What does Ruth 4:20 mean?
"And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," - Ruth 4:20
Ruth 4:20 (KJV): "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon"
The book of Ruth in the Old Testament tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who becomes the great-grandmother of King David. This verse concludes the genealogy of King David, tracing his lineage back to Nahshon.
In order to understand the significance of this verse, it is important to examine the context in which it is found. The book of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges, a period of turmoil and unrest in ancient Israel. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite widow who chooses to accompany her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Bethlehem after the death of their husbands. Ruth's loyalty and devotion to Naomi leads her to meet and eventually marry Boaz, a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi. Through this union, Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David.
The genealogy presented in Ruth 4:20 is not just a list of names, but rather a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. In the biblical context, genealogies were often used to establish a person's lineage and social standing. In this case, the genealogy of David, the great king of Israel, serves to validate his rightful place as a leader chosen by God.
The names mentioned in Ruth 4:20 have individual symbolism as well. Amminadab means "my kinsman is noble," which reflects the noble lineage of David. Nahshon means "serpent," and it is believed that he was a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah. Salmon means "clothing," which could symbolize the covering and protection provided by his lineage.
The significance of this genealogy extends beyond the historical context of Ruth's time. It foreshadows the lineage of Jesus Christ, who according to the New Testament, is a direct descendant of King David. This genealogy serves as a reminder of God's promise to provide a savior for all people, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Furthermore, the genealogy in Ruth 4:20 also emphasizes the themes of redemption, loyalty, and faithfulness. The story of Ruth is ultimately a story of redemption as she finds a new life and purpose in Bethlehem. It demonstrates the loyalty and faithfulness that Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi showed to each other, which ultimately led to the fulfillment of God's plan for the lineage of David.
In a broader sense, the genealogy in Ruth 4:20 highlights the importance of individual stories within the grand narrative of God's plan for humanity. It shows how the lives and decisions of ordinary people can have far-reaching implications and contribute to the fulfillment of God's purposes.
In conclusion, Ruth 4:20 holds great significance within the context of the biblical narrative. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and providence, as well as a reminder of the importance of individual stories within the larger plan of salvation. The genealogy of David presented in this verse not only establishes his rightful lineage but also points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through the birth of Jesus Christ.
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Ruth 4:20 Artwork
Ruth 4:20 - "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,"
"And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," - Ruth 4:20
Ruth 1:4 - "And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years."
Ruth 4:13 - "¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."
Ruth 4:18 - "¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Ruth 4:21 - "And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,"
Ruth 4:19 - "And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,"
Ruth 4:22 - "And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David."
Ruth 4:5 - "Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance."
Ruth 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
Ruth 1:20 - "And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me."
Ruth 4:10 - "Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day."
"And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years." - Ruth 1:4
Ruth 4:8 - "Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe."
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
"¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron," - Ruth 4:18
"And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David." - Ruth 4:22
"And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab," - Ruth 4:19
"And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed," - Ruth 4:21
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
"¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son." - Ruth 4:13
Ruth 4:14 - "And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel."
Ruth 4:17 - "And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."
Ruth 4:4 - "And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it."
Ruth 4:12 - "And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman."
"And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it." - Ruth 4:16
Ruth 4:6 - "¶ And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it."
Ruth 4:9 - "¶ And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi."
"And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen." - Ruth 2:20