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.

But it’s also fascinating in terms of how this will affect his upbringing. I can only imagine how many times while growing up that he is told the story by others of what an answer to prayer he is, of his divine destiny to provide for his grandmother, of how God was at work in his life even before he was born. What a marvelous model for child-rearing, that everyone about him reinforces God’s will, God’s ways, God’s calling to service.

His spiritual legacy will continue through his son Jesse, whose name means “gift”, a hint at the long-term result of dedication to God and the view that even what was given him was provided only to be returned in kind to God’s service. In turn, “gift” will begat “beloved” (the most likely meaning of “David”), providing a picture of multi-generational commitment that blossoms into deeper and more meaningful relationships at each level.

I wonder what would happen within the family of God should we encourage each other with the assurance of God’s will and working before we were born, while serving in this life, and integrating into future and deeper blessings._††_†

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