Ruth - The Bible, #8

by Anonymous

The author of this book is thought by some to be Samuel, however there is evidence to suggest it was written after Samuel’s death.

This is the eighth book of the Christian Bible.

The key people in this book are: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz

Unknown Binding

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Renae | Redhair_and_Books]

Always have loved this book! It was different rereading it this time after having recently read A Bond of Briars by Erin Phillips, which is a retelling coming out later this year (I beta read it). Really loved seeing how the core of the story of Ruth shines through in Erin’s book!!

[Lloyd Earickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the timeframe covered and the paltry length, an argument could be made that Ruth ought to be simply another few chapters in the book of  Judges .  Ruth lived in the time when the Judges ruled the Israeli tribes, the book is thought to be mostly historical, and it is exceptionally short (so short that I almost decided to go right into the next book after finishing it, but I decided to reread  Rhythm of War , instead).  However, it is so radically different in tone and content from Judges that the story stands much better on its own than it would if it were associated with the previous book.

There are no armies, conquests, or vengeful deities in Ruth.  In fact, Jehovah barely appears at all, in contrast to all the previous books, where He fills a prominent role and is often depicted directly interfering with events and speaking with His chosen individuals.  Ruth also is not an Israelite – at least, not by birth.  She married into an Israelite family, but her husband died, and the assumption seems to be that she would return to her own people at that point.  Instead, she follows her mother-in-law back to Naomi’s homeland in a show of familial devotion, where she…remarries to her uncle?  The relationship is not exactly clear, though it is clear enough to probably make a modern reader a bit uncomfortable.  Then again, compared to many of the relationships and events in previous books, this is downright acceptable.

Some commentary suggests that Ruth is highlighted because her behavior is a contradistinction to that of the other peoples in her region of the world, who were often at odds with the Israelites (sometimes for good reasons, sometimes because tribal conflicts were simply common at the time).  The more significant piece may be that her son, adopted by her mother-in-law after his birth, is considered the father of the line of great Israeli kings, and even featured in Jesus’ lineage.

What was most interesting to me is the scale of Ruth.  It focuses on individuals and intimate relationships, specifically women, in contrast to the immediately preceding books, and with a very different feel from the family relationships explored in earlier books.  It’s refreshing in that way after the dark path Judges treads, and will perhaps feel more familiar to readers who spend most of their time in the New Testament.  Ruth comes across as the kind of person you might like to know, something which cannot be said for most of the Biblical figures encountered before her.

[Joan Haughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short book yet very compelling and unforgettable. It is the story of Ruth who stuck with her step mother followed her to a foreign country after the death of her husband. Ruth was a loyal, humble and beautiful women who was very obedient. She married Boaz and became the grand mother of David, a part of the linage of Jesus the Messiah. I would recommend this book to any woman, if we emulate her we will definitely find our Boaz and find favour with the Lord.

Bless the name of Jesus!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites from the Bible and a beautiful love story.

*read as a part of reading the whole Bible in a Year through the Bible App’s plan with The Bible Project. The plan itself is so far superior to any other Bible reading plan that I’ve tried. The videos that go along with the reading are academic, but incredibly thoughtful, understandable, relatable, and also artistic. Highly recommend!

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. A little weird by today’s sensibilities. Ruth sounds like a kind and dedicated woman. And apparently not all men in the Bible were trash.

[caris]

read for church reading plan

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

(if you're following along, we're not pretending that there aren't 66 unique books here while I'm setting an unrealistic goal of 300 books in 2024)