Source edition
Septuaginta. The Old Testament in Greek According to the Septuagint. Volume 1: Genesis-IV Kings. Swete, Henry Barclay, editor. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1901.
Source data
Open Greek and Latin · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a narrative that begins with the hardships of famine and bereavement, depicting how a family's lost heritage and lineage are restored through the faithfulness and devotion of a foreign woman, Ruth. The story moves from Bethlehem in Judah, which is struck by famine, to the land of Moab, and back to Bethlehem. The protagonist, Naomi, loses her husband and two sons in Moab and decides to return to her homeland in despair. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, chooses to accompany Naomi out of deep loyalty and begins gleaning grain in Bethlehem to support them. There, Ruth meets Boaz, a wealthy relative with the right of redemption (goel), who shows her extraordinary kindness and protection. Following Naomi's guidance, Ruth requests Boaz to fulfill his duty as a redeemer. Ultimately, Boaz legally marries Ruth, and their son becomes the ancestor in the lineage leading to King David.