Ruth 4:15 - He shall be to you a restorer of life, and sustain you in your old age, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”
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What does "Ruth 4:15" mean?
This verse from Ruth 4:15 is a powerful statement about the blessings that come from loyalty, love, and redemption. Let's break it down:
"He shall be to you a restorer of life..." This refers to the newborn son, Obed, of Ruth and Boaz. Naomi has suffered immense loss: her husband and both her sons have died, leaving her alone and vulnerable. Obed's birth is seen as a restoration of hope and vitality. He will provide joy and purpose to Naomi in her later years, effectively bringing her back to life emotionally and spiritually.
"...and sustain you in your old age..." In ancient Israel, old age without family support was a precarious situation. Obed's presence ensures that Naomi will be cared for and provided for as she grows older. He represents security and comfort in a time when she would otherwise be destitute.
"...for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” This is the core of the verse's meaning.
"your daughter-in-law, who loves you": Ruth's unwavering love and loyalty to Naomi are central to the entire story. She chose to stay with Naomi after the death of her husband, defying societal expectations and demonstrating extraordinary devotion.
"who is better to you than seven sons": This is a hyperbole, emphasizing the exceptional nature of Ruth's love and loyalty. In ancient Israel, sons were highly valued for their ability to carry on the family name and provide financial security. To say that Ruth is "better than seven sons" is a testament to her extraordinary character. She has not only stayed with Naomi but has also taken steps to secure her future.
"has given birth to him": Obed is the tangible result of Ruth's actions. He is the symbol of redemption, restoration, and the continuation of the family line.
In essence, the verse means:
Naomi's life will be renewed and sustained because of the child born to Ruth, her loving and devoted daughter-in-law. Ruth's love and loyalty are so profound that they outweigh the value of multiple sons. Obed's birth is a direct result of Ruth's actions and represents a blessing for Naomi in her old age, restoring her joy and providing her with security and purpose.
The verse highlights themes of:
Redemption: The story of Ruth is a story of redemption, both for Ruth and Naomi.
Loyalty and Love: Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi is a powerful example of these virtues.
Blessings through Unexpected Sources: The blessing comes through a Moabite woman (Ruth), who was considered an outsider. This challenges conventional notions of where blessings can originate.
Importance of Family: The verse underscores the importance of family ties and the responsibilities of family members to care for one another.
God's Providence: Throughout the story, God's hand is seen in the events that lead to Obed's birth, demonstrating His care for those who are faithful and loyal. It also leads to the lineage of King David.
Ruth 4:15 - He shall be to you a restorer of life, and sustain you in your old age, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”
What does "Ruth 4:15" mean?
This verse from Ruth 4:15 is a powerful statement about the blessings that come from loyalty, love, and redemption. Let's break it down:
"He shall be to you a restorer of life..." This refers to the newborn son, Obed, of Ruth and Boaz. Naomi has suffered immense loss: her husband and both her sons have died, leaving her alone and vulnerable. Obed's birth is seen as a restoration of hope and vitality. He will provide joy and purpose to Naomi in her later years, effectively bringing her back to life emotionally and spiritually.
"...and sustain you in your old age..." In ancient Israel, old age without family support was a precarious situation. Obed's presence ensures that Naomi will be cared for and provided for as she grows older. He represents security and comfort in a time when she would otherwise be destitute.
"...for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” This is the core of the verse's meaning.
"your daughter-in-law, who loves you": Ruth's unwavering love and loyalty to Naomi are central to the entire story. She chose to stay with Naomi after the death of her husband, defying societal expectations and demonstrating extraordinary devotion.
"who is better to you than seven sons": This is a hyperbole, emphasizing the exceptional nature of Ruth's love and loyalty. In ancient Israel, sons were highly valued for their ability to carry on the family name and provide financial security. To say that Ruth is "better than seven sons" is a testament to her extraordinary character. She has not only stayed with Naomi but has also taken steps to secure her future.
"has given birth to him": Obed is the tangible result of Ruth's actions. He is the symbol of redemption, restoration, and the continuation of the family line.
In essence, the verse means:
Naomi's life will be renewed and sustained because of the child born to Ruth, her loving and devoted daughter-in-law. Ruth's love and loyalty are so profound that they outweigh the value of multiple sons. Obed's birth is a direct result of Ruth's actions and represents a blessing for Naomi in her old age, restoring her joy and providing her with security and purpose.
The verse highlights themes of:
Redemption: The story of Ruth is a story of redemption, both for Ruth and Naomi.
Loyalty and Love: Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi is a powerful example of these virtues.
Blessings through Unexpected Sources: The blessing comes through a Moabite woman (Ruth), who was considered an outsider. This challenges conventional notions of where blessings can originate.
Importance of Family: The verse underscores the importance of family ties and the responsibilities of family members to care for one another.
God's Providence: Throughout the story, God's hand is seen in the events that lead to Obed's birth, demonstrating His care for those who are faithful and loyal. It also leads to the lineage of King David.