Ruth
There's fairly good evidence that the unknown author of Ruth did his writing in the days of David, Israel's most famous king. The events this ancient writer presents took place back in the days of the judges.
An Israelite man, his wife, and two sons leave Canaan because of a famine and go to live in Moab, where food is more plentiful. After a while the father and two sons all die, leaving three widows—the mother and the two young women the sons had married after arriving in Moab.
The famine over in Canaan, the mother decides to return, and Ruth, one of her daughters-in-law, insists on going with her. They settle in Bethlehem, where a beautiful romance begins between Ruth and Boaz, a local farmer.
As the plot unfolds, two things become apparent. First, a more beautiful short story has never been written. Second, the story isn't just about people; it's about God and His providence.
That makes the book of Ruth worthy of our closest attention.
