The answer is: Naomi

Ruth 4:16

In the book of Ruth, we see a beautiful story of loyalty and familial bonds that transcends hardships. When Naomi cradled the son of Ruth—her daughter-in-law—as her own, it wasn’t just a warm act of love; it was a symbolic restoration of hopes and futures. Ruth's journey from Moab back to Bethlehem with Naomi is marked by faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to family, demonstrating what it means to stand by loved ones during challenging times.

But did you know that Naomi’s role as a nurse symbolizes so much more than just physical care? In ancient cultures, especially in Israel, nursing often went beyond merely feeding a child; it represented nurturing the new generation’s growth in wisdom and identity. In a sense, Naomi became a link between their past—to her late husband and sons—and this new hope represented in Ruth’s baby, Obed. Later, Obed would grandfather King David, making Ruth one of the unlikely matriarchs in the lineage leading to significant figures in biblical history.

And for a fun little nugget—many literary scholars regard the Book of Ruth as a prime example of the beauty of inclusivity in scripture. It reminds us that even in societal walls, love and commitment can reshape destinies! What a testament to the transcending power of love, which binds us together across narratives and generations.