Ruth 4

This chapter finishes off the story of Ruth. Boaz follows tradition, though, and first offers the position to a closer relative; when that man turns it down for seemingly selfish reasons (to the point where history has forgotten his name) Boaz steps in and weds Ruth. This assures that she and Naomi will be taken care of and provided for.

Through Ruth, Boaz ends up fathering a son: Obed - the father in turn of Jesse, father of soon-to-be-king David. This makes for a great story in the lineage of David (and therefore of Christ), and a neat insight into the lives of normal people in Israel during the time of the Judges. It also offers a perfect transition to the books of Samuel, which feature David prominently.