Ruth: Desultory Notes

Ruth

Authorship. This is an anonymous short story named after the primary character, Ruth.  Rabbinic tradition ascribes Judges, Samuel and Ruth to Samuel.  (Some, of course, as usual, as needed, as driven, postulate an exilic period. )

Date/occasion.  Under the traditional view of Samuel’s authorship, it then falls between his time (1050 B.C.) and the Davidic monarchy (1040-1010 B.C.).  The Davidic genealogy is found at Ruth 4.17-22.

Various themes are noted:

1.      Proselytes, like this Moabitic woman, Ruth can gain covenant membership.

2.      This covenant loyalty serves as a model for entry to the covenant community.

3.      Divine providence

4.      On our view, without denying the first three elements, this is a ratification and affirmation of the Davidic and Messianic covenant integral to the gracious covenant with Adam, Abraham and Moses.

Characteristics/theme.

1.      Dramatic

2.      Moves quickly

3.      Covenant faithfulness

4.      Divine providence

5.      Joining the Israelite community from outside

6.      Covenant of grace (again)