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Ruth 4:13

The Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:13

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The birth-hour.

"And she bare a son." Memorable day that I Read to the end of the chapter: "There was a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of DAVID." The old divines used to consider that Ruth the Moabitess becoming an ancestor of David was a prefigurement of the admission of the Gentiles into the Christian Church. Certain it is that the Jews did think this a dishonor to David, and Shimei in his revilings is supposed to taunt David with his' descent from Ruth. Rut the descent of the same true spirit is the real descent of honor.

I. THE CHILD'S NAME. Obed, a servant. It may be a remembrancer of duty. Just as the motto of the Prince of Wales is—"Ich dien," I serve. Any way it is beautiful never to despise service. A Christian is to be "meet for the Master's use." How many there are who are of no use in the world I Some dislike all service, and prefer the dainty hand that is never soiled, and the life that is never separated from selfishness.

II. THE BENEDICTION ON NAOMI. Naomi was there to receive congratulations. What a time for the mother in Israel to be with the new mother! There is sacred anxiety in such hours in the household. Why should the name of mother-in-law be the butt for satire? Many can testify how precious her care and kindness is in such a season. It is easy, but wicked as easy, to satirize a relationship which, if it creates responsibilities, confers also kindness which cannot be bought.

III. THE PROPHECY CONCERNING THE BABE. How soon infancy merges into youth and manhood. In a few years Naomi will be bent and bowed. The white winter of age is coming, and then this child shall be a nourisher of Naomi's old age. A desolate time indeed for those who have no children's children to brighten their declining days, and, if needful, to succor them when friend and helper are gone. But all here is traced, as in Hebrew history all is ever traced, to the good hand of God. "Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman."—W.M.S.

HOMILIES BY J.R. THOMSON

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:1-22EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Ruth 4:13-22Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pedigree of David; Naomi Comforted in Her Grandson. (b. c. 1312.)THE PEDIGREE OF DAVID; NAOMI COMFORTED IN HER GRANDSON. (B. C. 1312.) Here is, I. Ruth a wife. Boaz took her, with the usual solemnities, to his house, and she became his wife (Ruth 4:13), all the city, no doubt, congra…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:13The birth of a son. With true piety as well as justice the author of this book refers the blessings of domestic life to him Who setteth his people in families, and of whom it is said, "Lo, children are an heritage of th…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:13And Boaz took Ruth, and she became to him his wife; and he went in to her, and Yahveh gave her conception, and she bore a son.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ruth 4:13-22Little Obed. A birth, and in particular a first birth, in the homes of the "excellent of the earth" is always an interesting and exciting event. What multitudes of beginnings there are in childhood! What multitudes of b…Joseph S. Exell and contributors