Ruth 4:16

And Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became a nurse to him.

Study Bible

And Naomi took the child
This phrase marks a significant moment in Naomi's life, symbolizing restoration and hope. The Hebrew word for "took" (לָקַח, laqach) often implies receiving or accepting something with purpose. Naomi, who had experienced profound loss, now embraces a new beginning through this child, Obed. This act signifies God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, as Naomi's family line is renewed. Historically, this moment is pivotal, as Obed becomes the grandfather of King David, linking Naomi's account to the lineage of Christ.

placed him on her lap
The act of placing the child on her lap is deeply symbolic, representing acceptance and the nurturing role Naomi assumes. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, this gesture could signify adoption or claiming a child as one's own. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on family and lineage, and this act underscores Naomi's integral role in the continuation of her family line. It also reflects the communal nature of family in Israelite society, where extended family members often played vital roles in child-rearing.

and became a nurse to him
The phrase "became a nurse" indicates Naomi's commitment to care for and nurture the child. The Hebrew word for "nurse" (אָמַן, aman) can also mean to support or uphold, suggesting a deeper level of responsibility and love. This role is not merely physical but also spiritual and emotional, as Naomi imparts her faith and values to Obed. In the broader biblical narrative, this nurturing role highlights the importance of godly influence and mentorship in raising future generations. Naomi's transformation from a woman in despair to a joyful caregiver exemplifies God's redemptive power and the blessings that come from faithfulness and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Naomi
A central figure in the Book of Ruth, Naomi is Ruth's mother-in-law. She experienced great loss but is now experiencing restoration and joy through the birth of her grandson.

2. Ruth
A Moabite woman who showed great loyalty to Naomi. Her marriage to Boaz and the birth of her son, Obed, are pivotal events in this account.

3. Boaz
A kinsman-redeemer who marries Ruth. His actions are crucial in the restoration of Naomi's family line.

4. Obed
The child born to Ruth and Boaz, who becomes the grandfather of King David, signifying the continuation of a significant lineage.

5. Bethlehem
The setting of this account, a town with deep biblical significance, later known as the birthplace of Jesus.

Teaching Points

God's Redemption and Restoration
Naomi's account illustrates God's ability to restore and redeem even the most broken situations. Her joy in Obed reflects God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

The Role of Family and Community
The community's involvement in Naomi's life and the birth of Obed shows the importance of support and shared joy within a faith community.

Legacy and God's Sovereignty
Obed's birth is a reminder of how God weaves individual accounts into His greater plan, emphasizing the significance of faithfulness and obedience.

The Importance of Faithful Relationships
Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and Boaz's role as a redeemer highlight the power of faithful relationships in fulfilling God's purposes.

Joy in New Beginnings
Naomi's transformation from bitterness to joy encourages believers to trust in God's timing and His ability to bring new beginnings.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Naomi's transformation from bitterness to joy in Ruth 4:16 reflect God's redemptive power in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we, like Naomi, embrace and nurture the blessings God places in our lives, even after experiencing loss or hardship?

3. How does the account of Ruth and Naomi encourage us to value and invest in our relationships with family and community?

4. What can we learn from the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 about the significance of Ruth and Naomi's account in God's plan?

5. How can we apply the concept of a "kinsman-redeemer" in our own lives, both in our relationship with Christ and in our interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 21
The account of Sarah and Isaac, where Sarah also experiences joy and fulfillment through the birth of a child in her old age, similar to Naomi's joy with Obed.

1 Samuel 1
Hannah dedicates her son Samuel to the Lord, paralleling Naomi's nurturing role and the significance of children in God's plan.

Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus, where Obed is mentioned, highlighting the importance of Ruth and Naomi's account in the lineage of Christ.