4:18–22 The closing genealogy (Introduction: Characteristics and Themes) shifts the focus from Naomi back to Boaz, and fulfills a larger purpose of the narrative. The genealogy begins with Perez, someone who could “breach” (Gen. 38:29, text note), and whom the women in their blessing remembered as the vigorous son of Tamar (v. 12). Like Ruth, Tamar became an ancestor of David in an unexpected way. For New Testament readers, David is not the end of God’s provisions for the people of His choice, His covenant bride. But for her own time, Ruth’s journey had reached its divinely appointed goal.