Oh the Plans of Almighty God Ruth 4:16b-22 - Equipped for Battle

In the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, there is an interesting message in the meaning of the names of the first generations who were born. They are as follows:

Hebrew	English
Adam	Man
Seth	Appointed
Enosh	Mortal
Kenan	Sorrow
Mahalalel	The Blessed God
Jared	Shall come down
Enoch	Teaching
Methuselah	His death shall bring
Lamech	The despairing
Noah	Rest, or comfort

In other words, in the first ten names of the Bible, the gospel of Jesus Christ is identified by God. As we conclude our study in the book of Ruth, perhaps there is meaning to the genealogy that contains Boaz' name. We read in Ruth chapter four and verses sixteen b through twenty-two:

There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he [is] the father of Jesse, the father of David. Now these [are] the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

The following are the meanings of the names given in these verses:

Hebrew	English
Pharez	Breach
Hezron	Surrounded by a Wall
Ram	High or Exalted
Amminadab	My King is Noble
Nahshon	Enchanter
Salmon	Garment
Boaz	Fleetness
Obed	Serving
Jesse	One Possesses
David	Beloved

Now perhaps some might put these names together to show the gospel of Jesus Christ hidden as well, however this author doesn't quite see the connection at this point. Sometimes it is just sufficient to say that God's ways are far beyond our ways, and He has a plan that He is working out well in advance of our having knowledge of what He is doing. The book of Ruth has shown us that God is working in the lives of individuals as they go through their daily routines, and though it may seem that He is aloof and absent at time, He is actively at work. His work is to give every person the opportunity to know His kinsman redeemer Jesus Christ who came to buy back a world that was forfeited to Satan by Adam years ago. His desire is to capture the treasure within the world which is people of every tribe, nation, color and creed, and for everyone who will accept His Son Jesus Christ as Savior, He offers eternal life. Regardless of how the meanings of the names align, of this we may be sure, God has a plan of Salvation that He is working out, and whosoever will may now have a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus.

May we all come to the knowledge and acceptance of this Mighty Creator God who would have all men to be saved, especially those who believe.

Next time we will begin a new study in the book of Galatians, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore