Obed
maleJudgesMeaning: “Serving; worshipper”
The son of Boaz and Ruth and the father of Jesse — the grandfather of King David and an ancestor of Jesus.
Biography
Obed was the son of Boaz and Ruth, born in Bethlehem at the close of the book of Ruth. His birth was the joyful resolution of Naomi's emptiness; the women of Bethlehem declared that the child would be "a restorer of thy life," and Naomi took him to her bosom (Ruth 4:14–16).
A link in the royal line
Though Scripture records nothing of Obed's own deeds, his place in the genealogy is of the first importance: "Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David" (Ruth 4:21–22). Through Obed, the Moabite Ruth and the faithful Boaz became the great-grandparents of Israel's greatest king — and ancestors of Jesus Christ, named in the genealogies of both Matthew (Matthew 1:5) and Luke (Luke 3:32).
Life Timeline
Born to Boaz and Ruth; grandfather of David
On the Bible timeline
Obed belongs to the Conquest & the Judges era (c. 1400 – 1050 BC).
- c. 1375 – 1050 BCThe Age of the Judges
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Obed
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Obed appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
5 verses in 3 booksRuth3 verses
Matthew1 verse
Matthew 1:5
And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
Luke1 verse
Luke 3:32
Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,
Frequently asked about Obed
Who was Obed in the Bible?
The son of Boaz and Ruth and the father of Jesse — the grandfather of King David and an ancestor of Jesus.
What does the name Obed mean?
The name Obed means “Serving; worshipper”.
Who were Obed's children?
Obed's children include Jesse.
Who were Obed's parents?
Obed was the child of Boaz, Ruth.
Where does Obed appear in the Bible?
Obed is mentioned 5 times across 3 books: Ruth, Matthew, Luke.
What can we learn from Obed?
The story of Obed touches on themes of obed, genealogy, genealogies, human nature of christ, the — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Obed's life.
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