# 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.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/about
Section: History · 4 chapters

## 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

- Chapter 1: [Loss in Moab and the return to Bethlehem](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/1)
- Chapter 2: [Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/2)
- Chapter 3: [Ruth at the threshing floor](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/3)
- Chapter 4: [Boaz redeems and marries Ruth](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/4)

## Key verses

Quoted from the Lumin Translation.

> 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.
> — [Ruth 1:16](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/1#16)

> 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.
> — [Ruth 2:12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/2#12)

> 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.
> — [Ruth 4:14](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/4#14)

## Where to start

It is four chapters. Read it in one sitting. [Read Ruth 1](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/1.md)

Read the whole book: https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/1.md
Ask about it: https://www.lumin.faith/ask.md