The answer is: David

Ruth 4:17

Ruth’s story is one of resilience, love, and divine providence, set in the era of the judges—a time marked by chaos and moral ambiguity. Ruth, a Moabite widow, made a bold choice to stay loyal to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Against the odds, her devotion leads her to glean in fields, ultimately catching the eye of Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer. Their marriage isn't just a romantic twist; it carries the weight of restoring lineage and legacy, and it's fascinating to think about how God worked through Ruth's choices leading to King David's lineage!

David—Ruth's great-grandson—would rise to prominence as Israel's greatest king and a pivotal figure in biblical history. Ever wondered how that came to be? It’s through Ruth's non-Israelite roots that we see demonstrated the Old Testament principle of inclusion and acceptance into God’s people. David wasn’t just a shepherd or a king; he was the author of many Psalms, giving voice to human emotions from joy to despair, and establishing a model of worship for generations.

Interestingly, Ruth’s story isn’t outshined by the splendor of the Davidic dynasty; it shines through with her unwavering loyalty and faith—you might call it a footnote that changed history! Her thread woven into both the genealogy and tapestry of Scripture underlines the idea that greatness can be born from unexpected places. So when you think of King David, don’t forget to give a nod to his incredible great-grandma!