the most important figures in the Bible. This lineage highlights God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, as David is an ancestor of Jesus Christ. The mention of these names connects the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, to the larger story of Israel's history and God's plan for redemption. It emphasizes the importance of family and heritage in the biblical context, showing how God works through ordinary people to accomplish His divine purposes. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of our own family histories and how they can play a role in God's plan for our lives.
How to apply Ruth 4:22 to your life
Understanding our family history can help us appreciate our place in God's story. Just as Ruth and Boaz's lineage led to David, our lives can impact future generations. We should strive to live faithfully, knowing our actions can have lasting effects.
Curated for this public verse page. Ruth Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Ruth 4:22
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Ruth
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ruth 4:22 mean?
Ruth 4:22 highlights the genealogy of King David, showing that Obed is the father of Jesse, and Jesse is the father of David. This lineage connects the story of Ruth to the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's plan for redemption.
What is the significance of Obed in Ruth 4:22?
Obed is significant as he is the grandfather of King David, linking Ruth and Boaz's story to the royal lineage of Israel. His mention emphasizes God's providence in using ordinary people to fulfill His promises.
How does Ruth 4:22 relate to Jesus?
Ruth 4:22 is important because it establishes the lineage that leads to King David, who is an ancestor of Jesus Christ. This connection underscores the fulfillment of God's promises through generations.
What themes are present in Ruth 4:22?
Ruth 4:22 encompasses themes of genealogy, divine providence, redemption, and family heritage. It illustrates how individual lives contribute to God's larger plan.
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