Background for the Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges, during a great famine. Such conditions were present during the time of Midianite oppression. If this was the occasion, the dating for the book would be the middle of the 12th century BC. Jewish canonical tradition links Judges and Ruth together as one book.

The author of this book is not known. However, a majority of scholars seem to agree that it was the prophet Samuel. This is due to the fact of Jewish customs being explained to the reader and the genealogical sketch including King David is appended. It seems as if Ruth received final editing during the days of the United Monarchy.

Some points to consider while reading Ruth:

1. We get a glimpse into the lives, activities and customs in the period of the Judges.

2. The books emphasis on the sovereignty of God in the affairs of people.

3. The analogies of the kinsman-redeemer in Ancient Israel

The book of Ruth is traditionally read at the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, celebrating the harvest and first fruits (see Ruth 1:22; chap 2-3). Ruth may have been read in proximity to Peter's Sermon at Pentecost, in which he repeatedly refers to King David and his words (

Acts 2:25 - 31; 34-35) in making his defense in regards to the ultimate Son of David, Jesus Christ.

Recommended resources to dig deeper:

1. "God Behind the Seen: Expositions of the Books of Ruth & Esther", A. Boy Luter &Barry C. Davis

2. "Shepherd's Notes: Ruth and Esther", David R. Shepherd, editor

3. "The Book of Ruth: Sermon Outlines, Mark Copeland

Below is a video to dig a little deeper into the background of Ruth. Tomorrow, I'll discuss who the Moabite people were and their relationship to the Israelites.