The Old Testament
A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction
Chapter
8. Ruth
Bible Reading Guide
- How did Ruth respond to Naomi’s request for her to return to Moab after the death of her husband?
- How did Boaz treat Ruth while she was in his fields?
- Why did Ruth spend the night at the threshing floor?
- How did Boaz acquire the obligation to marry Ruth?
Study Questions
- How much barley does Ruth acquire after one day in Boaz’s fields?
- When is Ruth read in the Jewish year?
- How should Ruth be classified as literature?
- How may the character of Boaz be described?
- What alternative message to Israel does Ruth contain?
- What major literary theme is found in Boaz’s feast at the threshing floor?
- What female character from Genesis may be similar to Ruth in levirate marriage?
- A proposed African interpretation emphasizes what about the story of Ruth?
- From what nearby culture is there a similar prose account with a genealogy attached?
- From what nearby culture comes an example of a levirate marriage?
- Why might Ruth immediately follow Proverbs 31 in the Hebrew canon?