Overview of the Book of Ruth
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ScribdTranslationsOverview of the Book of Ruth
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ScribdTranslationsUNION OF EVANGELICAL CHURCHES OF BENIN (UEEB)
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DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (DEC)
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BIBLICAL INSTITUT OF SOUDE/SINENDE (IBS)
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INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT
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EXPOSE
The Book of Ruth
Student: Professor:
DJIBRIL Aimé Fayçal (Lth 1) Pasteur Issiaka BAPARAPE
January 2023
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Work plan
Introduction
I. Presentation of the book
The Author
B. Date
C. Context
D. Content
E. Theological Theme
II. News
III. Other information
Conclusion
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Introduction
This book is titled after the main character whose life it tells. The etymology of
"Ruth" is not certain; perhaps it is a Moabite modification of Hebrew meaning
"friendship, association". This writing aims to recount an episode from the ancestral history of the king.
David specifying how non-Israelite blood was introduced into his lineage. He also teaches
the immense scope of God's grace, which welcomes the converted pagans themselves into the
communion of his redeemed people. After presenting the summary of the book, we will you
we will present the news of the book. And finally we will present you the other information of
this book.
I. Presentation
A. Author
The author of the book is unknown. The Babylonian Talmud attributed it to Samuel, which is
improbable, since he did not die before anointing David as the chosen king.
God (1 Samuel 16:6-13). However, even the internal clues and testimonies do not allow
to identify the author decisively. However, the rabbinic tradition attributes it to Samuel.
B. Date
The events are difficult to date, as the family in question is not reported in
the judges. According to specialists from the liberal school, they insistently propose an earlier date.
recent as the reign of Josiah, for Ruth seems to distinctly presuppose (Deuteronomy 25:5-10)
(cf. Ruth 4. 1-10); or, according to these critics, Deuteronomy was written at the time of the reform.
Josias, Most agree that Ruth was written around 550 B.C. during the exile. But according to
John MacArthur notes that this account was certainly written just before or after the reign.
from David on Israel (1011-971 B.C.)
C. Context
Geographical: The story takes place in Bethlehem, the birthplace of David.
and of the Messiah. It is probably no coincidence that this episode, which has
gave birth to an ancestor of David, and the birth of David's son
promises took place in the same setting. The fields where Ruth gleaned
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will witness, centuries later, the announcement of the Savior of the world
(Lc. 2.8-14) which was none other than one of his distant (Mt. 1.5).
History: The people of Moab, settled east of the Dead Sea, were sworn enemies.
of Israel. He was the product of the incestuous relationship between Lot and his eldest daughter (Gen 19:37).
Several centuries after this birth, the Jews faced opposition from the king.
Moabite Balak, who was called to the services of the prophet Balaam (Num 22-25). At the time
the judges, the Moabites oppressed for ten years. Saul inflicted a defeat on them,
while David, it seems, is at peace with them. The story of the book of Ruth unfolds.
‘in the time of the judges’. God used ‘a famine in the land’ of Judah to give
birth to this magnificent tale.
D. Content
This is not a legend, but a historical account passed down through tradition.
family.' Who would have dared to invent a Moabite ancestry for David? Its veracity is confirmed.
by Mt. 1.5. Up to 1erfor at least a century, the book had its place among historical books,
after that of the Judges. It was joined to the writings doubtless because of its use for reading
published during the Pentecost celebration, at the harvest festival (Ruth 2). The book exalts friendship,
filial piety, caring for those whom life has tested, loyalty in human relationships
and faith in GOD.
E. Theological Theme
At least a few major theological themes appear in this work, among
which we can mention:
The story of Ruth illustrates the fact that God's redemptive plan is not limited to
Jews but extends to the pagans (2:12)
The book demonstrates that women are like men, benefiting from grace.
savior of God (cf. Gal 3:28; 1 Pet 3:7)
Ruth embodies the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31:10
The sovereignty of God (I:6; 13) and His providential care (2:3) for individuals
apparently insignificant, at unimportant moments
As the redeeming parent of Ruth, Boaz is a type of Christ.
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II. Current Events
This writing foreshadows the universality of the future blessing. The pagans can
to join the community of Israel, provided that one repents and has faith in Yahweh.
The wonderful and unexpected providence of God is also manifested through inclusion.
of a pagan in the royal line of the Messiah (cf. Mt. 1. 5).
The parent who has the right of redemption is an illustration of the Messiah; he possesses the
qualifications and fulfills the following roles towards its close ones:
he is related by blood (as Jesus became a parent of man by blood,
thanks to the virgin birth) ;
b) he possesses the necessary wealth to buy back the alienated inheritance (4. 10; like
Jesus alone can pay the price for sinners.
c) he has the will to reclaim this lost heritage (4.9; just as Christ has given
voluntarily his life); d) he intends to marry the deceased parent's wife (4.
10; what speaks to us about the relationship between Christ and his Church, similar to the bonds
between a husband and his beloved). In this perspective, this short book of Ruth is one
the most instructive from the Old Testament to illustrate the mediating work of the
Lord Jesus.
III. Other information
The misfortune and despair of Elimelech's family
Ruth's determination
The kindness of Boaz
Buyback requested by Ruth
Redemption granted by Boaz,
Promise and posterity
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Conclusion
In sum, the book of Ruth shows how "the hand of the Lord" (1.13) has guided the
circumstances to introduce into David's ancestry a foreigner representative of the
pagan nations that will one day come to gather under the banner of one of his descendants. The
The book of Ruth gives us a lot of information and news. But this book does not give us
not its author with certainty, just as its date of writing.
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Bibliography :
GLEASON L. ARCHER, Introduction to the Old Testament, ed. EMMAUS, Saint-
Légier, pages 314-316.