TaylorNotes

The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the Judges, a period in ancient Israel’s history where there was no central leadership, and "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

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This was a time of political instability, moral decay, and frequent cycles of oppression by foreign nations. Ruth is unique because it tells a story of personal devotion and loyalty in this chaotic backdrop. The book itself is a narrative of a Gentile widow (Ruth) who becomes an ancestor of David and ultimately plays a part in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

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The cultural setting of Ruth is also significant. Israelite society during the period of the Judges was patriarchal, with inheritance and social status determined by family and male lineage. Women, particularly widows, were vulnerable, as they lacked the protection and provision that male family members would typically provide.

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Ruth's story, therefore, is one of remarkable resilience and faith. She was a Moabite, a foreigner to Israel, which would have made her an outsider in the eyes of many Israelites. Additionally, her story is entwined with the law of redemption (Leviticus 25:25) and levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5–10), customs that provided a means of preserving family inheritance and providing for widows.​​

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• Ruth Part 1: Introduction

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