The Book of Ruth was written within a specific historical and cultural context that is key to understanding its themes and significance. The narrative is set during the time of the Judges, a period marked by political instability, moral decline, and repeated cycles of disobedience among the Israelites (around 1200-1020 BC). The context in which Ruth was written provides important background for the story.

1. Time of the Judges:

• The events of Ruth take place during the era of the Judges, a time when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). This period was characterized by a lack of centralized leadership in Israel, widespread idolatry, and social chaos. Amid this environment of disorder, the story of Ruth stands out as a narrative of faithfulness, loyalty, and divine providence.

2. Famine and Economic Hardship:

• The book begins with a famine that forces Naomi’s family to leave their home in Bethlehem and seek refuge in Moab, a neighboring country. The famine reflects the recurring hardships faced by Israel during the time of the Judges, where economic difficulty and external threats were common. This context emphasizes the vulnerability and instability experienced by ordinary people, like Naomi and Ruth.

3. Moab and Israel’s Relationship:

• Moab was traditionally viewed as an enemy of Israel. The Moabites descended from Lot, and there were tensions between Israel and Moab throughout the Old Testament. Ruth’s Moabite heritage highlights the story’s countercultural themes of inclusion and acceptance, as she becomes part of Israel and, ultimately, the lineage of King David.
• The fact that Ruth, a Moabite, becomes the great-grandmother of David would have been surprising to readers, reinforcing the message that God’s plan includes even those considered outsiders.

4. The Law of the Kinsman-Redeemer (Levirate Marriage):

• The social customs described in Ruth reflect the ancient Israelite practice of levirate marriage and the concept of the kinsman-redeemer. According to the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), when a man died without a male heir, his closest male relative was expected to marry the widow and produce offspring to continue the family line and inheritance. This practice plays a central role in Ruth’s story, as Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband, steps in to redeem Ruth and preserve the family legacy.

5. Written During the Time of David or Later:

• Some scholars believe the book was written either during the reign of King David or in the post-exilic period. The genealogy at the end of the book (Ruth 4:18-22) connects Ruth to David, suggesting that the story may have been told to legitimize David’s kingship by showing that even his foreign ancestry (through Ruth) was part of God’s divine plan.
• If written in the post-exilic period (after the Babylonian exile, 5th century BC), the book may have served as a message of hope and inclusion to a community that was grappling with questions of identity, purity, and foreign relationships. It would have encouraged the returning Israelites to see God’s redemptive plan extending beyond ethnic boundaries.

6. Social Status of Women:

• The plight of widows in the ancient world was difficult, as women without husbands or sons often lacked financial security and protection. Ruth and Naomi’s vulnerability as widows drives much of the narrative, highlighting the importance of family and community support within Israelite society. The kindness of Boaz and his role as kinsman-redeemer demonstrates how these cultural practices provided a safety net for the vulnerable.

Overall Context:

The Book of Ruth was likely written to provide hope, demonstrate God’s providence, and affirm the importance of kindness, loyalty, and inclusion in the midst of a difficult and unstable historical period. It stands as a contrast to the moral and social chaos of the time of the Judges, illustrating how God works through the faithfulness of ordinary people and even foreigners to bring about His redemptive purposes.