1 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.

3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:

4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.

5 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.

6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.

7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.

8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.

9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.

11 And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

12 And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman.

13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.

14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.

17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

18 Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,

19 And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

20 And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,

21 And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

22 And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The kinsman refuses to redeem Ruth's inheritance.
This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.
McArther Bible Commentary
God's divine plan fully blossomed as Boaz redeemed Naomi's land and Ruth's hand in marriage. Naomi, once empty (Rth 1:21), is full; Ruth, once a widow (Rth 1:5), is married; but most importantly, the Lord has prepared Christ's line of descent in David, through Boaz and Obed, back to Judah (Gen 49:10) to fulfill the proper messianic lineage.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 23:10 Genesis 34:20 Joshua 20:4 Ruth 3:12 Ruth 3:18 2 Samuel 15:2 2 Chronicles 18:9 Psalm 69:12 Proverbs 31:23 Jeremiah 32:10

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The kinsman refuses to redeem Ruth's inheritance.
This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ten men - To be witnesses: for though two or three witnesses were sufficient, yet in weightier matters they used more. And ten was the usual number among the Jews, in causes of matrimony and divorce, and translation of inheritances; who were both judges of the causes, and witnesses of the fact.
McArther Bible Commentary
ten men. This number apparently comprised a quorum to officially transact business, although only two or three witnesses were needed for judicial proceedings (cf. Deu 17:6; Deu 19:15).
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 21:8 Proverbs 31:23

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The kinsman refuses to redeem Ruth's inheritance.
This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Naomi - Both Naomi and Ruth had an interest in this land during their lives, but he mentions only Naomi, because all was done by her direction; lest the mention of Ruth should raise a suspicion of the necessity of his marrying Ruth, before he had given his answer to the first proposition.
McArther Bible Commentary
Naomi … sold. This phrase could possibly be translated, "Naomi is about to sell" (cf. Jer 32:6-15). As a widow, she needed the money for living expenses, knowing that the land would ultimately be returned at Jubilee (Lev 25:28). our brother Elimelech. Boaz and the unnamed relative were most likely either brothers or cousins.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 25:25 Ruth 1:2 Jeremiah 32:7

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The kinsman refuses to redeem Ruth's inheritance.
This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.
McArther Bible Commentary
Buy it back. This was authorized by the Mosaic Law (Lev 25:23-28).
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 25:25 Jeremiah 32:7

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The kinsman refuses to redeem Ruth's inheritance.
This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Buy it - According to the law, (Deuteronomy 25:5) . To raise, &c - To revive his name, which was buried with his body, by raising up a seed to him, to be called by his name.
McArther Bible Commentary
you must also buy. Redeeming both Ruth and the land would not have been required by the letter of the levirate law (Deu 25:5-6). Perhaps this exemplified Boaz's desire to obey the spirit of the law (see note on Rth 2:4-17), or maybe the redemption of land and marriage had been combined by local tradition. The levirate principle appears first in Scripture at Gen 38:8 (cf. Mat 22:23-28).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 22:24 Genesis 38:8 Deuteronomy 25:5 Deuteronomy 25:6 Deuteronomy 25:7

