Ruth

Ruth is a short but profound narrative about loyalty, providence, and redemption. Set during the chaotic time of the judges, it tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite widow who pledges faithfulness to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth’s faith and humility lead to her marriage to Boaz, making her an ancestor of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. It’s a portrait of God's grace crossing ethnic and social lines.

Author: Samuel – Prophet and Historian
Tradition holds that Samuel wrote Ruth, possibly as an appendix to Judges. Its genealogy ties directly to David, offering a redemptive contrast to the moral decline seen in Judges. Samuel likely included this book to highlight God’s providence and the legitimacy of David’s lineage.

Time Period:
Biblical: Events occur ~1100 BC; written ~1050–1000 BC
Scholarly: Scholars estimate composition between 10th–6th century BC, depending on dating of Davidic dynasty editing.