Dictionary Summary:Firm, or a gift, a son of Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth ([Ruth 4:17](/ruth#Ruth.4.17), [22](/ruth#Ruth.4.22); [Matt. 1:5](/matt#Matt.1.5), [6](/matt#Matt.1.6); [Luke 3:32](/luke#Luke.3.32)). He was the father of eight sons, the youngest of whom was David ([1 Sam. 17:12](/1sam#1Sam.17.12)). The phrase “stem of Jesse” is used for the family of David ([Isa. 11:1](/isa#Isa.11.1)), and “root of Jesse” for the Messiah ([Isa. 11:10](/isa#Isa.11.10); [Rev. 5:5](/rev#Rev.5.5)). Jesse was a man apparently of wealth and position at Bethlehem ([1 Sam. 17:17](/1sam#1Sam.17.17), [18](/1sam#1Sam.17.18), [20](/1sam#1Sam.17.20); [Ps. 78:71](/ps#Ps.78.71)). The last reference to him is of David’s procuring for him an asylum with the king of Moab ([1 Sam. 22:3](/1sam#1Sam.22.3)). ²