Book introduction
The book of Ruth
Ruth is a short story of loyalty set in the dark days of the judges. A Moabite widow stays with her mother-in-law Naomi, works in the fields of Boaz, and becomes the great-grandmother of King David.
Who wrote Ruth?
The author is not named. Jewish tradition credited Samuel. Scholars date it anywhere from the time of David to after the exile.
When was it written?
Set about 1100 BC. Written perhaps around 1000 BC or later.
Main themes
- Loyal love
- The Hebrew word hesed, faithful kindness, shows up in Ruth, Boaz, and God.
- An outsider welcomed
- A woman from Moab is brought into Israel and into David’s line.
- God at work in ordinary life
- No miracles. God’s care shows in harvests, kindness, and a marriage.
Outline of Ruth
Key verses
But Ruth said, Do not press me to abandon you, to turn back and stop following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you spend the night, I will spend the night. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
May Yahweh repay you for what you have done. May you receive a full reward from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.
Then the women said to Naomi, Blessed be Yahweh, who has not left you without a redeemer today! May his name be renowned in Israel.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
It is four chapters. Read it in one sitting.
How well do you know Ruth?
Ten questions on the book of Ruth, from “Why did Naomi’s family leave Bethlehem for Moab?” on. Each answer shows its verse.
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Questions about Ruth?
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