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Books of the Bible |
Traditionally believed to be Samuel, but some Jewish Rabbis credit it to Naomi. If the book was written after David (since he is mentioned in it) neither of them could have been the author.
The events take place during the time of the Judges, and the book may have been written at that time, with the referenced to David added later. It may also have been written during or even after David's reign, a time that is considered the "golden age" of Hebrew writing.
To show how love extends even beyond the national people of Israel and that God honors all who love and serve him. The book also gives a somewhat brighter view of life in Israel under the judges, since the book of Judges paints a very bleak picture.
In the land of Moab (1) (Ruth's choice)
Ruth's first encounter with Boaz (2) (Ruth's labor)
Ruth and Boaz at the threshing floor (3) (Ruth's patience)
The redemption of Ruth by Boaz (4) (Ruth's reward)
The events of Ruth cover somewhere around 12 years. They most likely take place during the early days of the judges, when the moral decay in the nation was not as complete as it later became. The famine at the beginning of the book is a sign that the nation is under judgement for sin and apostasy.
The famine in Israel, the widowing of all three women, Ruth's decision to return with Naomi, Ruth goes to the threshing floor, Boaz negotiates with the other heir.
Ruth, Naomi (Mara), Boaz
The book of Ruth stands as a ray of light in the dark days of the judges. The concept of the "kinsman-redeemer" who can buy the near relative out of slavery, just as Christ has bought us out of our slavery to sin. The examples of the providence of God, how he brought Ruth to the right field and protected her so that she was able to come to the attention of Boaz.