Ruth the Moabitess
Excerpt
Ruth’s story is cast against the backdrop of an ancient patriarchal culture, where a woman’s identity and security depended on her relationships with men (especially her father and/or husband). Her value as a wife and contributor to society was measured by counting her sons. Under these cultural standards, it is puzzling that a Gentile outsider like Ruth—who for most of the story is widowed, childless, and barren—became a luminary of biblical history. Yet she is unquestionably one of the most significant women in the Bible.
Ruth’s story forms a historical and theological bridge from the era of the judges (Ruth 1:1), when the people of Israel did evil in God’s sight (Judg 2:10–19), to Israel’s monarchy. In contrast to Israel’s unfaithfulness to God, Ruth embodies the courageous, sacrificial character that God’s image bearers are supposed to possess. …More
Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012. Print.
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