Calendar

LINEAGE OF DAVID THE KING (2)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Ruth 4:11-22

1 Chronicles 2:9-17

 

“And Boaz begat Obed,

and Obed begat Jesse.”

 

LINEAGE OF DAVID THE KING (2)
 
The conclusion of the Book of Ruth comes with a few questions, as the story seemed to have been about Ruth and about Boaz’s family. Here at the ending, however, it seems to be about Naomi. The scene ended with the naming of the child, and there was no indication of what kind of life the child had, or what effect he had on the life of Naomi. Did Naomi live to be refreshed by the child? Did Ruth have other children after this child which was taken up by Naomi, as did Hannah after the birth of Samuel and giving him up to the Lord’s service at the Tabernacle?
 
“…There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed…” (Ruth 4:17). Though a reason for the women (Naomi’s neighbours) taking up the responsibility of naming the child was not stated, the reason for their choice of name was given. The child was a son for Naomi’s comfort, support and nourishment in her old age. The name given was to be a reminder of this, and thus the name given was one that signified service. The name given was a meaningful one, not contrary to God’s will and command, which require children to honour their parents in the Lord. The Bible in the Proverbs talks about men who do not fear God or men, presenting them as “a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother” (Prov 30:11). This generation is also set for destruction as they whose “eyelids are lifted up” in pride and not humbled in service shall be given to “the ravens of the valley [that] shall pick it out, and the young eagles [that] shall eat it” (Prov 30:17). The Bible also talks about the last days, pointing out that one of the signs of the times will be that “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy” (2 Tim 3:2). Many are familiar with the duty of parents to their children, husbands to their wives, and wives to their husbands, but forget or are unfamiliar with the duties of children to their parents. The dutiful child, as the name Obed signifies, is one who is a delight to his parents and one who is a blessing to his parents; and he receives a blessing from the LORD.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 23:24-25.)
PRAYER: Father, grant us children who are committed to Christ, and dutiful at home.

Search