© 1959 William S. Sadler
© 1961 Urantia Foundation
- Moab. 1:1-18.
- Bethlehem. 1:19-22.
- Harvest Field. 2:1-23.
- Threshing Floor. 3:1-18.
- The Gate. 4:1-12.
- Conclusion. 4:13-22.
- Author unknown. Probably some liberal-minded Jew of the post-exilic period.
- In the Hebrew canon it was placed among the “writings”-along with Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and Esther.
- Probably written sometime in the 5th Century B.C.
- Probably included in the Jewish canon of sacred scriptures because- the grandson of Ruth’s child was David, king of Israel.
- The main purpose of this story is to counteract the attitude of Ezra and Nehemiah against mixed marriages.
- It is the ideal “short story.” It is a “friendship” story; there is no villain.
- It is a rare story of friendship between two women-like that of David and Jonathan, among men.
- It counteracts the popular notion of difficulty in getting along with mothers-in-law.
- It is a story of irresistible charm.
- The heroine is brave, determined, loyal, and sagacious.
- The book exemplifies the teaching of Paul: “There is neither Jew nor Greek.” Gal. 3:28.
- Ruth forsakes her people to go with Naomi, who has lost her husband and two sons.
- Naomi is welcomed at Bethlehem.
- Ruth joins the gleaners to get food.
- Naomi sends Ruth to Boaz by night.
- The marriage-and Naomi adopts the child.
Ruth and Naomi. “But Ruth said…‘Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.’” 1:16.