Ruth 4:16-17 • Servant, Gift, & Beloved
Saturday, April 4th, 2009—Ruth 4:16-17 (NASB)
Obed means “servant” and their choice of a name fascinates me. It takes many years of care and feeding and education before a baby can grow out of childhood to the point of serving others, so in one sense the name is an expression of faith and praise to God that he is the answer to Naomi’s previous predicament of facing old age with no one to provide for her. While she will be tending and feeding him for some time to come, it’s acknowledged that he will grow to prove to be God’s answer to Naomi’s prayers.
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