Ruth 4:21
Salmon was the father of Boaz, Boaz was the father of Obed,
Salmon
The name "Salmon" is rooted in the Hebrew word "שַׂלְמוֹן" (Salmon), which means "garment" or "clothing." Salmon is a significant figure in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew. Historically, Salmon is believed to have been one of the leaders of Israel during the time of the conquest of Canaan. He is traditionally considered to have married Rahab, the Canaanite woman who hid the Israelite spies in Jericho. This union is a testament to God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant people, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel.

was the father of
This phrase indicates a generational link and is crucial in biblical genealogies. The Hebrew word used here is "הוֹלִיד" (holid), which means "to beget" or "to father." In the context of ancient Israel, genealogies were not merely records of ancestry but were vital for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and fulfilling God's promises. The act of fathering in biblical terms often carries the weight of legacy and divine purpose, as each generation plays a role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Boaz
The name "Boaz" comes from the Hebrew "בֹּעַז" (Boaz), meaning "strength" or "swiftness." Boaz is a central figure in the Book of Ruth, known for his role as the kinsman-redeemer. His character exemplifies righteousness, kindness, and obedience to God's law. Boaz's marriage to Ruth, a Moabite woman, highlights the theme of redemption and God's providence. It also underscores the breaking of ethnic barriers, as Ruth becomes part of the lineage of David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. Boaz's life is a powerful reminder of how God uses individuals to fulfill His covenant promises.

Obed
The name "Obed" is derived from the Hebrew "עֹבֵד" (Obed), meaning "servant" or "worshiper." Obed is the son of Boaz and Ruth, and his birth is seen as a blessing and a continuation of God's faithfulness to His people. Obed's role in the genealogy is significant as he is the grandfather of King David, establishing the Davidic line through which the Messiah would come. The name "Obed" reflects a life dedicated to service and worship, embodying the response of gratitude and devotion to God's redemptive work. His inclusion in the genealogy emphasizes the importance of each link in the chain of God's salvation history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Salmon
Salmon is a significant figure in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. He is noted as the father of Boaz, who plays a crucial role in the Book of Ruth. Salmon is traditionally believed to have married Rahab, the woman from Jericho who helped the Israelite spies.

2. Boaz
Boaz is a central character in the Book of Ruth. He is a wealthy landowner in Bethlehem and a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. His marriage to Ruth is a pivotal event that leads to the birth of Obed.

3. Obed
Obed is the son of Boaz and Ruth. He is significant as the grandfather of King David, making him an important link in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

4. Bethlehem
This town is the setting for much of the Book of Ruth and is also the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ.

5. Genealogy of Jesus
The genealogy presented in Ruth 4:21 is part of the lineage of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament account to the New Testament fulfillment of prophecy.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The genealogy in Ruth 4:21 demonstrates God's sovereign plan in history, using ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary purposes. This reminds us that God is at work in our lives, even in the mundane details.

Redemption and Grace
Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer is a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, Christ redeems us, bringing us into His family.

Faithfulness and Legacy
The faithfulness of individuals like Boaz and Ruth impacts future generations. Our actions and faith today can leave a legacy that influences others for Christ.

God's Inclusion of All People
Ruth, a Moabite, is included in the lineage of Christ, illustrating God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan. This encourages us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogy in Ruth 4:21 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises throughout generations?

2. In what ways does Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer reflect the work of Christ in our lives?

3. How can we be intentional about leaving a legacy of faithfulness for future generations?

4. What does the inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite, in the lineage of Jesus teach us about God's grace and the inclusivity of His kingdom?

5. How can understanding the cultural and legal context of the kinsman-redeemer deepen our appreciation for the account of Ruth and its application to our lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 1:5-6
This passage in the New Testament provides the genealogy of Jesus, confirming the lineage from Salmon to Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and David, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises through generations.

1 Chronicles 2:11-12
Chronicles also records the genealogy, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan through the lineage of Judah, leading to David.

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
The concept of the kinsman-redeemer, which Boaz fulfills, is rooted in the Mosaic Law, providing a cultural and legal backdrop to the events in Ruth.
Lessons from the Book of RuthAbp. William Alexander.Ruth 4:17-22
Little ObedA. Thomson, D. D.Ruth 4:17-22
The Lineage of DavidJ.R. Thomson Ruth 4:18-22
People
Amminadab, Boaz, Chilion, David, Elimelech, Ephratah, Ephrath, Hezron, Jesse, Leah, Mahlon, Nahshon, Naomi, Obed, Perez, Pharez, Rachel, Ruth, Salmon, Tamar
Places
Bethlehem, Ephrathah, Moab
Topics
Begat, Begot, Boaz, Bo'az, Born, Obed, Salmon
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ruth 4:13-22

     5086   David, rise of

Ruth 4:18-22

     2540   Christ, genealogy

Library
The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew's Gospel breaks the long silence that followed the ministry of Malachi the last of the Old Testament prophets. This silence extended for four hundred years, and during that time God was hid from Israel's view. Throughout this period there were no angelic manifestations, no prophet spake for Jehovah, and, though the Chosen People were sorely pressed, yet were there no Divine interpositions on their behalf. For four centuries God shut His people up to His written Word. Again and again had God
Arthur W. Pink—Why Four Gospels?

Christ the Redeemer
Q-xxx: HOW DOES THE SPIRIT APPLY TO US THE REDEMPTION PURCHASED BY CHRIST? A: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling. In this answer there are two things. It is implied that Christ is the glorious purchaser of our redemption, in the words, The redemption purchased by Christ,' and it is declared that the Spirit applies to us this purchased redemption, by working in us faith, &c. The thing implied
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Job's Faith and Expectation
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand in the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. C hristianity, that is, the religion of which MESSIAH is the author and object, the foundation, life, and glory, though not altogether as old as creation, is nearly so. It is coeval [contemporary] with the first promise and intimation of mercy given to fallen man. When Adam, by transgression, had violated the order and law of
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Ruth
Goethe has characterized the book of Ruth as the loveliest little idyll that tradition has transmitted to us. Whatever be its didactic purpose--and some would prefer to think that it had little or none-it is, at any rate, a wonderful prose poem, sweet, artless, and persuasive, touched with the quaintness of an older world and fresh with the scent of the harvest fields. The love--stronger than country--of Ruth for Naomi, the gracious figure of Boaz as he moves about the fields with a word of blessing
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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