Ruth: Introduction

The Book of Ruth

• Ruth was a young woman of Moab, David's great-grandmother, and an ancestress of Jesus (Matthew 1:1,5).
• The book of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges - a time of spiritual and moral decline in Israel.
• Ruth is a story of the private lives of an Israelite family. It is a story of light during a dark era.

Theme

• Redemption is a key theme throughout the book.
• Ruth's unselfish devotion to Naomi.
• Boaz's kindness to two widows (Ruth and Naomi).
• Selfless acts of Ruth and Boaz.
• Naomi's transformation from emptiness to fullness.
• A love that could only reflect God's love.

Author

• Unknown
• According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth.
• It was most likely written during the period of the monarcy, possibly during Solomon's regin (the Golden Age).