רות, פרק ד׳, פסוק ט״ו

In the twilight of her life, a woman who had been stripped of her husband, her sons, and her property holds a newborn child and receives a profound double comfort. The joyful declarations of the local women are not merely standard congratulations for a new grandchild; they are a precise response to Naomi’s deepest existential and spiritual fears. They promise that the child will restore her spirit in multiple ways. On a simple, emotional level, the baby’s sheer presence will revive Naomi and soothe her accumulated sorrow [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אגרת שמואל]. Spiritually, the child is destined to grow into a righteous man whose good deeds will bring merit to Naomi, granting her soul peace in the World to Come [אגרת שמואל].

The primary approach among commentators reveals a much deeper, mystical restoration. The child literally brings the soul of Naomi’s deceased son back into this world. Through the spiritual mechanics of this redemptive marriage, the departed son’s soul returns in the newborn, ensuring his name is not erased and his spirit finally finds rest [מלבי״ם, אגרת שמואל, אשכול הכופר]. Initially, Naomi hesitated to fully embrace this reality. She harbored spiritual doubts about whether the union between Ruth and Boaz was purely for the sake of Heaven, questioning if her son’s soul had truly returned. Practically, she also feared that with a new male heir to inherit Boaz’s estate, Ruth might abandon her, leaving her entirely destitute and alone [אגרת שמואל].

The women actively soothe these fears by pointing to the extraordinary nature of Ruth’s love. They explain that the successful return of a departed soul depends heavily on the mother’s pure intentions. Because Ruth loves Naomi so fiercely, her thoughts during the union were entirely focused on restoring the soul of Naomi’s son. Furthermore, because the child was formed in the womb of a mother who harbors such intense love for Naomi, that very affection is woven into the child's nature. Even though he is technically born to others, the boy will naturally grow to love and care for Naomi as if he were her own biological son. He will sustain and support her in her old age, becoming a reliable pillar for her just as Joseph sustained his father [מלבי״ם, אגרת שמואל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The community further praises Ruth, noting that her past sacrifices to feed her mother-in-law far exceed the devotion of many sons. This rich legacy of kindness will now be carried forward by the child [אגרת שמואל]. The community's praise also carries a prophetic hint regarding the future. From this baby will emerge a magnificent royal lineage, culminating in its seventh generation with King David, the redeemer of Israel. The child himself, named Oved, will grow to serve God out of pure love and will father a deeply righteous family line [אשכול הכופר].

Deeply comforted by these truths, Naomi sets aside her fears and takes the child to her bosom to shower him with her love. She also takes on the role of his devoted nurse to protect him, worried that Ruth, being an inexperienced mother, might accidentally harm the infant in her sleep. Watching this intimate bond form, the wise neighbors recognize a hidden reality. This baby is not merely a comforting grandchild, but a true son born to Naomi, a living continuation of her past and the very seed of future redemption [אגרת שמואל, אשכול הכופר].