German painter Paul Hermann Wagner (1852–1937) is known for his emotionally compelling images, often featuring tender domestic scenes. His oil painting “A Grandmother’s Love” depicts an older woman embracing a young child, who reciprocates by reaching toward her face.
Today’s passage paints a similarly simple, yet stunning, picture. In verse 16, Naomi becomes the subject and takes action once again. Since Naomi is the protagonist in the book, it is fitting for the story to finish this way. Her character arc is now complete. While she began in desperation and bitter emptiness (1:20–21), feeling alone after the loss of her husband and sons, now her heart and arms are full as she cares for her grandson.
When the women saw Naomi holding her grandson, they rejoiced (v. 17). The language used to describe the women is more personal than in verse 14. It shows a greater connection as neighbors and community. Their proclamation (“Naomi has a son!”) took the conventional form of a birth announcement, which typically would have been given to the waiting father. This is the only Old Testament account where women participated in such an event.
Next, the author reports that the women named the child Obed, which means “server” (v. 17). While these neighbors would not have actually given the baby his name, they publicly affirmed the name given by his parents. Lastly, the author adds an unexpected connection. Obed grew to be “the father of Jesse, the father of David” (v. 17). Through the line of David, the blessing of the witnesses (vv. 11–12) and the prayer of the women (vv. 14–15) are both fulfilled. In God’s providence, the hesed of all these characters is rewarded, and God’s plan for Israel and her kings is accomplished.
Go Deeper
Are you longing for God to answer your prayers? How does Naomi’s story encourage you?
Pray with Us
Jesus, open our eyes to Your work in our lives and to Your love that covers us. Help us see more clearly that You are with us every step of the way and teach us to rely on You in every situation.
I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.Joel 2:25
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