The answer is: David

Ruth 4:17

Ruth’s journey from Moab to Bethlehem is not just a tale of loyalty but a powerful story of redemption and divine providence. When we consider that her great-grandson is none other than David, we see how God can weave together the most unlikely of characters into His grand narrative of salvation.

Ruth wasn't just an ancestor to a king; she was a Moabite, part of the very people from whom Israel often kept their distance. Her inclusion in the lineage of David—who would become a pivotal figure in the story of Israel—signals a bold message: that exclusion based on ethnicity and social status has no place in God's family.

Did you know Ruth’s story is often seen as a reflection of God's steadfast love and faithfulness? Each chapter illustrates her kindness, tenacity, and faith, attributes that echo through the pages of both the Old and New Testaments. In fact, Matthew's genealogy in the New Testament acknowledges Ruth, linking her directly to Jesus—a perfect embodiment of hope that transcends backgrounds and pasts.

Plus, if you’re looking for interesting trivia, Ruth is also one of only two women mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy (the other being Tamar). So, her legacy not only highlights her impact in her time but continues to resonate through generations, leaving us to ponder the boundaries we too might cross in our own lives.