Start reading at Ruth 4:18 (Ruth 4:18 to Ruth 4:22).
The closing genealogy runs from Pharez to David, placing the whole account in the line of the Messiah.
4:18Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,
4:19And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,
4:20And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,
4:21And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,
4:22And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Samuel is the traditional Jewish attribution, but the identity of the final writer is uncertain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ruth 4:1–4:22): Boaz, the nearer kinsman, and the elders conduct the transaction at the city gate. The people and women of Bethlehem respond to the family's restoration. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israelite readers, with particular interest in Ruth's incorporation into Israel and the family line leading to David. The book does not identify a named recipient. Biblical references: Ruth 1:16; Ruth 4:17; Ruth 4:22. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Line of David. Read Ruth 4:18 through Ruth 4:22 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The matter is settled before witnesses, Obed is born, and the genealogy connects this family's story with David. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Ruth 1:1 places the account in the days of the judges. The return to Bethlehem and later work are connected with barley and wheat harvests. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The story moves from Bethlehem to Moab and back to Bethlehem, including the field, threshing floor, and city gate. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The line of David (Ruth 4:18 to Ruth 4:22).
Start reading at Ruth 4:18.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Matthew's genealogy names Ruth and Boaz in the line leading to David and Jesus. Calling Boaz a type of Christ goes beyond that explicit genealogy and should be labeled as an interpretive comparison. See Ruth 4:21, Ruth 4:22, Matthew 1:5, Matthew 1:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Value loyal care, generous provision, and integrity in public dealings. Read the redemption arrangements in their family and legal setting before drawing a modern analogy. interpretation
Cited: Ruth 4:18, Ruth 4:22, Ruth 4:21, Matthew 1:5, Matthew 1:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Samuel (traditional)From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Samuel.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated and is uncertain.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ruth 4
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Ruth is set in the days of the judges and follows Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. The writer is not named. The genealogy explicitly leads to David; a further connection to Jesus rests on the later genealogy in Matthew. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The matter is settled before witnesses, Obed is born, and the genealogy connects this family's story with David.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The matter is settled before witnesses, Obed is born, and the genealogy connects this family's story with David.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ruth
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Ruth is set in the days of the judges and follows Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. The writer is not named. The genealogy explicitly leads to David; a further connection to Jesus rests on the later genealogy in Matthew.