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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ruth 4:13–22. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. Ruth a wife. Boaz took her, with the usual solemnities, to his house, and she became his wife (Rut 4:13), all the city, no doubt, congratulating the preferment of a virtuous woman, purely for her virtues. We have reason to think that Orpah, who returned from Naomi to her people and her gods, was never half so well preferred as Ruth was. He that forsakes all for Christ shall find more than all with him; it shall be recompensed a hundred-fold in this present time. Now Orpah wished she had gone with Naomi too; but she, like the other kinsman, stood in her own light. Boaz had prayed that this pious proselyte might receive a full reward of her courage and constancy from the God of Israel, under whose wings she had come to trust; and now he became an instrument of that kindness, which was an answer to his prayer, and helped to make his own words good. Now she had the command of those servants with whom she had associated and of those fields in which she had gleaned. Thus sometimes God raiseth up the poor out of the dust, to set them with princes, Psa 113:7, Psa 113:8.
II.Ruth a mother:
The Lord gave her conception; for the fruit of the womb is his reward, Psa 127:3. It is one of the keys he hath in his hand; and he sometimes makes the barren woman that had been long so to be a joyful mother of children, Psa 113:9; Isa 54:1.
III.Ruth still a daughter-in-law, and the same that she always was, to Naomi, who was so far from being forgotten that she was a principal sharer in these new joys. The good women that were at the labour when this child was born congratulated Naomi upon it more than either Boaz or Ruth, because she was the match-maker, and it was the family of her husband that was hereby built up. See here, as before, what an air of devotion there was then even in the common expressions of civility among the Israelites. Prayer to God attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that such pious language should either be disused among Christians or degenerate into a formality. "Blessed be the Lord that has sent thee this grandson," Rut 4:14, Rut 4:15.
1.Who was the preserver of the name of her family, and who, they hoped, would be famous, because his father was so.
2.Who would be hereafter dutiful and kind to her, so they hoped, because his mother was so. If he would but take after her, he would be a comfort to his aged grandmother, a restorer of her life, and, if there should be occasion, would have wherewithal to be the nourisher of her old age. It is a great comfort to those that are going into years to see any of those that descend from them growing up, that are likely, by the blessing of God, to be a stay and support to them, when the years come wherein they will need such, and of which they will say they have no pleasure in them. Observe, They say of Ruth that she loved Naomi, and therefore was better to her than seven sons. See how God in his providence sometimes makes up the want and loss 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, and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother; so here there was a daughter-in-law better than an own child. See what wisdom and grace will do. Now here,
(1.)The child is named by the neighbours, Rut 4:17. The good women would have it called Obed, a servant, either in remembrance of the meanness and poverty of the mother or in prospect of his being hereafter a servant, and very serviceable, to his grandmother. It is no dishonour to those that are ever so well born to be servants to God, their friends, and their generation. The motto of the princes of Wales is Ich dien - I serve.
(2.)The child is nursed by the grandmother, that is, dry-nursed, when the mother had weaned him from the breast, Rut 4:16. She laid it in her bosom, in token of her tender affection to it and care of it. Grandmothers are often the most fond.
IV.Ruth is hereby brought in among the ancestors of David and Christ, which was the greatest honour.
The genealogy is here drawn from Pharez, through Boaz and Obed, to David, and so leads towards the Messiah, and therefore it is not an endless genealogy.
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Summary
Ruth 4:19 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the climactic concluding genealogy of the Book of Ruth. It meticulously records the lineage from Hezron to Ram and then to Amminadab, serving as a vital link in the ancestral chain that culminates in King David. Far from a mere list of names, this verse underscores God's meticulous providence, demonstrating how seemingly ordinary individuals and their sequential generations are integral to His overarching redemptive plan, ultimately paving the way for the Messiah.
