Which figure is the Messiah lineage traced to in relation to Ruth?

• A. David
• B. Abraham
• C. Jesus Christ
• D. Moses

Answer: (C)

Ruth’s place in the messianic lineage comes through her marriage to Boaz and the birth of their son Obed. Obed became the grandfather of David, and the Messiah is described in Scripture as a descendant of David. This is why Ruth’s story is significant: it shows that someone outside Israel (a Moabite) can be woven into the royal line that leads to the promised Deliverer. Because the Messiah is identified as the descendant of David, the lineage traced from Ruth ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who is presented in the New Testament as fulfilling that Davidic line. The other figures belong to earlier parts of the story or different genealogical contexts, but the line from Ruth reaches its culmination in Jesus Christ.