Full title
The Book of Ruth as Social Commentary in Early Judaism
Updated By
Research notes
SHS/not checked/12/04/2018
Reference type
Editor(s)
Géza G. Xeravits
Greg Schmidt Goering
Year
2018
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Figures who Shape Scriptures, Scriptures that Shape Figures: Essays in Honour of Benjamin G. Wright III
Issue / Series Volume
40
Series Title
Deuterocanonical and Cognate Literature Studies
Publisher
De Gruyter
Place of Publication
Berlin/New York
Pages
127-139
Work type
Label
23/04/2018
Record reference
Abstract
This essay argues that the Ruth narrative dates from the Second Temple period and offers a counter to more exclusivist voices such as Ezra- Nehemiah. This is not just a timeless account of loyalty, but a provocative story that provides commentary on such matters as ethnicity, acceptable marriage partners, and the vulnerability of widows in the social structure. The narrative sheds light on some of the important social debates from this period.