The tension and tragedy lies in the empty and lonely Naomi. The Book of Ruth is called ῾Ρούθ in the Greek Septuagint. Ruth and Naomi together sojourn to Bethlehem hoping for, and finding, provision through Ruth’s work of gleaning in the field, through Boaz’s generous gift to Ruth, through Boaz’s redemption of Ruth and Naomi’s field, and finally through Obed, the son who holds the hope for future provision. Naomi's perseverance, Ruth's faithfulness, as well as the deity's providence are examples of this view. Ruth follows Joshua and Judges, and precedes the Books of Samuel and Kings in the Historical Books of the Greek Septuagint Old Testament, and continues as such in the Latin Vulgate and our Christian Old Testament. 39 Campbell, Hero with a Thousand Faces, 213. This cycle is represented in miniature at Ruth’s Approach (occurring in the evening), Ordeal (at midnight), Reward (at dawn) (see below for further explanation of these stages).20 As a Moabitess seeking redemption in God’s community, she also undergoes the initiation cycle. It could be dedicated to any beautiful woman, including mothers or lovers, such as these lines: “On her cheek an autumn flush, Deeply ripened;—such a blush In the midst of brown was born, Like red poppies grown with corn.”. Ruth recognizes that her life is in Yahweh’s tree, and therefore seeks to join His people. The story begins with a famine “in the days when the judges ruled” (Ruth 1:1). D. Fewell). The action revolves around looking for the “missing piece” and restoring balance.38 The rescue consists of saving from a “death state.”39 Both Naomi and Ruth are in a “death state” in that they have no hope of provision or protection because they are widows and childless. It is the Abrahamic covenant in reverse: instead of the nations being blessed through Israel, Israel is blessed through a Gentile. God is no respecter of persons (Rom. The author was anonymous but some believe it was perhaps written by Samuel the prophet; however, it … For the Fallen Mentor (Naomi), who herself is journeying, this scene is the Resurrection of Naomi. When he reaches the fifth stanza, however, he immediately comes down from the height of sensuousness that he was about to reach, and starts praising the beauty and work of God, giving her what God has given to him. The book of Ruth has been widely accepted as being a positive text for and about women in the Hebrew Bible. A very strange interpretation of the poem “Ruth” could be that it is a dedication from the poet to his mother, who managed to raise him and look after her mother-in-law without her husband who passed away several years prior. its word plays, inclusios, etc.) Penned by Daniel Block (Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College), this commentary on Ruth is the third and latest offering in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament (ZECOT) series. The purpose of this study is not to explore the book’s many intriguing literary angles, but to consider just its plot structure. “Since both the Old and New Testaments are largely written in story form, narrative is the essence of biblical revelation… That makes understanding narrative essential for all interpreters of the Bible.”1 A literary approach is fundamental to understanding the Bible because many of the parts of the Bible are in literary form. We might say that literature does not tell about characters and actions and concepts but presents characters in action. The Call to Adventure: This occurs when the men Elimilech, Machlon, and Killion die and Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. One effect of this is that life becomes filled with meaning, since every event takes on spiritual significance.”18 This coincides with Frye’s analysis of the imagery and cyclical elements of story. The rhyme scheme is regular and rhythmical, and remains the same in the entire poem. All Rights Reserved. So and So, who refuses to redeem Ruth. In Ruth, the obstacles consist of Naomi attempting to dissuade Ruth from coming; Ruth approaching Boaz; and the potential kinsman with first rights. Sure, I said, heaven did not mean, Where I reap thou shouldst but glean, Lay thy sheaf adown and come, Share my harvest and my home. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament use various forms to communicate, including story, music, and homiletics. After the death of Ruth’s husband (as well as his brother and father), her mother-in-law, Naomi, decides to return to her hometown in Bethlehem. 40 Vogler, Writer’s Journey, 35. 24 For the sake of ease, this musical takes Machlon as Ruth’s husband, although the biblical text never assigns which husband to which wife. 1 Ruth 1:1 - in the days when the judges governed: This time indicator places the events of the book of Ruth squarely in the history recorded in the book of Judges. (Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 1998), throughout. From this, a plot structure can be derived. A fun and witty analysis of the Bible's The Book of Ruth. Ch. of the following characters. The book of Ruth is the Narrative of a love story, yet also has some important Genealogy. When he hears her praise for God despite living in poverty, the poet immediately responds saying, “heaven did not mean, / where I reap thou shouldst glean,” and then offers her to “lay thy sheaf adown and come, / share my harvest and my home,” which is an extreme form of love, generosity, and large-heartedness. Ruth’s return from Boaz with grain in symmetrical scenes), and contrasts (i.e. Learn about the setting, title, ending, allusions and more in an easy-to-understand format. The Hebrew short story uses “an artistic and elevated prose containing rhythmic elements which are poetic,” takes an interest in typical people, and seeks to both entertain and instruct.6 “Especially important: they look at ordinary events as being the scene of God’s subtly providential activity. “A Hero is someone who is willing to sacrifice his own needs on behalf of others, like a shepherd who will sacrifice to protect and serve his flock. 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