Ruth 4:19

Ruth 4:19 is a specific entry within the crucial genealogy that concludes the Book of Ruth. It names Hezron and Ram as key figures in the lineage leading to King David, and ultimately, to Jesus Christ. This verse, like the rest of the genealogy in Ruth 4:18-22, serves as a vital bridge connecting the story of Ruth and Boaz to the broader redemptive history of Israel.

Context

The Book of Ruth is set during the turbulent period of the Judges, a time when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes". Against this backdrop of moral and spiritual decline, the story of Ruth highlights faithfulness, loyalty, and God's providential care. The genealogy at the end of the book provides a climactic resolution, revealing that the humble union of Boaz and Ruth was part of God's grand design to bring forth Israel's greatest king, David. This particular verse, along with the others in the list, meticulously traces the ancestry, establishing the legitimacy and significance of David's royal line from the tribe of Judah.

Key Themes

• Divine Providence and Purpose: This genealogy underscores God's intricate and sovereign plan, demonstrating how seemingly ordinary lives and events contribute to His overarching redemptive purposes. The inclusion of figures like Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab, though briefly mentioned, shows God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage.
• The Lineage of David: The primary theological significance of this passage is its direct connection to the ancestry of King David. By meticulously listing these generations, the text affirms the legitimacy and divine appointment of David's future kingship, fulfilling earlier promises concerning the tribe of Judah.
• Continuity of God's Covenant: The presence of this genealogy assures readers that God's covenant promises, particularly those related to a future deliverer and king, were being faithfully maintained through the generations.
• Inclusion of Gentiles: While not directly in this verse, the very existence of this genealogy within the Book of Ruth reminds us that Ruth, a Moabitess, is part of this lineage. This foreshadows God's broader plan of salvation that extends beyond Israel to include people from all nations.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "begat" is translated from the Hebrew verb yālad (ילד), which simply means "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to beget." In biblical genealogies, this term is used to denote direct father-son relationships, though it can sometimes encompass a broader ancestral connection over generations. Its consistent use here emphasizes the direct and unbroken succession of the lineage.

Related Scriptures

• The full genealogy culminating in David is found in Ruth 4:18-22.
• This lineage is echoed in the New Testament, notably in the genealogies of Jesus Christ presented in Matthew 1:3-4, which includes Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab, and Luke 3:33.
• The ultimate significance of this lineage is tied to God's covenant with David concerning an eternal kingdom, as promised in 2 Samuel 7:16.

Practical Application

Ruth 4:19, as part of this significant genealogy, reminds us that God works through the long span of history and through many generations to achieve His ultimate purposes. It encourages us to see our own lives, however seemingly small or insignificant, as part of God's larger tapestry. Our faithfulness today, like that of Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, and indeed Ruth and Boaz, contributes to the unfolding of God's plan in the world. It also highlights the importance of family and heritage in God's eyes, not just for identity but for the transmission of faith and purpose across generations.