(The Lord speaking is red text)
Now these [are] the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,
Here is the genealogy of Peretz. Peretz was the father of Hetzron,
Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron,
Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez begat Hezron,
Now these are the generations{H8435} of Pharez{H6557}: Pharez{H6557} begat{H3205} Hezron{H2696},
Ruth 4:18 is a verse that concludes the Book of Ruth and serves as a genealogical bridge connecting the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes an ancestor of King David, to the broader narrative of the Israelite people. The verse specifically mentions Pharez (also spelled Perez), who was the son of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). Pharez's lineage is significant because it leads to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ, as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew.
The historical context of this verse is set in the period after the Israelites' settlement in the land of Canaan, during the time of the judges, when the social and religious life of Israel was marked by cycles of apostasy and deliverance. The Book of Ruth itself is set during this period and tells the story of Ruth's loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, and her eventual marriage to Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer. This marriage leads to the birth of Obed, who is the grandfather of King David.
The themes present in Ruth 4:18 include God's providence, redemption, and the inclusion of foreigners within the lineage of the Messiah. The genealogy emphasizes that Ruth, a Moabite, is incorporated into the family of Israel and becomes an integral part of the messianic line, foreshadowing the universal scope of salvation that would be offered through Jesus Christ. Additionally, the verse highlights the importance of family ties and ancestral heritage in the history of Israel, as the lineage of David is carefully traced and preserved.
In summary, Ruth 4:18 is a verse that encapsulates the culmination of Ruth's journey from a foreign widow to an ancestor of David and, by extension, Jesus. It underscores the themes of redemption, divine providence, and the inclusive nature of God's salvation plan, while also reinforcing the significance of genealogy in establishing the historical and theological connections within the biblical narrative.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)