Grace Institute: The Writings : Ruth Part 1

Ruth Survey of the Old Testament: The Writings Fall 2006

Introduction

Name & Location

The book is named Ruth after its primary character, in both the Hebrew and Greek arrangements of the Old Testament.

In the Hebrew bible, Ruth begins the Megilloth, a series of 5 poetic books which are read at five different Jewish festivals during the year. Ruth was read during the Feast of Weeks (also known as Pentecost). The Megilloth follows Proverbs. Proverbs ends with a description of the ideal wife. Ruth is a living example of that ideal[1].

Date & Author

The author is technically anonymous. Jewish tradition states that Ruth was written by Samuel. No matter the author, the book could not have been written before David was born, and most likely occurred after David became king. Most likely it was written after David was made King of Judah, but not yet of all Israel (see Purpose below).

Historical Background

In Ruth 1:1 the author tells us that this story takes place during the time of the judges. This time of judges was a 400 year period between Israels conquest of Canaan and the rise of the monarchy under King Saul. During this time Israel began worshipping the gods of their neighbors (Judges 2:11-13) and the nation plunged into a four century period of political and moral chaos. As a result, God no longer gave Israel an easy conquest of those nations (Judges 2:20-21) and instead raised up foreign oppressors. The moral chaos is summarized in the book of Judges as follows:

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)

Purpose

Ruth was most likely written to support the Davidic claims to the throne of Israel by showing:

1. The royal Messianic line goes through Boaz and Ruth to David,
2. David comes from a heritage of people who were faithful to Yahweh through the period of the judges.

However, Ruth also has Messianic overtones. Boaz and Ruth are clearly put in the royal lineage of David, from whom also Jesus will descend. Furthermore, Boazs role as kinsman-redeemer is a type of our redeemer, Christ.

Structure

The narrative of Ruth is a short story or novella, which divides easily according to the location of the events taking place.

Theme

Through Ruth will come a redeemer, both presently in Boaz, but also prophetically in the coming of the Messiah-King through the descendents of Boaz and Ruth.

Blessed is Yahweh, who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel (Ruth 4:14)

[Next: Ruth & Naomi Return to Bethlehem]