Untitled Sermon (3)
Second, the genealogy seeks, perhaps majestically, to reinforce important themes in the tale. For example, by recalling David’s illustrious ancestry, it underscores the great reward granted Ruth for her loyalty; she is the honored ancestress of a great Israelite leader. It also subtly recalled the steady, imperceptible hand of God’s providence which had guided the story. The stark simplicity of listing name after name attests the continuity of divine care under which the family line survived unbroken. In turn, that further underscores the import of the short genealogy (v. 17b), namely, that David’s advent was a divine gift for Israel’s blessing. It served to legitimate David’s political leadership by connecting him with famous ancestors.69 Thus, the genealogy counterbalances the book’s initial insecurity and emptiness (1:1–5) with a final stability and fulness. Finally, the genealogy also supplements the story by telling the reward given to Boaz for his courageous loyalty and kindness. He received not only Ruth as his wife but high honors as the ancestral hero without whose daring David would never have come to be. Indeed, without the genealogy his reward is incomplete.