Who wrote the book of Ruth? Who was the author of Ruth?

Answer

The events described in the book of Ruth take place during the period covered in the book of Judges, indicating a shared authorship. While the biblical account presents Ruth as a transitional story between the eras of the judges and kings, it is categorized in the Hebrew Bible under Ketuvim (“Writings”), along with books such as Esther, Daniel, and the Song of Solomon. Ruth is also included in the Megilloth, a collection of five scrolls commonly read during important festivals.

Jewish tradition credits Samuel as the author of the book of Ruth, and there is little reason to question this attribution. Some skeptics challenge this belief by pointing out the lack of support from other biblical authors and the timing of Samuel’s death before David’s kingship, which raises concerns about the inclusion of a Davidic genealogy in Ruth. However, Samuel’s passing occurred just before David’s official reign, allowing for the possibility that Ruth was composed after David’s anointment.

Certain scholars have proposed the idea of an unidentified female writer behind Ruth. While no one suggests that Ruth herself penned the book, the emphasis on female protagonists has sparked this alternative theory. Nevertheless, the absence of a name or substantial evidence makes this hypothesis speculative.

Another hypothesis suggests that an anonymous author wrote Ruth during the post-exilic period in response to Ezra’s opposition to intermarriage with the Moabites (Ezra 9:1-2). However, this perspective seems unlikely given the circumstances. The actions of the Israelites in Ezra 9 were universally condemned (see Ezra 9:4), and it is challenging to interpret how the book of Ruth could endorse intermarriage with non-Israelites, especially considering that Ruth herself, a Moabite, chose to follow the One True God (see Ruth 1:16).

Even if we entertain the idea that Samuel was not the author of Ruth, it is more plausible to consider that the book was composed during the period.

One of the authors of the books of Samuel was likely a supporter of the kings, possibly to uphold David’s kingship. The prophet Nathan is often suggested as a potential author, along with other prophets from the era of King Josiah.

It is believed that Samuel is the probable human author of the book of Ruth. Whether it was Samuel or another prophet of God, their literary talent was remarkable, and they created what many consider one of the finest short stories ever written. Ruth, a forebear of David and Jesus Christ, played a crucial role in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, and her story demonstrates how God can work through any individual devoted to Him.