Book of Ruth

Historical

Samuel (traditionally)

Traditionally dated c. 1000–900 BC

Loyalty, redemption, and divine providence.

Ruth is a beautiful narrative set during the period of the Judges, recounting how a Moabitess widow pledges loyalty to her mother-in-law and finds redemption in the family line of King David.

“But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”

“In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab.”

“And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.”

“Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a prominent man of noble character from the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.”

“Do not call me Naomi,” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me.”