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The kinsman refuses to redeem Ruth's inheritance.
This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Mar - Either because having no children of his own, he might have one, and but one son by Ruth, who, though he should carry away his inheritance, yet would not bear his name, but the name of Ruth's husband; and so by preserving another man's name, he should lose his own. Or, because as his inheritance would be but very little increased by this marriage, so it might be much diminished by being divided amongst his many children, which he possibly had already, and might probably have more by Ruth. My right - Which I freely resign to thee.
McArther Bible Commentary
lest I ruin my own inheritance. He was unwilling to have the family portfolio split between his existing children and the potential offspring of a union with Ruth. You redeem. The closer relative relinquished his legal right to the land and Ruth. This cleared the way for Boaz to redeem both.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 25:25 Deuteronomy 25:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The kinsman refuses to redeem Ruth's inheritance.
This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
All things - That is, in all alienation of lands. So that it is no wonder if this ceremony differ a little from that, (Deuteronomy 25:9) , because that concerned only one case, but this is more general. Besides, he pleads not the command of God, but only ancient custom, for this practice. Gave it - He who relinquished his right to another, plucked off his own shoe and gave it to him. This was symbolical, and a significant and convenient ceremony, as if he said, take this shoe wherewith I used to go and tread upon my land, and in that shoe do thou enter upon it, and take possession of it. This was a testimony - This was admitted for sufficient evidence in all such cases.
McArther Bible Commentary
took off his sandal. The Scripture writer explained to his own generation what had been a custom in former generations. This kind of tradition appears in Deu 25:5-10 and apparently continued at least to the time of Amos (cf. Amo 2:6; Amo 8:6). The closer relative legally transferred his right to the property as symbolized by the sandal, most likely that of the nearer relative.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 25:8 Deuteronomy 25:9 Ruth 4:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The kinsman refuses to redeem Ruth's inheritance.
This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 25:9 Ruth 4:7 Ruth 4:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz marries Ruth.
Men are ready to seize opportunities for increasing their estates, but few know the value of godliness. Such are the wise men of this world, whom the Lord charges with folly. They attend not to the concerns of their souls, but reject the salvation of Christ, for fear of marring their inheritance. But God did Boaz the honour to bring him into the line of the Messiah, while the kinsman, who was afraid of lessening himself, and marring his inheritance, has his name, family, and inheritance forgotten.
McArther Bible Commentary
I have bought. Boaz exercised his legal option to redeem both the land and Ruth before appropriate witnesses.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:2 Ruth 4:8 Ruth 4:10 Jeremiah 32:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz marries Ruth.
Men are ready to seize opportunities for increasing their estates, but few know the value of godliness. Such are the wise men of this world, whom the Lord charges with folly. They attend not to the concerns of their souls, but reject the salvation of Christ, for fear of marring their inheritance. But God did Boaz the honour to bring him into the line of the Messiah, while the kinsman, who was afraid of lessening himself, and marring his inheritance, has his name, family, and inheritance forgotten.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
From the gate - That is, from among the inhabitants dwelling within the gate of this city, which was Bethlehem - judah.
McArther Bible Commentary
the widow of Mahlon. Only here is Ruth's former husband identified (cf. Rth 1:5). Therefore, it can also be assumed that Chilion married Orpah. I have acquired as my wife. Boaz exercised the spirit of the law and became Ruth's kinsman-redeemer (Deu 25:5-6). the name of the dead. Perpetuation of the family name (1Sa 24:21) was an important feature that the levirate process provided (cf. Deu 25:6).
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 25:6 Ruth 4:9 Hosea 3:2

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz marries Ruth.
Men are ready to seize opportunities for increasing their estates, but few know the value of godliness. Such are the wise men of this world, whom the Lord charges with folly. They attend not to the concerns of their souls, but reject the salvation of Christ, for fear of marring their inheritance. But God did Boaz the honour to bring him into the line of the Messiah, while the kinsman, who was afraid of lessening himself, and marring his inheritance, has his name, family, and inheritance forgotten.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Rachel and Leah - Amiable and fruitful. These two are singled out, because they were of a foreign original, and yet ingrafted into God's people, as Ruth was; and because of that fertility which God vouchsafed unto them above their predecessors, Sarah and Rebecca. Rachel is placed before Leah, because she was his most lawful, and best - beloved wife. Did build - That is, increase the posterity. Ephratah and Bethlehem - Two names of one and the same place.
McArther Bible Commentary
We are witnesses. This affirmation signaled the strong approval of the city. like Rachel and Leah. Rachel, the most beloved wife of Jacob, was buried nearby (Gen 35:19); Leah was the mother of Judah (by Jacob), their namesake descendant (Gen 29:35). This remembrance went back almost 900 years to c. 1915 B.C. Ephrathah … Bethlehem. This was the ancient name of Bethlehem (Gen 35:19; Gen 48:7). See note on Ephrathites ; Rth 1:2. Micah later prophetically wrote that this city would be the birthplace of Messiah (Mic 5:2).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 23:10 Genesis 29:25 Genesis 35:16 Genesis 35:19 Proverbs 14:1 Proverbs 31:23 Micah 5:2

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Boaz marries Ruth.
Men are ready to seize opportunities for increasing their estates, but few know the value of godliness. Such are the wise men of this world, whom the Lord charges with folly. They attend not to the concerns of their souls, but reject the salvation of Christ, for fear of marring their inheritance. But God did Boaz the honour to bring him into the line of the Messiah, while the kinsman, who was afraid of lessening himself, and marring his inheritance, has his name, family, and inheritance forgotten.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Pharez - As honourable and numerous as his family was; whom, though be also was born of a stranger, God so blessed, that his family was one of the five families to which all the tribe of Judah belonged, and the progenitor of the inhabitants of this city.
McArther Bible Commentary
Perez … Tamar … Judah. Read Gen 38:1-30 for the background to these three. Tamar, the widow of Judah's first son Er, when denied a levirate marriage to Judah's remaining son Shelah (Gen 38:14), took matters into her own hands and immorally consorted with her father-in-law Judah (Gen 38:18). Perez, the first born of twins by Tamar, became the main ancestor of the Ephrathites and Bethlehemites (1Ch 2:3-5, 1Ch 2:19, 1Ch 2:50-51; Rth 4:4). See note on Rth 4:18. offspring. The firstborn son would be considered the son of Mahlon. Additional sons would legally be the offspring of Boaz (Deu 25:6).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 1:3 Genesis 38:29 Genesis 46:12 Ruth 4:18 Malachi 2:15

