Ruth·Chapter 4

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect on the people in your life. Reach out to someone who’s been important to you, whether it’s a family member or a friend. Share with them what they mean to you or perhaps create a small tradition that honors your connection. Think about the legacy you want to build. How can you invest in the relationships that matter? Even a simple act of kindness or a note of appreciation can strengthen those bonds and make a lasting impact.

Chapter Context

This verse is the grand finale of Ruth’s story. We’ve seen Ruth’s loyalty and determination, her relationship with Boaz, and how their love led to this moment of hope and continuation. After overcoming challenges and showing great faith, Ruth and Boaz’s union is celebrated here with the birth of Obed. This verse wraps up the chapter by highlighting not just the personal triumphs but also the larger narrative of ancestry. It’s a celebration of family and legacy in a time when such connections mattered greatly. It tells us that every story has a ripple effect, impacting generations to come.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• salmon - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• fathered - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• boaz - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• boaz - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• fathered - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• obed - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

How do you see your story connecting with the stories of those around you? In what ways can you actively nurture those connections?

Related Verses

• Matthew 1:5 - This verse shows that Ruth is part of the genealogy of Jesus, connecting her story to the larger narrative of hope.
• 1 Samuel 16:1 - God sends Samuel to anoint a new king, showing how important family and lineage are in God’s plan, similar to the emphasis on legacy in Ruth.
• Isaiah 11:1 - Written 700 years earlier, it speaks of a new shoot from the stump of Jesse, hinting at the great things to come from this family line.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Ruth 4:21. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Verses

Ruth 4:4, Ruth 4:10, Ruth 4:14, Ruth 4:16, Ruth 4:17

Historical Context

The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges, a period characterized by social and moral chaos in Israel. The story highlights God's faithfulness in the lives of ordinary people, particularly focusing on the experiences of Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her mother-in-law Naomi. This chapter illustrates the customs of levirate marriage and the role of the kinsman-redeemer in preserving family lines and property. By integrating Ruth into the lineage of David, the chapter emphasizes God's inclusive plan for redemption, extending beyond Israel to Gentiles.