Who Was Obed in the Bible?
The Name of Five Old Testament Israelites
The name Obed appears several times in the Old Testament, identifying different individuals who each played significant roles in the biblical narrative. The name Obed (עֹבֵד in Hebrew) means “servant” or “worshipper,” and each of these men exemplified aspects of service and devotion in their respective lives.
a. Son of Ruth
One of the most notable Obeds in the Bible is the son of Ruth and Boaz. His birth is a significant event in the book of Ruth, as he becomes the grandfather of King David and an important link in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Ruth 4:17 (ESV)
“And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, ‘A son has been born to Naomi.’ They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.”
Matthew 1:5 (ESV)
“Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse.”
Luke 3:32 (ESV)
“the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon.”
Obed’s life and lineage are crucial in the unfolding of God’s plan for salvation. As the grandfather of David, Obed’s lineage leads directly to Jesus Christ, fulfilling the Messianic prophecy that the Savior would come from the house of David.
b. A Judahite
Another Obed is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:37-38. This Obed was a Judahite, the son of Ephlal, and the father of Jehu. This genealogy indicates his connection to the tribe of Judah during the time of the Divided Monarchy.
1 Chronicles 2:37-38 (ESV)
“Zabad fathered Ephlal, Ephlal fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jehu.”
c. A Warrior
Obed is also noted as one of David’s mighty men, a group of elite warriors tasked with protecting the king and carrying out special military missions.
1 Chronicles 11:47 (ESV)
“Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.”
Being one of David’s mighty men, Obed displayed great courage and loyalty, characteristics essential for those who served closely with the king.
d. A Levite
Obed is mentioned as a Levite living during the Divided Monarchy. He was the son of Shemaiah and the brother of Othni, Rephael, Elzabad, Elihu, and Semachiah. As a Levite, Obed was part of the tribe chosen by God to serve as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle and temple.
1 Chronicles 26:7 (ESV)
“The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers were able men, Elihu and Semachiah.”
The Levites played a crucial role in the spiritual leadership and worship practices of Israel, highlighting Obed’s involvement in religious service.
e. Father of Azariah
Another Obed is noted as the father of Azariah, one of the men who participated in the coup against Queen Athaliah, resulting in the installation of Joash as king of Judah.
2 Chronicles 23:1 (ESV)
“But in the seventh year Jehoiada took courage and entered into a covenant with the commanders of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri.”
Azariah’s involvement in this significant political and religious event reflects the influence and legacy of his father, Obed.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Faithfulness Across Generations
The various Obeds in the Bible exemplify faithfulness in different roles and contexts. From being part of David’s lineage to serving as a warrior and a Levite, their stories teach modern Christians about the importance of faithfulness in every generation and vocation.
The Role of Service
Each Obed lived up to the meaning of his name, serving God and others faithfully. This teaches Christians the value of serving in humility and dedication, whether in visible leadership roles or behind-the-scenes support.
God’s Sovereign Plan
The inclusion of Obed in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the sovereignty of God in weaving together His redemptive plan through seemingly ordinary lives. This reassures believers that God’s purposes prevail through their faithful service.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness to His Promises
The lineage of Obed, particularly as the grandfather of David, illustrates God’s faithfulness to His promises. God’s covenant with David ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus, showing His unwavering commitment to His word.
2 Samuel 7:12-13 (ESV)
“When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”
God’s Care for Individuals
Each Obed’s inclusion in the biblical narrative reflects God’s care for individuals and families. This demonstrates that God values every person and their contributions to His kingdom.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Lineage of Christ
Obed, the son of Ruth, is directly linked to Jesus’ genealogy, emphasizing the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies through David’s line. This connection underscores the importance of God’s promises and their fulfillment in Christ.
Matthew 1:1-16 (ESV)
This genealogy traces the lineage from Abraham to Jesus, including Obed.
Redemption and Grace
The story of Ruth and Boaz, leading to the birth of Obed, is a beautiful picture of redemption and grace. Ruth, a Moabite widow, becomes part of the lineage of Christ through God’s providence, highlighting the inclusive nature of God’s redemptive plan.
Conclusion
Obed, a name meaning “servant” or “worshipper,” is associated with multiple significant figures in the Old Testament. From the grandfather of David to a Levite and a mighty warrior, each Obed exemplifies faithfulness and service. Their stories teach modern Christians about the importance of faithfulness, the value of service, and the assurance of God’s sovereign plan. Through the lineage of Obed, we see God’s promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to trust in God’s faithfulness and live lives of dedicated service.