Context
Literary Context
Ruth 4:19 is situated within the climactic final section of the Book of Ruth, specifically within the genealogy presented in Ruth 4:18-22. This genealogy provides the narrative's ultimate resolution, transforming a heartwarming family story into a crucial chapter in Israel's redemptive history. The preceding chapters detail Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi, their return to Bethlehem, Ruth's providential encounter with Boaz, and Boaz's selfless act as a kinsman-redeemer. The birth of Obed, mentioned just prior to this genealogy in Ruth 4:17, is the immediate precursor, establishing the direct line to David. This concluding genealogical record affirms that God was actively at work, even in the turbulent days when every man did that which was right in his own eyes, orchestrating events to fulfill His promises.
Historical & Cultural Context
Genealogies held immense importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as official records that established tribal identity, inheritance rights, priestly eligibility, and, crucially, royal legitimacy. In a culture where oral tradition was strong but written records provided authoritative validation, these lists were not merely historical curiosities but foundational documents that connected individuals to their heritage and divine promises. The names Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab represent individuals who, though not prominent characters in the broader biblical narrative, were essential links in the chain of descent from Judah to David. Their inclusion here emphasizes the meticulous record-keeping and the cultural value placed on tracing one's ancestry, particularly when it pertained to the fulfillment of covenant promises regarding a king from the tribe of Judah, as prophesied in Genesis 49:10.
Key Themes
This verse, as part of the broader genealogy, powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Ruth and wider biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights Divine Providence and Sovereignty, demonstrating God's intricate and long-term plan unfolding through generations, even through individuals who might seem insignificant. The seemingly random events of Ruth's life are revealed as divinely guided steps toward a greater purpose. Secondly, the primary focus is the Lineage of David, establishing the legitimate and divinely appointed ancestry of Israel's greatest king. This meticulous tracing reinforces the idea that David's kingship was not accidental but part of God's deliberate design, fulfilling the promises of a perpetual dynasty. Thirdly, it speaks to the Continuity of God's Covenant Promises, assuring readers that despite periods of national unfaithfulness (as seen in the book of Judges), God remained faithful to His promises, preserving the line through which His ultimate deliverer would come. Finally, while not explicit in this verse, the very presence of this genealogy within the Book of Ruth, featuring a Moabitess ancestor, subtly foreshadows God's broader plan of salvation that would eventually extend beyond Israel to include all nations.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "court-yard," Hezron is the name of a significant ancestor. As the son of Perez, who was the son of Judah (Genesis 46:12), Hezron firmly roots this lineage within the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. His inclusion here highlights the continuity of the tribal identity and the preservation of the specific line.
The repeated verb "begat" (from the Hebrew verb יָלַד, yâlad) is fundamental to understanding biblical genealogies. It literally means "to bear young," "to bring forth," or "to beget." In this context, it denotes a direct father-to-son relationship, emphasizing the unbroken, sequential nature of the lineage. Its consistent use here underscores the direct transmission of the line, ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of the ancestry being traced. While in some biblical genealogies "begat" can refer to a broader ancestral connection (e.g., grandfather to grandson), in this specific, concise list, it strongly implies direct paternal descent, crucial for establishing the royal line.
Meaning "people of liberality" or "my kinsman is noble," Amminadab is a name that carries a sense of communal significance. He is a notable figure in other biblical genealogies, specifically as the father of Nahshon, a prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, and the father-in-law of Aaron (Exodus 6:23). His name and position in the lineage underscore the importance of the individuals who, though not central to the narrative of Ruth, were vital links in the chain of God's redemptive history.
Verse Breakdown
"And Hezron begat Ram"
This clause establishes the first link in this specific verse, connecting Hezron to his son, Ram. Hezron is a significant figure, identified in Genesis 46:12 as a son of Perez, who was a son of Judah. This connection firmly places the lineage within the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. The transition from Hezron to Ram continues the meticulous tracing of the family tree, vital for validating the subsequent generations and ensuring the direct path to David.
"and Ram begat Amminadab"
This second clause continues the direct succession, naming Amminadab as the son of Ram. Amminadab is also mentioned in other biblical genealogies, notably as the father of Nahshon, a prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, and the father-in-law of Aaron (Exodus 6:23). This connection to figures prominent in Israel's history further solidifies the historical grounding and importance of this lineage, demonstrating its continuity through significant periods of Israel's development and its integral role in the broader narrative of God's people.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ruth 4:19, and indeed the entire genealogy of Ruth 4:18-22, is Genealogy itself. As a literary form, it serves multiple functions: establishing historical continuity, validating lineage (especially for royalty or priesthood), and demonstrating divine faithfulness across generations. The Repetition of the phrase "begat" creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory quality, emphasizing the unbroken chain of succession and the meticulous nature of the record. This repetitive structure provides a sense of certainty and inevitability to the unfolding divine plan. Furthermore, the genealogy functions as a form of Foreshadowing, subtly pointing towards the future Davidic monarchy and, ultimately, the Messiah, whose lineage would trace back through these very names. The inclusion of these seemingly ordinary names within a sacred text elevates their significance, transforming a simple list into a profound testament to God's enduring purpose and His sovereign orchestration of history.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ruth 4:19, as an integral part of the concluding genealogy, powerfully reinforces the theme of God's sovereign control over history and His meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His promises. It is a testament to divine providence, illustrating how God works through the ordinary lives and successive generations of individuals to achieve His extraordinary redemptive purposes. The inclusion of these specific names—Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab—is not arbitrary; each represents a vital, divinely ordained link in the chain that leads to King David, and ultimately, to the Messiah. This verse assures the reader that God's covenant promises, particularly those related to a future king from the tribe of Judah, were being faithfully preserved and advanced through the centuries, even when His direct intervention might not have been overtly visible. It underscores that every life, no matter how seemingly obscure, plays a part in God's grand narrative, contributing to the unfolding of His eternal plan.
Reflection and Application
Ruth 4:19, a brief entry in a long list of names, holds profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's work is often incremental, spanning generations, and involving countless individuals whose contributions may seem small in isolation but are indispensable to His overarching plan. Our lives, like those of Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab, are not random occurrences but are woven into God's vast tapestry of redemptive history. This verse encourages us to embrace faithfulness in our own sphere, knowing that our obedience and choices, however humble, contribute to the unfolding of God's purposes in the world. It highlights the importance of spiritual heritage, urging us to consider how we are stewarding the faith and values passed down to us, and how we, in turn, are transmitting them to future generations, ensuring the continuity of God's work. This quiet verse calls us to trust in God's timing and His sovereign hand, even when we cannot see the full scope of His plan, knowing that He is meticulously working all things together for His glory and our good.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these seemingly obscure names important in the biblical narrative?
The names Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab, while not central figures in the narrative of Ruth, are profoundly important because they represent crucial links in the messianic lineage. They are part of the direct ancestral line that leads to King David, and ultimately, to Jesus Christ. In ancient Israel, genealogies served as official records to establish identity, inheritance, and royal legitimacy. By meticulously listing these names, the Bible validates the historical and divine appointment of David's kingship and, by extension, the kingship of Jesus. Their inclusion underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant promises through specific individuals across generations, ensuring the fulfillment of prophecies regarding a deliverer from the tribe of Judah, as mentioned in Genesis 49:10. These "obscure" names are therefore essential threads in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that God works through every generation to bring about His ultimate purposes.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Ruth 4:19, though a simple genealogical entry, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous tracing of the lineage from Hezron through Ram and Amminadab to David is not merely historical record-keeping; it is the divine preparation for the arrival of the promised Messiah. The New Testament genealogies in Matthew 1:3-4 and Luke 3:33 explicitly include these very names, affirming Jesus' direct descent from David and, by extension, from the patriarch Judah. This establishes Jesus' legitimate claim to the throne of Israel, fulfilling God's eternal covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7:16, which promised an everlasting kingdom through his offspring. Jesus is the true King, the ultimate Son of David (Matthew 22:42), and the long-awaited heir to the promises made to Abraham and Judah. Thus, Ruth 4:19 is a silent but powerful testimony to God's unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating His sovereign hand orchestrating centuries of human history to bring forth the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), the one in whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20).