Meaning of Ruth 4:15

This verse, spoken by the women of Bethlehem to Naomi, marks the culmination of her return from Moab and signifies a profound turning point in her life, moving from grief and emptiness to hope and fulfillment. The "he" refers to Obed, the son born to Ruth and Boaz, who is presented as a divinely appointed redeemer and a source of renewal for Naomi. The promise of renewed life and sustenance in old age directly addresses Naomi's earlier lament in Ruth 1:20-21, where she declared herself "empty" and "bitter" and asked to be called Mara, for the Almighty had dealt harshly with her. The verse highlights the extraordinary value of Ruth's devotion, stating she is "better to you than seven sons," a hyperbole emphasizing her incomparable worth and the profound blessing she represents, especially in a patriarchal society where sons were highly prized for lineage and provision.

Context and Background

Naomi, having lost her husband and two sons in Moab, returned to Bethlehem with her widowed Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth. Her initial return was marked by deep sorrow and a sense of loss, feeling that God had dealt harshly with her (Ruth 1:20-21). Through a series of events involving Ruth's loyalty and Boaz's adherence to the kinsman-redeemer law, Ruth marries Boaz. The birth of their son, Obed, is the direct result of this union. This verse is spoken in the context of the women of Bethlehem celebrating this joyous occasion and offering a blessing to Naomi, recognizing the profound impact of this child on her life.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Providence and Redemption: The verse underscores God's active involvement in human affairs, bringing about redemption and restoration even in the darkest of circumstances. Obed's birth is not merely a natural event but a divinely orchestrated act of renewal for Naomi.
• Loyalty and Love Rewarded: Ruth's unwavering loyalty and love for Naomi, a foreigner, are explicitly recognized and celebrated. Her actions are presented as a source of immense blessing, exceeding the value of many sons.
• Hope and Sustenance in Old Age: The promise of renewed life and sustenance speaks to the provision God offers, particularly to those who are vulnerable and have experienced significant loss. Naomi's future is now secured through her grandson.
• The Value of True Relationships: The verse emphasizes the profound impact of genuine love and devotion within relationships, demonstrating that such bonds can bring more fulfillment than traditional markers of success like having many sons.

Spiritual Significance and Application

From a spiritual perspective, this verse speaks to the restorative power of God. Just as Naomi's life was renewed through the birth of Obed, believers can find spiritual renewal and sustenance in God, especially during times of hardship and old age. Ruth's selfless devotion serves as an example of sacrificial love and faithfulness, which are qualities God blesses. The verse encourages a recognition of God's grace in unexpected places and through unexpected people, reminding us that true blessings often come through relationships characterized by love and commitment.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is crucial because Obed is the father of Jesse, who is the father of King David. Therefore, Ruth and Boaz, through their son Obed, become direct ancestors of the Davidic line, and ultimately, of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17). This narrative arc demonstrates God's faithfulness in working through seemingly ordinary individuals and events to establish His redemptive plan for humanity, culminating in the Messiah. The inclusion of Ruth, a Gentile, in the lineage of Christ also foreshadows the universal scope of God's salvation.

Analogies

The renewal of Naomi's life can be likened to a barren field that, after a long drought, receives life-giving rain and begins to flourish with new growth. Similarly, Naomi's life, which felt spiritually barren and empty, is revitalized by the birth of Obed. Ruth's worth being "better than seven sons" is like finding a rare and precious jewel that outshines a collection of ordinary stones; its value is exceptional and transformative.

Relation to Other Verses

• Ruth 1:20-21: This verse directly counters Naomi's lament of emptiness and bitterness, showing God's reversal of her fortunes.
• Proverbs 17:6: "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers." This proverb echoes the sentiment of Ruth's son being a crown of glory for Naomi.
• Psalm 127:3: "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward." This psalm speaks to the blessing of children, a blessing that Naomi receives in abundance through Obed.
• Matthew 1:5: "Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse." This verse explicitly traces the lineage, highlighting the significance of Ruth and Boaz's union within salvation history.