“Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.”
Matthew 1:5b-6
Little introduction to Bathsheba’s story is needed. We know what happened when King David looked down from his rooftop at Bathsheba as she bathed. It was a huge scandal. David exploited her to get what he wanted. The fallout was tragic: the death of Bathsheba’s husband, the dividing of David’s family, the death of the conceived child, and the start of a father-against-son civil war. Into Bathsheba’s life, which was now filled with derision and sorrow, God drew near. He intertwined her with the promised Redeemer.
Ruth is another one listed in the genealogy whose name would be offensive to Jews. Gentile Ruth was a Moabite, of the sworn enemies of Israel. Through a series of events, she landed in Israel with her mother-in-law and in time became Boaz’s wife. Together they would be the great-grandparents of King David. Ruth’s inclusion in the opening pages of the Christmas story reminds us that Jesus is the Redeemer of those on the outside, who once were alien to the courts of the Almighty and now are brought in fully to the grace of God.
Ruth is another one listed in the genealogy whose name would be offensive to Jews. Gentile Ruth was a Moabite, of the sworn enemies of Israel. Through a series of events, she landed in Israel with her mother-in-law and in time became Boaz’s wife. Together they would be the great-grandparents of King David. Ruth’s inclusion in the opening pages of the Christmas story reminds us that Jesus is the Redeemer of those on the outside, who once were alien to the courts of the Almighty and now are brought in fully to the grace of God.
Scripture Focus
Revelation 7:9-10
Insight
If there is room in the family of God for Bathsheba and Ruth, there is room for you and me!
Bible In A Year
- Zechariah 5-9
- Proverbs 29
- Revelation 15-17
