The answer is: David

Ruth 4:17

Ruth’s journey from a Moabite widow to the great-grandmother of King David is a captivating tale of loyalty, faith, and divine providence. In Ruth 4:17, we see the ladies of Bethlehem rejoicing over the birth of Obed, who is David's father! Talk about a spiritual lineage packed with powerful narratives!

Most people might think of David only as the shepherd who became the king, but his family story traces back to this incredible woman who left her homeland to support her mother-in-law, Naomi. And get this: David is not only central in Jewish tradition as the writer of many psalms, but he symbolically connects the writings of the Old Testament to the New! In fact, he's often referred to in the context of the Messiah!

Isn’t it fascinating how twelve generations lance through the scriptures from David back to Abraham in the genealogy accounts? Each of those ancestors tangentially fulfills parts of God’s greater plan, illuminated through personal stories of rivalry, triumph, and sorrow.

Additionally, Ruth’s legacy was about embracing community and inclusion at a time when cultural divisions were pronounced — she was not only loyal but an integral part of the lineage leading down to "the Son of David." It’s a brilliant reminder that every act of kindness can ripple through time, altering history in ways we can't always foresee! What a legacy!