Names of the Book
English: | Ruth |
Hebrew: | רוּת |
Transliterated: | Rut |
Other names: |
Who
Wrote the book: | unknown (possibly Samuel) |
Are the key people: | Ruth, Naomi, Boaz |
Is it written to: | The people of Israel |
What
Ruth's faithfulness to Naomi (Ruth 1:1-2) |
Ruth's humility before Boaz (Ruth 2:1-23) |
Ruth's obedience to Naomi (Ruth 3:1-18) |
Ruth's redemption by Boaz (Ruth 4:1-22) |
When
Was it written: | c 1375-1050 BCE |
Did the events occur: | c 1310-1210 BCE |
Was it canonized: | c 499-100 BCE |
(see the Timeline of the Tanakh) |
Where
Was it written: | unknown place in Israel |
Did the events occur: | Moab, Israel, Bethlehem |
Why
Ruth was written to inform us that: |
G-d desires faithfulness |
G-d desires kindness |
G-d desires integrity |
G-d provides protection |
G-d provides prosperity and blessing |
Introduction
The book of Ruth is a historical narrative about a young woman from the nation of Moab who marries an Israelite and is widowed at a young age. Ruth, out of love for her Israelite mother-in-law, abandons her own culture and declares, "Your people shall be my people, and your G-d my G-d" (Ruth 1:16). Though she was impoverished and had to rely upon the benevolence of others, Ruth's character and demeanor brings her to the attention of Boaz, a close relative of her deceased husband. Boaz fulfills the role of kinsman-redeemer, takes Ruth as his wife, and she gives birth to Obed, the grandfather of King David. This book serves as a beautiful illustration of G-d's providential care of Israel and of His willingness to bring Gentiles out of their nations and into His own.
Scripture- Book Selection