Ruth- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: unknown (possibly Samuel)
• Audience: The people of Israel
• Original Hebrew Name: רוּת
• Translated Greek Name: Ῥούθ
• Common English Name: Ruth
• Transliteration: Rut
• Meaning: Satisfied
• Date Created: c 1375-1050 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 1310-1210 BCE
• Key Individuals:
  • Ruth
  • Naomi
  • Boaz
• Key Themes:
  • 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)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  The book of Ruth is a historical narrative about a young woman from 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 bring 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 gives birth to Obed, the grandfather of King David. This book is a beautiful illustration of G-d's providential care of Israel and His willingness to bring Gentiles out of their nations and into His own.

• Location Created: unknown place in Israel
• Content Location: Moab, Israel, Bethlehem
• Teaches:
  • G-d desires faithfulness.
  • G-d desires kindness.
  • G-d desires integrity.
  • G-d provides protection.
  • G-d provides prosperity and blessing.
• Chapters: 4
• Verses: 85