Ruth

History · Old Testament · Traditionally Samuel; anonymous in modern scholarship · Post-exilic period (5th–4th century BCE) or pre-exilic period (10th–8th century BCE)

The Book of Ruth is a narrative set during the period of Israel's judges, focusing on a Moabite widow who pledges loyalty to her Judean mother-in-law, Naomi. Through her labor and the protective actions of a kinsman named Boaz, Ruth secures her family's future in Bethlehem. The story serves to illustrate divine providence through human kindness and establishes the lineage of King David.

4 chapters

• 1Ruth 1After her husband and sons die in Moab, Naomi returns to Bethlehem with her loyal Moabitess daughter-in-law, Ruth.
• 2Ruth 2Ruth gleans in the barley fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi, who treats her with kindness and protection.
• 3Ruth 3Following Naomi's advice, Ruth visits Boaz at the threshing floor by night to request that he act as her kinsman-redeemer.
• 4Ruth 4Boaz acquires the redemption rights, marries Ruth, and they have a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David.