# Obed ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Names:** Obed. - **Meaning:** "Servant" or "Worshiper". - **Significance:** Reflects his role as a servant of God and the continuation of the lineage leading to King David. ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Lifespan:** Obed lived during the period of the Judges, around the 11th century BC. - **Historical Context:** This was a time in Israel's history when the nation was transitioning from the rule of judges to the establishment of a monarchy. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** Ancestor of David, link in the genealogy of Jesus. - **Significance:** Obed is significant as the father of Jesse and grandfather of David, through whom the Messianic line is traced. ## Tags - `#biblical-figures` - `#roles-ancestor` - `#timelines-judges` ## Cross-References - Obed is born to Ruth and Boaz in [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]. - He is listed in the genealogy of David in [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]]. - Mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]. ## Key References: Obed ### Primary Passages - **Birth of Obed:** [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4:17|Ruth 4:17]]—Obed is born to Ruth and Boaz, and he is declared the father of Jesse, the father of David. - **Significance in Ruth:** [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4:21-22|Ruth 4:21-22]]—Obed is highlighted in the genealogy concluding the Book of Ruth, emphasizing his role in the Davidic line. ### Mentions in Genealogies - **Genealogy of David:** Obed is listed in the genealogy as the father of Jesse, establishing his place in the lineage leading to King David in [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2:12|1 Chronicles 2:12]]. - **Genealogy of Judah:** Obed is also referenced in the extended genealogy of the tribe of Judah in [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2:9-15|1 Chronicles 2:9-15]], situating him within the broader context of Israel's history. ### New Testament References - **Lineage of Christ:** Obed is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, affirming his role in the messianic line in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1:5|Matthew 1:5]]. - **Ancestral Lineage:** Also listed in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, underscoring his significance in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 3:32|Luke 3:32]]. ### Prophetic/Typological References - **Connection to the Davidic Covenant:** Obed's role as the grandfather of David ties him indirectly to the Davidic Covenant, which holds messianic implications and is foundational for understanding the promises fulfilled in Christ (see [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7]] for the Davidic Covenant). ### Tags - `#key-references` - `#genealogy` - `#new-testament` - `#prophecy` - `#davidic-lineage` - `#obed` ## Relationships: Obed ### Family Relationships - **Parents:** Boaz (father) and Ruth (mother) ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Grandparents:** Salmon (paternal grandfather) and Rahab (paternal grandmother) ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). - **Children:** Jesse, who is the father of David ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[1Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]]). - **Descendants:** He is an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). ### Allies/Friends - **Naomi:** His grandmother by marriage; Naomi played a significant role in bringing Ruth and Boaz together and was the one who cared for Obed in his infancy ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Adversaries/Conflicts - There are no recorded adversaries or conflicts associated with Obed in the biblical narrative. ### Spiritual Relationships - **God:** While specific interactions between Obed and God are not detailed in scripture, his birth is seen as a divine blessing to Naomi and Ruth, symbolizing God’s provision and faithfulness to their family ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#relationships` - `#family` - `#allies` - `#relationship-with-God` - `#lineage-of-david` - `#ancestor-of-christ` ## Significance: Obed ### Theological Importance - **Link in the Lineage of David and Jesus:** Obed is a crucial link in the genealogy of King David, and ultimately, Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's sovereign plan in redemption history ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[1Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]]). - **Divine Provision and Redemption:** Obed's birth symbolizes God's provision and redemption for Naomi and Ruth, aligning with the themes of restoration and divine grace ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Historical Context - **Bridge Between Judges and Monarchy:** Obed's life marks a transition from the period of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, setting the stage for the rise of David as king ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[1Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]]). - **Legacy Through Descendants:** As the grandfather of David, Obed’s role is pivotal in the unfolding narrative of Israel’s history and the eventual coming of the Messiah ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Symbolism and Typology - **Kinsman Redeemer:** Obed's story is intertwined with Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, symbolizing Christ as our ultimate Redeemer. This typology points to Jesus' redemptive work in restoring and redeeming humanity ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **New Beginnings:** His birth represents new beginnings and hope for Naomi and Ruth, reflecting the new life believers receive in Christ ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#significance` - `#theological-themes` - `#genealogy` - `#biblical-history` - `#typology` - `#redemption` - `#provision` ## Character Study: Obed ### Strengths and Virtues - **Link in God's Plan:** Obed is significant as the grandfather of King David, demonstrating God's providence and purpose in his lineage ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Symbol of Redemption:** His birth is a testimony to God's redemption for Naomi and Ruth, showing God’s provision and care for His people ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Weaknesses and Failures - The biblical text does not explicitly mention any personal weaknesses or failures of Obed. His role in scripture is primarily genealogical and symbolic. ### Lessons Learned - **God's Sovereignty in Lineage:** Obed's life teaches that God orchestrates family lines for His divine purposes, even through unexpected or humble beginnings ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]]). - **Faithfulness Leads to Legacy:** The story of Obed suggests that faithfulness, as exhibited by his parents Boaz and Ruth, leads to a legacy that impacts future generations ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#strengths-lineage` - `#lessons-redemption` - `#lessons-sovereignty` - `#lessons-legacy` ## Themes and Symbolism: Obed ### Key Themes - **Redemption and Restoration:** Obed's birth to Ruth and Boaz symbolizes the redemption and restoration of Naomi's family line, as well as the broader theme of God's redemption for His people ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Divine Providence:** The events leading to Obed's birth reflect God's providential care and guidance, orchestrating circumstances for His purposes ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2|Ruth Chapter 2]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 3|Ruth Chapter 3]]). - **Legacy and Heritage:** Obed’s life marks the continuation of a godly