In the midst of the sin and violence of the previous book of Judges, comes a breath of fresh air in the story of Ruth. It is said that the book's purpose is to set up a genealogy for David, to show that he comes from a line of decent and even pious people. Indeed, at the end of the story the line to David is drawn out explicitly. But it also shows that during the time of the Judges there were Israelites who were following God's ways and leading healthy and productive lives. There is also the angle that Boaz is a type or foreshadowing of Jesus the coming redeemer, who also came from the line of David. One certainly gets this sense when Ruth throws herself at the mercy of Boaz and Boaz responds in love and redemption, even marriage.
Impressions: A calming and pleasant change from the previous books and a sense that in spite of the heavy handed laws of the land, there was community and compassion, and a sense that not all was lost during difficult times.
Readability: 4 1/2 stars
1 comment:
Having just read Ruth as well, I would agree wholeheartedly with your summary. I think that the one other point that impressed me was the way that Ruth and Naomi (as women in a world that focused on the power and responsibility of men) conducted themselves and made decisions within the culture of the times. The loyalty and love between "in-laws" is to be commended as that was "choice!" Thank you for your postings on reading each book. Very interesting.
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