Ruth (jan 1, 1311 BC – jan 1, 1300 BC)

Description:

Writer(s): Samuel
Place Written: Israel
Writing Completed: c. 1090 B.C.E.
Time Covered: 11 years of judges' rule

This Bible book takes its name from one of its principal characters, Ruth the Moabitess. The narrative shows how Ruth became an ancestress of David by undergoing brother-in-law marriage with Boaz in behalf of her mother-in-law Naomi. The appreciation, loyalty, and the trust in Jehovah that were manifested by Boaz, Naomi, and Ruth permeate the account. - Ru 1:8, 9, 16, 17; 2:4, 10-13, 19, 20; 3:9-13; 4:10.

With the exception of the genealogical listing (Ru 4:18-22), the events related in the book of Ruth cover a period of about 11 years in the time of the Judges, though it is not stated exactly when it was during this period that they occurred. - Ru 1:1, 4, 22; 2:23; 4:13.

Jewish tradition credits Samuel with the writership of the book, and this would not disagree with internal evidence. The fact that the account concludes with David's genealogy suggests that the writer knew about God's purpose respecting David. This would fit Samuel, for he was the one who anointed David to be king. Therefore, it would also have been appropriate for Samuel to make a record of David's ancestral background. - 1Sa 16:1, 13.

it-2 pp. 829-830