heritage, as he is the grandfather of King David, linking to the Messianic line ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **Ruth and Boaz’s Union:** Their marriage symbolizes the union of different peoples and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan, prefiguring the universal scope of the gospel ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **The Kinsman-Redeemer:** Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth symbolizes Christ’s redemption of humanity, with Obed being a product of this redemptive act ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Lineage of Christ:** Obed, as part of the genealogy of David, foreshadows the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would be born from this lineage, fulfilling God's promises ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Kingdom and Kingship:** Through Obed, the lineage leading to King David unfolds, typifying the eternal kingship of Christ ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 3|Luke Chapter 3]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#themes` - `#symbolism` - `#typology` - `#foreshadowing` - `#redemption` - `#providence` - `#heritage` - `#lineage` ## Connections: Obed ### Parallel Figures - **Boaz:** Obed's father, who also played a significant role in the redemption narrative through his marriage to Ruth, a Moabite, demonstrating God's inclusive plan ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Jesse:** Obed's son, the father of David, representing the continuation of God's promise through the lineage of David ([[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16|1 Samuel Chapter 16]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ:** Obed is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, prefiguring the coming of the Messiah through the line of David and highlighting the inclusivity of Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Redemption:** The birth of Obed symbolizes the fullness of redemption, as he is a product of Boaz and Ruth's redeeming marriage, foreshadowing Christ as the ultimate Redeemer ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Judges Era:** Obed's story occurs during the time of the Judges, a period of social and religious upheaval in Israel, yet it offers a glimpse of hope and continuity through the faithful actions of his family ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 1|Ruth Chapter 1]]). - **Genealogical Significance:** Obed is a key link in the genealogy from the patriarchs to King David, establishing the Davidic line which is crucial for understanding Israel's royal history and messianic expectations ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]], [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#parallel-figures` - `#foreshadowing-Christ` - `#historical-context` - `#genealogy` - `#redemption` ## Legacy: Obed ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Link in the Messianic Lineage:** Obed is a crucial figure in the genealogy of King David, making him an essential part of the lineage leading to Jesus Christ. His birth to Ruth and Boaz is a pivotal moment that connects the period of the Judges to the monarchy in Israel ([[Ruth/Ruth 4:17|Ruth 4:17]], [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles 2:12|1 Chronicles 2:12]]). - **Restoration and Redemption:** Obed's birth symbolizes God's redemptive plan and the restoration of Naomi’s family line, showcasing God's providence and faithfulness to His covenant people ([[Ruth/Ruth 4:13-17|Ruth 4:13-17]]). ### Mentions in Later Scripture - **Genealogy in 1 Chronicles:** Obed is mentioned in the genealogies chronicling Israel's history, underscoring his role in the lineage of David ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles 2:12|1 Chronicles 2:12]]). - **Integral to Jesus’ Genealogy:** While not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, his inclusion in the genealogical records connects to the broader narrative of Jesus’ ancestry as portrayed in the Gospels ([[Matthew/Matthew 1:5|Matthew 1:5]]). ### Spiritual Lessons - **Faith and Providence:** Obed’s life underscores the spiritual lesson of God’s providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through seemingly ordinary lives and events. - **Heritage and Legacy:** His story encourages believers to value their spiritual heritage and recognize their place in God’s ongoing story. ### Modern Applications - Obed’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of family and heritage in God’s plan, encouraging believers to honor their spiritual lineage. - His role in the genealogy of Christ inspires confidence in God’s ability to use all circumstances and people for His divine purposes. ### Tags - `#legacy` - `#impact-on-israel` - `#genealogy` - `#spiritual-lessons` - `#redemption` - `#providence` - `#messianic-lineage` ## Geography: Obed ### Significant Locations - **Bethlehem:** Obed was born in Bethlehem, the home of his parents, Ruth and Boaz. Bethlehem is significant as the birthplace of Obed, who is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). Bethlehem later becomes the birthplace of King David, Obed's grandson, and Jesus Christ, emphasizing its importance in biblical history. ### Travel and Movement - There is no record of Obed's personal travels or migrations in the biblical texts. His life is primarily centered in Bethlehem, a key location in his lineage and in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Bethlehem’s Role:** As the birthplace of Obed, Bethlehem is the setting for the story of Ruth and Boaz, a narrative that exemplifies loyalty, redemption, and divine providence. Bethlehem's significance is further underscored by its connection to King David and Jesus Christ, linking Obed directly to the Davidic line and the messianic prophecy ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]]). ### Tags - `#geography` - `#locations-bethlehem` - `#obed` - `#lineage-of-david` - `#messianic-line` ## Additional Resources: Obed ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **Ruth’s Loyalty and Lineage:** The role of Obed as the son of Ruth and Boaz, which connects to the lineage of David ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **David’s Ancestry:** Obed as the grandfather of David, establishing his place in the line of Judah ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]]). - **Prophetic Implications:** The significance of Obed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as noted in the New Testament ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 3|Luke Chapter 3]]). ### Genealogical References - **Lineage of David:** Obed is listed in the genealogy of David, showing his importance in the Davidic line ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]], [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]]). - **Genealogy of Christ:** Mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, tracing the Messianic line back to Judah ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 3|Luke Chapter 3]]). ### Maps and Geographic References - **Bethlehem:** Mapping Bethlehem, where Obed was born and where his family lineage, including David, resided ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **The Story of Ruth and Boaz:** Understanding Obed's birth and his role in God's plan ([[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth Chapter 4]]). - **Genealogies and Their Significance:** Study the genealogical records to appreciate the continuity of God’s promise ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 2|1 Chronicles Chapter 2]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). ### Tags - `#additional-resources` - `#cross-references` - `#genealogy` - `#maps` - `#lineage` - `#Davidic-line` - `#Messianic-promise`