In the final verses of Ruth, we find a list of ten names. Earlier (4:2), we found ten men who witnessed the confirmation of Boaz as a redeemer. The ten names found here are ten witnesses to the promises made to Judah. To his tribe the kingdom was given, which would ultimately come to David and ultimately to the Son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ (Gen. 49:10; Matt. 1:3-16).
Ruth 4
17 And the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “A son was born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
18 And these are the generations of Perez: Perez begot Hezron.
19 And Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Amminadab.
20 And Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon was the father of Salmon.
21 And Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed.
22 And Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David.
Perez
This list begins with Perez and ends with David. We have already seen that Perez exemplifies the pause in God’s dealings with Israel. Or, in other words, the time that would elapse between the first and second coming of Christ. David is, of course, a type of Christ, the Son of David. There would be a pause before the Son of David would sit on the throne of His glory (Matt. 25:31).
Meaning of the Names
The names mentioned here all have a positive meaning and point forward to the Messianic kingdom, in which Christ, as the Son of David, will sit on the throne and establish His Kingdom worldwide.
Hezron
Hezron means: enclosed, protected. Israel will dwell securely and safely in the Messianic kingdom, as the prophets foretold, for YAHWEH Himself will be a wall of fire around His people and glory in their midst (Ezek. 28:26; Zech. 2:4-5, 10).
Ram
Ram means: exalted, high. In the Kingdom, Israel will be exalted above the other nations (Ex. 19:5-6; Deut. 28:1), for out of Zion will go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (Isa. 2:3, Mic. 4:2). God has chosen Zion to be His dwelling place, and all nations will bow down to the King in Jerusalem. (Isa. 2:2-3, Zech. 14:16)
Amminadab
Amminadab means: My people are noble/willing. Israel will submit to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will rule in justice and righteousness forever and ever (Rev. 11:15; Isa. 9:6-7).
Nachshon
The meaning of the name Nachshon is unclear. It is associated with a serpent (>nachash). Could it have something to do with the words the Lord spoke to Nicodemus? And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up (John 3:14). The serpent is a picture of the exalted and glorified Christ.
Salma
The name Salma is related to shalom and refers to peace and well-being. In Ezekiel 37:26, God speaks of the new covenant as “the covenant of peace,” and therefore the Kingdom is also called the Messianic Kingdom of Peace.
clothing
Another possible meaning is related to “clothing” or “robe,” which can indicate a protective or enveloping function. In the Bible, clothing is often seen as an expression of glory, with kings and priests wearing robes that emphasized their function.
This image points forward to the Messianic Kingdom. Isaiah speaks of the bride and groom, who are dressed and adorned for the wedding—the new covenant—and this will lead to praise and righteousness among all nations. (Isaiah 61:9-10)
Boaz
Boaz means: in Him is power. Obed means: servant. Together, these names point to Jesus Christ, who became obedient as a Servant, even to the death of the cross. God raised Him up (resurrection power) and exalted Him to His right hand, so that every knee would bow to Him and every tongue would confess that He is Lord (Phil. 2:5-11).
David
David means: beloved. He points forward to the Son of David, of whom God spoke: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Matt. 3:17). Through Him, God will establish His Kingdom worldwide, and all enemies will be subdued and brought to nothing (Ps. 89:27-38; 1 Cor. 15:24-28).
Conclusion
In the book of Ruth, we see illustrated and confirmed in many ways how the redemption of Israel would come about. It shows how God, through the house of David, would bring forth the great Redeemer, who would bring Israel into the land and establish the new covenant with them, so that His people would live safely and blessedly in His Kingdom. A Messianic kingdom, with the Son of David on the throne, and Israel as the head of the nations! (Dan. 2:44; 7:27)