Who was Jesse in the Bible?

David’s father living at the time of United Monarchy

Jesse is a significant figure in the Bible, particularly as the father of King David, who is one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament. Jesse is first mentioned in the book of Ruth, specifically in Ruth 4:17, where he is identified as the father of David. From a biblical point of view, let’s delve into the significance and details surrounding Jesse based on the provided data.

### Jesse
Jesse, whose name means wealthy or gift, was a man of the tribe of Judah, living during the time of the United Monarchy. He was the son of Obed and the father of David, who became the renowned King of Israel. Jesse is a key figure in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as he is listed in the lineage of Christ in the New Testament (Matthew 1:5-6).

#### Jesse’s Lineage and Family:
– **Son of Obed:** Jesse was the son of Obed, a descendant of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:17).
– **Father of David:** Jesse is most notably known as the father of David, the beloved king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1, 1 Samuel 16:13).
– **Other Sons:** Apart from David, Jesse had several other sons, including Eliab, Abinadab, Shimeah, Nethanel, Raddai, Ozem, Zeruiah, Abigail, and Elihu (1 Chronicles 2:13-15).

#### Jesse in the Bible:
– **Ancestry of Jesus:** Jesse’s significance is further highlighted in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as he is mentioned in the lineage leading to the Messiah (Matthew 1:5-6, Luke 3:32).
– **David’s Father:** Jesse played a crucial role in the life of David, as he was chosen by God to be the father of the future king of Israel, despite not initially considering David as a candidate (1 Samuel 16:11-12).
– **Symbol of Hope:** Jesse’s lineage and his role as the father of David symbolize God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and choosing unexpected individuals to carry out His plans.

In conclusion, Jesse’s significance lies in his position as the father of King David and his inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. His story exemplifies God’s sovereignty in choosing individuals for His purposes and serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in fulfilling God’s plans.

References:
– Ruth 4:17
– 1 Samuel 16:1-13
– 1 Chronicles 2:13-15
– Matthew 1:5-6
– Luke 3:32