At a glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authorship | Unknown; possibly Samuel |
| Date | Period covered: judges era; composition: monarchy era |
| Audience | Likely Davidic and post-Davidic Israel |
| Genre | Historical narrative and literary novella |
| Purpose | Story of God's providential care and David's genealogy and Gentile inclusion |
| Chapters | 4 |
Outline
| Section | Chapter | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Tragedy and return | 1 | Elimelech's family in Moab; deaths; Naomi and Ruth's return |
| Provision | 2 | Ruth gleans in Boaz's field |
| Proposal | 3 | Ruth on Boaz's threshing floor |
| Redemption and restoration | 4 | Boaz redeems; Obed born; Davidic line |
Main themes
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Chesed | Steadfast covenant loyalty, central word |
| Kinsman-redeemer | Boaz as goel; Christ-type |
| Gentile inclusion | Moabite Ruth as ancestor of David and Christ |
| God's providence | "Coincidences" reveal divine direction |
| Restoration | Empty Naomi restored to fullness |
Key passages
- Ruth 1:16-17, "Where you go, I will go"
- Ruth 2:12, "under whose wings you have come to take refuge"
- Ruth 4:13-22, Davidic genealogy