The answer is: David

Ruth 4:17

In the story of Ruth, her great-grandson David emerges not just as a vital character in her lineage but also as one of the most celebrated figures in the Bible. Ruth, a Moabite widow, displayed remarkable loyalty and resilience. After the death of her husband, she famously declared her commitment to Naomi with the words, "Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay." This act of faith and dedication paved the way for her to become part of the lineage that ultimately leads to King David and, as Christian tradition asserts, to Jesus.

David himself is an intriguing figure. He started as a shepherd boy, tending his flock and writing psalms that are still cherished today. The shepherds' role is one of deep care and attentiveness, characteristics that seem to run through generations in his family lineage. This connection to shepherding also foreshadows David's future as the “shepherd” of Israel.

Interestingly, Ruth's story is situated during the time of the judges, a period marked by cycles of disobedience and redemption. Her devotion represents a pivotal transition towards the monarchy that David represents. The ancestral tale serves to highlight how unlikely connections and choices can intersect to fulfill divine purposes—a theme that echoes through many biblical narratives, emphasizing hope and redemption beyond social boundaries.

This rich backdrop invites reflection on how individual stories weave together, reflecting the diverse fabric of biblical history and the greater narrative of humanity’s pursuit of belonging and kinship.