Introduction to Ruth

Steven R. Cook

Title:

The book of Ruth is titled after a Moabitess who had married a Hebrew.  After the death of her husband, Ruth followed her mother-in-law back to Israel where she cared for her.

Author:

The author is not known, though Samuel seems likely. 

Date:

Ruth was written during the period of the Judges (Ruth 1:1).  The explanation of an unpracticed tradition (Ruth 4:7), as well as the genealogy of David (Ruth 4:17-22), would suggest the events of the book occurred in the latter part of the twelfth century B.C. 

Audience:

The audience appears to be Israelites living during the time of David, since he is the last person mentioned in the book (Ruth 4:22). 

Purpose:

The book was written to highlight God’s sovereignty, loyal-love and providential care over those who trusted Him during difficult times (Ruth 2:12).  Ruth—a Moabitess—trusted God and agreed to care for Naomi, her mother-in-law, who had lost her husband and two sons (Ruth 1:1-22).  Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3:9), is a model of Christ, who willingly redeemed us with His own blood (1 Pet. 1:17-19).  The book also reveals God’s grace in saving a Gentile woman who was included in the genealogical line of David (Ruth 4:17-22) and Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:5).