Ruth (The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary | THOTC)
Overview
In this commentary, James McKeown approaches the book of Ruth as part of the whole canon of Scripture, exploring not only the content of the book itself but also its relationship to other biblical books. He shows in particular how Ruth overflows with allusions to Genesis. The themes of “blessing,” “seed,” and “land” are common to both books, and studying Genesis and Ruth together provides profound insights into the providential working of God to fulfill the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In addition to his exegetical commentary on the text of Ruth, McKeown provides useful background material on how the book has been interpreted throughout history, including Jewish interpretation, and he focuses on Ruth’s theology and its application. His discussion also touches on such related topics as universalism, feminist studies, and the missiological significance of the book of Ruth. McKeown’s insightful commentary will enable students, pastors, and laypeople to better understand the ancient book of Ruth so that they can better apply its message and wisdom today.
Top Highlights
“Set in the period of the judges, when ‘everyone did what was right in his own eyes,’ the book of Ruth shows true wisdom in operation when people act with loyalty and justice, not only with one another but with someone from a foreign country who is viewed as ‘the enemy’ in the book of Judges.” (Page 4)
“It is not just a choice between Judah and Moab or between Naomi and her mother; it is also a choice between Chemosh and YHWH.” (Page 25)
“Whatever motivated Ruth, it is clear that love and concern for Naomi were important factors in her decision. It is more difficult to ascertain what role the God of Israel played in her thinking at this stage. She showed knowledge of Naomi’s God and referred to him as ‘the Lord’ (YHWH), and she was prepared to declare that ‘your God will be my God.’ Although this does not amount to a declaration of personal faith, it does highlight that leaving behind the god of Moab was not problematic for her.” (Page 26)
“This message is one of reassurance that when we are tempted like Naomi to feel forsaken by God, to feel that he does not care, he is nevertheless still in control and will work out his purposes. The book encourages its readers not to panic during the dark times when God seems far away but to wait expectantly and to keep faith in him. This was a message that was very relevant during the exilic and early postexilic years. Many Israelites must have felt forsaken by God. Encouragement was much needed, and the book of Ruth together with passages such as Isaiah 40 and the book of Genesis would have provided a source of encouragement in those dark days.” (Page 69)
- Title: Ruth
- Author: James McKeown
- Series: The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Print Publication Date: 2015
- Logos Release Date: 2016
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. O.T. Ruth › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780802863850, 080286385, 080286385X
- Resource ID: LLS:TWOHOR08RU
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-05-15T15:38:54Z