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Birth of Obed.
Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Took Ruth - Which he might do, though she was a Moabite, because the prohibition against marrying such, is to be restrained to those who continue Heathens; whereas Ruth was a sincere proselyte and convert to the God of Israel. Thus he that forsakes all for Christ, shall find more than all with him.
McArther Bible Commentary
he went in to her. This is an OT euphemism for sexual intercourse. the Lord gave her conception. As with Rachel (Gen 30:22) and Leah (Gen 29:31), so it was also with Ruth (cf. Psa 127:3).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 29:31 Genesis 33:5

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Birth of Obed.
Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Which hath not, &c. - The words may be rendered, Which hath not made, or suffered thy kinsman to fail thee; that is, to refuse the performances of his duty to thee and thine, as the other kinsman did. Famous - Heb. and his name shall be famous in Israel, for this noble and worthy action.
McArther Bible Commentary
the Lord … has not left you. This is in contrast to Naomi's worst moments of despair (Rth 1:20-21). a close relative … his name. This refers to Obed, not Boaz (cf. Rth 4:11), who cared for Naomi in her latter years.
Bible Cross References
Luke 1:58 Genesis 24:27

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Birth of Obed.
Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Thy life - That is, of the comfort of thy life. Born him - Or, hath born to him; that is, to thy kinsman a son. Better than seven sons - See how God sometimes makes up the want of those relations from whom we expected most comfort, in those from whom we expected least! The bonds of love prove stronger than those of nature.
McArther Bible Commentary
better … than seven sons. Seven represented the number of perfection and thus seven sons would make the complete family (cf. 1Sa 2:5). However, Ruth exceeded this standard all by herself.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:16 Ruth 1:17 Ruth 2:11 Ruth 2:12 Ruth 4:16 1 Samuel 1:8 1 Samuel 2:5

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Birth of Obed.
Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
McArther Bible Commentary
a nurse to him. This expresses the natural affection of a godly grandmother for her God-given grandson.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 4:15 Ruth 4:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Birth of Obed.
Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A name - That is, they gave her advice about his name; for otherwise they had no power or right to do so. Obed - A servant, to thee, to nourish, and comfort, and assist thee; which duty childrren owe to their progenitors.
McArther Bible Commentary
the neighbor women gave him a name. Here is the only place in the OT where a child was named by someone other than the immediate family. a son born to Naomi. Ruth vicariously bore the son who would restore the family name of Naomi's deceased son Mahlon (cf. Rth 4:1). Obed … Jesse … David. This complete genealogy appears identically in four other biblical texts (Rth 4:21-22; 1Ch 2:12-15; Mat 1:5-6; Luk 3:31-32). Boaz and Ruth were the great-grandparents of David.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 4:16 Ruth 4:18 1 Samuel 16:1

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Birth of Obed.
Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
McArther Bible Commentary
Perez. See note on verse Rth 4:12. Although this genealogy only goes back to Perez, it conclusively establishes that David's lineage extends further back through Judah (Gen 49:8-12), Jacob (Gen 28:10-17), and Isaac (Gen 26:24) to Abraham (Gen 12:1-3).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 1:3 Ruth 4:12 Ruth 4:17 Ruth 4:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Birth of Obed.
Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
McArther Bible Commentary
Ram. He is listed as Arni in some Greek texts of Luk 3:33.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 6:23 Ruth 4:18 Ruth 4:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Birth of Obed.
Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
McArther Bible Commentary
Nahshon. He is the leader of Judah in the Exodus (Num 1:7; Num 2:3; Num 7:12, Num 7:17; Num 10:14).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 1:4 Exodus 6:23 Numbers 1:7 Numbers 2:3 Ruth 4:19 Ruth 4:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Birth of Obed.
Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
McArther Bible Commentary
Salmon begot Boaz. Since Mat 1:5 lists Rahab the harlot, who lived c. 1425-1350 B.C. as Salmon's wife, it indicates that some generations have been selectively omitted between Salmon and Boaz (c. 1160-1090 B.C.).
Bible Cross References
Ruth 4:20 Ruth 4:22

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Birth of Obed.
Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality! Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call Him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
McArther Bible Commentary
David. Looking back at Ruth from a NT perspective, latent messianic implications become more apparent (cf. Mat 1:1). The fruit which is promised later on in the Davidic covenant (2Sa 7:1-17) finds its seedbed here. The hope of a messianic king and kingdom (2Sa 7:12-14) will be fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 19; 20) through the lineage of David's grandfather Obed, who was born to Boaz and Ruth the Moabitess.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 4:21 1 Samuel 1:1 1 Samuel 17:12