Ruth fits chronologically at the close of Judges before 1 Samuel. It has a simple, clear plot line.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The context of the story is clearly laid out chronologically. Dating of the actual composition is more difficult.
There are legal customs explained, such as the removal of a shoe. This indicates some distance in time.
A post-exilic date is unliekly due to a tone neither strongly defending nationalism or multi-culturalism.
LITERARY ANALYSIS
Is it a novella? A brief historical narrative? Whatever it is, the style is simple and clear. The primary themes are home, devotion, family, and a gathering of the various nations into the people of Israel.
THEOLOGICAL MESSAGE
For those who depend on God by faith it is clear that His hand guides all the affairs of their lives.
APPROACHING THE NEW TESTAMENT
God works by his hidden hand to bring redemption.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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