Author: Not stated; some suggest Samuel.
Date: Ruth, the great-grandmother of King David (who reigned approximately 1010-970 BC), probably lived around 1100 BC.
In Ten Words or Less: Loyal daughter-in-law pictures God’s faithfulness, love, and care.
Details: Ruth, a Gentile woman, marries into a Jewish family. When all of the men of the family die, Ruth shows loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, staying with her and scavenging food to keep them alive. As Ruth gleans barley in a field of the wealthy Boaz, he takes an interest in her and orders his workers to watch over her. Naomi recognizes Boaz as her late husband’s relative and encourages Ruth to pursue him as a “kinsman redeemer,” one who weds a relative’s widow to continue a family line. Boaz marries Ruth, starting a prominent family.
From Know Your Bible, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.
