Obed in Bible is the son of the famous woman Ruth. At the same time, the Bible mentions the most relevant fact about his life. He is David’s grandfather. David fought Goliath and defeated him with the help of Israel’s god. As you read this article, you will understand that the Bible does not tell us much about him, but we can build a portrait of him based on biblical information.
His parents were righteous people who received mercy from the Lord. Ruth was a Moabite who found peace, joy, and love in the Lord. And his father, Boaz, was a righteous and holy man. Even though he was also wealthy, he was humble. I hope you will find answers to all the questions you have about Obed in Bible. Enjoy your reading!
What was Obed known for in the Bible?
In the middle of the night, Ruth sees fit to speak to Boaz, using appropriate words: I am Ruth, your servant. You have the right of redemption”. He listens to her attentively and accepts the role of redeemer¹. As visible proof, he does her an undeniable favor: before leaving, he meets her needs as well as Naomi’s, giving her six measures of barley which Ruth will carry in her cloak. Thus Ruth will not return to her mother-in-law empty-handed. Obed in the Bible is not much mentioned, but he was the son of Boaz and Ruth and the grandfather of the famous King David.
Obed in Bible is known in the biblical world as the father of Jess and grandfather of the great king and warrior David. Other details are not specified, but God has arranged for us to learn the story of his beloved parents.
Is that you, my daughter? Naomi asks. Driven by a deep and affectionate interest, she wants to know if Ruth has found peace. With unbridled joy, Ruth told her what the man had done to her. Is there anything left for her to do now?
Rest assured, my daughter. Isn’t it all in Boaz’s hands now? Even Naomi says: for this man will not rest until he finishes the work today. Where does all this haste come from? It comes from his love for Ruth.
What is the meaning of Obed in the Bible?
The Lord is gracious and merciful to him who comes to Him. In His mercy, God responds to thanks and praise from those who seek Him with all their hearts. The woman said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you without a man today. This child will make your soul glad, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, gave birth to him.” The right of redemption that belonged to Boaz was transferred to Obed.
The Biblical meaning of Obed is that he is the servant of the Lord. He is a noble spirit and is described in the Bible as a soul-lifter.
The women understood that this child would have his place in fulfilling the plan of redemption God had reserved for His people. Naomi took the child, held him in her arms, and cared for him.
He is called Obed, the one who ministers. The neighbors said, “A son has been born to Naomi!” He will be for her, from God, the restorer who will revive her soul and support her old age. But, already, this newborn child, whom she clutches to her breast, has become her joy and comfort.
Why is Obed mentioned in the Book of Ruth?
This child must direct our eyes to the One who crowns this line: “born of woman, born under the law.” There is a similarity between Ruth’s line and the Messianic line: ‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the kingdom shall be upon His shoulder. And also they shall call His name Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the Father of everlasting, the Lord of peace.
Obed in Bible is mentioned in the Book of Kings. And also the grandfather of the most famous king in biblical history, King David.
Israel, a man in general, was unfaithful. But the perfect Servant, heralded by the prophets, who came from heaven, did all God’s will until the cross. Also, Boaz, this rich and powerful man, busy incessantly acquiring² his wife to fill her heart with his love, is the portrait of our beloved Savior. Despite our degraded state, we have received everything from Him, like Ruth and Naomi.
Who is the son of Obed?
The genealogy of Jesus has passed down through time, in both Western and Eastern Orthodox iconography, in the form of a symbolic representation known as the “Tree of Jesse.”
Obed’s son is Jesse, the father of Emperor David, anointed and chosen by God. We find this theme not only in iconography but also in hymnography, where Jesse is compared to the root or stalk of a vine from which Christ the Saviour was born as a young child through the Blessed Virgin: harvest from the root of Jesse, and a flower from the stem, O Christ, from the Virgin of David you were born.
Hometown
Bethlehem of Judea.
Primary Takeaways
- But, there is a resemblance between his genealogical lineage and the genealogical line of Jesus.
- He is the grandfather of David, the famous warrior who fought against Goliath.
- Also, Obed’s parents started the Messianic lineage.
Key Verse
“And Salmon, the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed, the father of Jesse.”
Matthew 1:5 (NIV)
Biography of Obed
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So we learned that Obed’s son is Jesse, the father of the king of Israel, David the mighty. Also, his name is mentioned in four gospels in the genealogy of the lineage of Jesus Christ. The first book in which he is mentioned is Ruth. The second is the Book of Chronicles. And later in Matthew and Luke.