In | Ruth and King David

The book of Ruth ends with a delightful story of a newborn on the lap of Naomi—and a genealogy that leads to King David.

Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.
Ruth 4:18-22 (ESV)

The fact that Ruth ends with a genealogy may mean that it was intended to be the start of another story. Just as the Gospels Matthew and Luke begin with genealogies to introduce the story of Jesus, Ruth’s genealogy signals the start of David’s story in 1 and 2 Samuel.

The genealogy of Boaz and Ruth may lead to David, but Boaz offers a contrast to the tragic flaws of David. In David’s great-grandfather, we find a model of selfless, faithful love. Boaz’s kindness and devotion exhibits a model of behavior that is in stark contrast to David’s marriages and family life. 

Ruth’s story of Moabite redemption by an Israelite man sets up a jarring contrast with what we find in 2 Samuel 8:2 (ESV). See how David treats the people of his great-grandmother:

And he defeated Moab and he measured them with a line, making them lie down on the ground. Two lines he measured to be put to death, and one full line to be spared. And the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute.

David will become Israel’s greatest king, but he is not beyond reproach. Unlike the characters in Ruth, David will commit evil acts and damage many relationships. He bears YHWH’s anointing, but his character does not. For that we’ll have to wait until the New Testament, where we’ll meet the “Son of David,” who is also the Son of God. 

Reference: James McKeown, Ruth, 2015, pp. 84-85.