What is the publication date of Ruth? Introduction The question of when the Book of Ruth was first written (or “published”) has been a topic of scholarly discussion for centuries. Although the narrative itself takes place “in the days when the judges ruled” (Ruth 1:1), there is still debate about when its final form was composed. Below follows an exhaustive study of the potential publication date of Ruth, showing relevant internal and external factors. Historical Context Ruth’s setting occurs during the period of the judges (Ruth 1:1). This era, according to a traditionally conservative timeline, spans the time after Joshua’s death (late 14th century BC) up until the emergence of the monarchy under Saul (late 11th century BC). The historical context in Ruth involves Moab and Israel. Ruth, a Moabite widow, returns with her mother-in-law Naomi to Bethlehem. This story highlights cultural legal practices such as gleaning (Ruth 2:2–3) and redeeming the land through a close kinsman (Ruth 4:1–10). Internal Evidence of Composition 1. Genealogical Conclusion The text concludes with a genealogy that extends to David (Ruth 4:18–22). This strongly suggests the book, at minimum, received its final form during or after David’s emergence as a significant figure in Israelite history. Many conservative scholars place David’s reign around 1010–970 BC. The mention of David would indicate that Ruth could not have been finalized before David was recognized as king. 2. Language and Literary Style Ruth’s Hebrew is considered classical, yet some commentators note variations that can align with early monarchic textual composition. The retention of archaic legal customs (removing the sandal as a testament of property redemption, Ruth 4:7–8) accords well with earlier historical traditions but does not preclude a slightly later date for final editing. 3. Cultural and Religious Practices The emphasis on Levirate-like marriage responsibilities and the practice of gleaning underscores an early Israelite agrarian setting (compare Deuteronomy 24:19–21 for gleaning laws). While it is possible that later editors could have preserved these practices in their final compilation, the straightforward nature of the customs in Ruth suggests that the text represents a clear memory of that era. External Evidence of Composition 1. Jewish Tradition Some Jewish traditions (e.g., Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a) attribute authorship of Ruth to the Prophet Samuel. While not universally accepted, this viewpoint places the composition date around the transition from the period of the judges to the united monarchy (late 11th century BC). 2. Archaeological Insights Architectural and cultural artifacts from the time of the Judges, discovered in sites such as Tel Dan and others in the region of ancient Judah, attest to a settlement style consistent with the rural narrative of Ruth. Although these findings do not directly date the composition of the Book of Ruth, they validate the historical plausibility of the setting described. 3. Comparison with Other Ancient Near Eastern Texts Documents like the Mesha Stele (also known as the Moabite Stone, dating to the 9th century BC) indicate that Moab was a neighboring kingdom that had interactions and conflicts with Israel. This corroborates Ruth’s scenario involving Moabites in a storyline intimately connected with Israelite life, though again not directly pinpointing Ruth’s publication date. Proposed Timeframe Conservative scholarship, drawing on internal textual features and traditional Jewish ascriptions, often places the final composition of Ruth between the late 11th century and the early 10th century BC—shortly after David’s rise to prominence. This timing would allow for: • Ruth’s own background story to have been established in the days of the Judges. • The recognition of David as a key figure, making the concluding genealogical note (Ruth 4:18–22) relevant to readers. A less conservative view suggests that Ruth might have been finalized in exilic or post-exilic times (6th or 5th century BC) as part of a broader assembly of Israel’s historical writings. However, the internal style, language, and direct Davidic mention strongly favor an earlier timeframe. Most importantly, the genealogical emphasis connecting Ruth to David is more naturally explained if David was already revered or known in the community at the time of the book’s final form. Theological Significance Although the question is primarily about the date, it is worth noting that the Book of Ruth’s genealogical finale also ties directly into the lineage culminating in the Messiah (Matthew 1:5–6). Ruth underscores a consistent biblical theme that God’s redemptive plan spans multiple generations, uniting people of different ethnic backgrounds. This theological continuity further supports a literal historical framework in which events recorded—such as Ruth’s marriage to Boaz—were recognized among the earliest generations of Israel’s monarchy. Conclusion The Book of Ruth was likely composed or finalized around the early monarchy in Israel, broadly the 11th or 10th century BC, when David’s prominence would have been well known. Internal indications (e.g., mention of David, traditional legal customs) and Jewish tradition (e.g., Talmudic claim of Samuel’s involvement) both reinforce this era. Archaeological data from the region also supports the plausibility of the rural setting and cultural norms found in Ruth. While not an absolute certainty, a date in the early monarchy remains the most coherent perspective from a conservative standpoint, affirming the historical accuracy and theological significance of this short yet profoundly important biblical narrative. |
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