Who Was Obed?
So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.
Key Facts
Term Name
Obed
Role
Son of Ruth and Boaz
Born
c. 1100 BC
Died
c. 1095 BC
Key Takeaways
- Obed was born under God’s provision and as a fulfillment of His promise to bless Ruth and Boaz.
- Obed’s lineage connects the story of Ruth and Boaz to King David and Jesus Christ.
- Obed’s life demonstrates how God uses ordinary people to fulfill His eternal purposes.
Who Was Obed in the Bible?
Obed was a significant figure in biblical history as the son of Ruth and Boaz and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
His birth, recorded in Ruth 4:13, fulfilled God’s promise to bless Ruth and Boaz for their faithfulness, and he became a vital link in the genealogical line leading to Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
Obed's Role in God's Family Story
Obed plays a vital role in God’s unfolding plan by bridging the story of Ruth and Boaz to the royal lineage of Israel.
His birth, as recorded in Ruth 4:13, not only fulfilled God’s promise to bless their loyalty but also positioned him as a direct ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. This connection is highlighted in the Gospel of Matthew, which traces Jesus’ lineage through Obed’s descendants.
What We Can Learn From Obed
Obed’s story in Ruth 4:13 reveals God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through humble, ordinary people.
Though Obed himself is not a central figure, his lineage—highlighted in Matthew 1:5 as an ancestor of Jesus—demonstrates how God meticulously builds His family through generations of faithful, everyday individuals. This reminds us that our seemingly small roles in God’s plan can have eternal significance when aligned with His promises.
Further Reading
Key Scripture Mentions
Ruth 4:13
The birth of Obed to Ruth and Boaz, fulfilling God’s promise to bless their loyalty.
Matthew 1:5
Obed’s inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy, linking Ruth and Boaz to the Messiah.
Related Concepts
Boaz (Figures)
Obed’s father, a kinsman-redeemer who married Ruth and secured God’s blessing.
Ruth (Figures)
Obed’s mother, whose faithfulness and loyalty led to God’s redemptive plan.
Redemption (Theological Concepts)
The theme central to Ruth’s story, exemplified in Boaz’s role as a kinsman-redeemer.
Glossary
figures
Boaz
Obed’s father, a wealthy landowner and kinsman-redeemer in the Book of Ruth.
Ruth
Obed’s mother, a Moabite woman whose loyalty to Naomi led to God’s blessing.
King David
Obed’s descendant, central to the line of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ
The ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, descended from Obed’s lineage.