The story of Ruth is found in the Book of Ruth. It is a 'simple but skilfully told story' and appears to be a work of fiction - a parable - about a foreign woman, Ruth, who came from Moab and married an Israelite. After his death she adopted his people, land and God as her own.

Story

The story line is of an ordinary girl in ordinary circumstances with problems and concerns familiar to most people e.g. relationships, bereavement, coping, decisions, responsibilities, told in such a way that is easy to relate to. Chapter 1:16-17 is one of the classical passages on friendship in the world's literature. Goethe remarked of Ruth: it is 'the loveliest little epic and idyllic whole that tradition has given us'. This narrative emphasizes human kindness rather than religion. It was placed in the Hebrew Bible because of its supposed connection with David, the ideal Hebrew king whose descendants - it was hoped by many Jews of the time - would restore Israel's glory.

Feminist theologians see this as a radical book in the Bible because women are the major protagonists.

The Book of Ruth is set in the time of the Judges (c.1210-1030BCE), hence its place after the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. But in the Jewish Scriptures it is placed later in the 'Writings'. It recalls the time after the leadership of Moses and Joshua and before the monarchy under King Saul. The Hebrews had conquered and settled in Canaan and the tribes were ruled over by 'judges'. These were individuals raised up and inspired by God to rescue the various tribes from the troubles that beset them. It was believed that the troubles encountered were the result of the tribes' disloyalty to God. It was a time of anarchy and revolution, whereas the Book of Ruth gives a picture of peace and serenity.

Place in Judaism

In Judaism, the Book of Ruth is read during the Festival of Pentecost or Harvest Festival at the end of May. This festival is also known as Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, celebrating the giving of the Torah (Law) to Israel.

Date of writing

The date of writing is not known. The following suggestions are made:

• It was written not long after the time in which it is set, when Israel had kings. This would mean that Ruth 4:18-22, which is probably a later addition, is based on 1 Chronicles 2:5, 9-15.
• It was written much later on (about 500-400 BCE), after the Jews had returned from exile in Babylon when they were trying to purify themselves as a nation to get closer to God and therefore foreigners were being banished because foreign blood contaminated the purity of Israel. If this is so, then its purpose would be different. See Purpose below. However, the way the book is written does not seem to be a contribution to an embittered controversy.

Purpose

• To encourage devotion and loyalty to God
  The book shows that personal devotion to God is more important than racial origin. Ruth's devotion to God is constantly stressed and she is highlighted as an example for the present and future. This would fit the earlier dating.
  
  
• To combat Israel's narrow view of purity / holiness
  Sometimes Ruth is seen as an appeal against Ezra's purity laws in 5th/4th century BCE, whereby mixed marriages between Jews and non-Jews had to be dissolved and foreign wives sent away. (Ezra 10:17, 44). As a Moabite, according to the Law of Moses, Ruth was not to be included in 'the Lord's people' (Deut 23:3). But YHWH, Israel's God, did accept her devotion. What's more, she was the great grand-mother of Israel's greatest king, David. So his blood was not pure Israelite blood! This was important to understand at a time when Israel was purifying herself through getting rid of foreigners. Further, for Christians Ruth was an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
  
  
• To emphasise God's providence
  God is not explicit in the narrative. But the characters express his presence, will and action as they try to live faithfully with each other. God is in firm control of what happens. His purpose for Israel and humankind is being worked out in the story of these characters; their story does not depend on chance. Ruth's needs are provided for by God. There is a theme of providential restoration throughout: loyalty and kindness are rewarded and Naomi and Ruth are restored from emptiness to fullness, from bitterness to joy, from sterility to fruitfulness.
  
  

Messianic hope

The point of the book for some, lies in the way it shows the Moabite ancestry of David and the fact that a Moabitess recognised the claim of Israel's God and was fully received into Israel. The importance of the book is to show that Israel has received God's revelation, which must be preserved from contamination from paganism, but at the same time must be available to all, even a Moabite woman. Israel's monotheism (emphasis on one God) forced her to recognise the need to welcome foreigners into Israel's community. cf Isaiah 2:3f; 45:22f.

The role of women

The rabbis regard Ruth as the epitome of the obedient wife and mother figure whom they exalted. Feminist theologians, on the other hand, see Ruth as a foreigner whose radical action challenges the male-centred values that permeate the story. It is a story of independent women and shows the bonding and close relationships built (Ch.1) between them.

Characters

• Naomi Throughout the narrative, Naomi takes the initiative and gets things done. She is a determined, persistent and resourceful woman to whom Ruth could easily become loyal.
• Boaz is rich and influential and responsible for the restoration of the two widows. He is generous and solicitous of Ruth. He does what is right and proves to be high-minded and principled. Boaz's act seems more praiseworthy because Naomi's next of kin refuses to meet his responsibility.
• Ruth is the heroine. Ruth's devotion to Naomi is seen in her decision to stay with her, in spite of Orpah's departure back to her family. Her care for Naomi and undying loyalty is expressed in Ruth 1:1-17. She is ambitious, eager to work, grateful.

Names

Names were significant in those days, especially chosen because of their meanings. A person's name was believed to indicate their character:

Questions raised by the narrative

• Why doesn't Naomi seek Boaz's help immediately?
• Why doesn't Naomi accompany Ruth to glean? She was not too old to journey and must have been aware of the dangers of a young woman alone.
• What does Naomi hope to happen on the threshing floor? There are sexual innuendoes with her being directed to make herself attractive and go down to the threshing floor to 'sleep' with a drunken man (3:4).
• The image of Naomi nursing the child is ambiguous: has he become adopted or is she only his nurse?