The Book Ofruth
Smith's Bible Dictionary [1]
Ruth, The Book of. The Book of Ruth contains the history of Ruth, as narrated in the preceding article. The main object of the writer is evidently to give an account of David's ancestors; and the book was avowedly composed long after the time of the heroine. See Ruth 1:1; Ruth 4:7; Ruth 4:17. Its date and author are quite uncertain. Tradition is in favor of Samuel.
It is probable that the books of Judges, Ruth, Samuel and Kings originally formed, but one work. The book of Ruth clearly forms part of the books of Samuel, supplying, as it does, the essential point of David's genealogy, and early family history, and is no less clearly connected with the book of Judges, by its opening verse and the epoch to which the whole book relates.
Easton's Bible Dictionary [2]
The history it contains refers to a period perhaps about one hundred and twenty-six years before the birth of David. It gives (1) an account of Naomi's going to Moab with her husband, Elimelech, and of her subsequent return to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law; (2) the marriage of Boaz and Ruth; and (3) the birth of Obed, of whom David sprang.
The author of this book was probably Samuel, according to Jewish tradition.
"Brief as this book is, and simple as is its story, it is remarkably rich in examples of faith, patience, industry, and kindness, nor less so in indications of the care which God takes of those who put their trust in him."
