Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

4:13 Ruth went from self-proclaimed slave-servant (2:13) and maidservant (3:9) to wife (see note on 4:10). The Lord gave her conception just as he did for Leah and Rachel (see note on v. 11; cf. Gen. 29:32-35; 30:23). The word son (Hb. ben) sounds like "built up" (Hb. banah, Ruth 4:11): the son is the one through whom the house (1:9; 4:11, 12) is built. Ruth has now found rest (see notes on 1:8-9; 3:1; cf. Ps. 113:9).

4:14 Blessed be the Lord. The women recognize that the Lord is the author of new life (v. 15; see notes on 2:4; 2:20) resulting from redemption. Calling the heir a redeemer indicates the one in whom redemption is realized.

4:15 restorer of life. Lit., "he who causes life to return [Hb. shub]," which reverses Naomi's complaint before the women of Bethlehem: "the Lord . . . brought me back [Hb. shub] empty" (1:21). loves. Ruth's love for Naomi has been steadfast throughout the book (cf. 1:16-17). The number seven expresses completion, or fullness: this is the answer to Naomi's complaint (see note on 1:20-21).

4:16 child. Cf. 1:5, 11-12. A nurse cares for a child as a foster mother (2 Sam. 4:4).

4:17 son . . . to Naomi. Elimelech's heir (v. 9). The Lord, through Ruth, also recompenses Naomi (2:12) and gives her rest (1:9; 3:1). The childless widow became the grandmother of Obed, who was the grandfather of David.