Daily Devotional | Naomi and Ruth: For Generations to Come

Paul Harvey was an American radio broadcaster for ABC News Radio known for his good humor, patriotism, and common sense. During his broadcasts he was known to present little-known facts on any given subject concluding with his famous tag line, “And now you know...the rest of the story.”

In today’s passage, we learn the rest of Naomi and Ruth’s story. Boaz took Ruth as his wife, and she conceived a child, seemingly quite quickly. After ten years of barrenness in Moab, Ruth now gave birth to a son. The same women who once welcomed Naomi back to Bethlehem now gave praise to the Lord on her behalf. It was He who has enabled Ruth to conceive. It was He who provided the kinsman-redeemer. It was He who would renew and sustain life. It was He who must become famous.

Not only that, but the women based their conviction on the women’s loving relationship (v. 15). Ruth loves Naomi, they said, even more than seven sons. The term here translated “love” is actually not hesed. It points to the same covenantal commitment expressed throughout the story.

The final image is that of Naomi, holding and caring for her grandson. Our questions are answered. Her longing was satisfied. She was no longer empty. Her arms and her heart were full. But that’s not all! The book finishes with the genealogy from Obed to David. From the line of David would come the Messiah Himself!

The hesed shown by Ruth and Naomi and Boaz had profound implications, not only for their lifetime but also for the nation of Israel for many generations to come. Because of their love, sacrifice, and obedience, future generations would receive God’s blessing.

>> What a profound truth! Consider the ways hesed has been passed on to you from past generations, and how you can pass it on to the future generations. How can God be made famous through your hesed demonstrations of love?