This verse from Ruth 4:16, "Naomi took the child, and laid him in her bosom, and became nurse to it," is a beautiful depiction of redemption, restoration, and familial love. Let's break it down:
"Naomi took the child..." This indicates that the baby, Obed, born to Ruth and Boaz, is being placed in Naomi's care. Naomi, who initially felt bitter and empty due to the loss of her husband and sons, is now receiving a gift of new life.
"...and laid him in her bosom..." This is a very intimate and tender gesture. "Bosom" refers to the chest area, close to the heart. Placing the child there symbolizes Naomi's acceptance, love, and protection. It's a gesture of comfort and nurturing. Importantly, in that culture, placing a child in one's bosom indicated acceptance of the child as one's own.
"...and became nurse to it." This doesn't necessarily mean Naomi physically nursed the baby with her own milk. It likely means that she took on the role of caregiver, nurturer, and guardian. She provided the care and attention a young child needs, even if other women (like Ruth) were involved in the child's direct care. This solidified the concept that Naomi was considered a parent to the child.
The significance of the verse:
Restoration and Redemption: Naomi's life, which was once marked by loss and bitterness, is being restored. The birth of Obed brings joy and hope back into her life. This signifies God's redemptive power, turning sorrow into joy.
Family and Legacy: Obed is not just Ruth and Boaz's child; he becomes a part of Naomi's family line. This ensures the continuation of her husband's lineage and provides her with a future and a legacy.
Love and Acceptance: Naomi's actions demonstrate her profound love and acceptance of the child. She embraces him as her own, filling the void in her heart.
Lineage of Christ: Obed is the grandfather of King David, and therefore, an ancestor of Jesus Christ. This verse, therefore, connects to the bigger story of salvation.
In essence, Ruth 4:16 is a powerful verse that encapsulates themes of restoration, redemption, love, and the importance of family. It shows how God can bring hope and healing to even the most desolate situations.
This verse from Ruth 4:16, "Naomi took the child, and laid him in her bosom, and became nurse to it," is a beautiful depiction of redemption, restoration, and familial love. Let's break it down:
"Naomi took the child..." This indicates that the baby, Obed, born to Ruth and Boaz, is being placed in Naomi's care. Naomi, who initially felt bitter and empty due to the loss of her husband and sons, is now receiving a gift of new life.
"...and laid him in her bosom..." This is a very intimate and tender gesture. "Bosom" refers to the chest area, close to the heart. Placing the child there symbolizes Naomi's acceptance, love, and protection. It's a gesture of comfort and nurturing. Importantly, in that culture, placing a child in one's bosom indicated acceptance of the child as one's own.
"...and became nurse to it." This doesn't necessarily mean Naomi physically nursed the baby with her own milk. It likely means that she took on the role of caregiver, nurturer, and guardian. She provided the care and attention a young child needs, even if other women (like Ruth) were involved in the child's direct care. This solidified the concept that Naomi was considered a parent to the child.
The significance of the verse:
Restoration and Redemption: Naomi's life, which was once marked by loss and bitterness, is being restored. The birth of Obed brings joy and hope back into her life. This signifies God's redemptive power, turning sorrow into joy.
Family and Legacy: Obed is not just Ruth and Boaz's child; he becomes a part of Naomi's family line. This ensures the continuation of her husband's lineage and provides her with a future and a legacy.
Love and Acceptance: Naomi's actions demonstrate her profound love and acceptance of the child. She embraces him as her own, filling the void in her heart.
Lineage of Christ: Obed is the grandfather of King David, and therefore, an ancestor of Jesus Christ. This verse, therefore, connects to the bigger story of salvation.
In essence, Ruth 4:16 is a powerful verse that encapsulates themes of restoration, redemption, love, and the importance of family. It shows how God can bring hope and healing to even the most desolate situations.