Torch, Summer 1999

by Sharon Johnson, Ph.D. he _book of Ruth is many ~hings. It is -a- great story simp~y told, . oftel). letting the characters · · speak for themselves. It has_all the elements of a great story, including · tragedy, suspense, love, and even a happy ending. Th~ book of Ruth is also great history; in it we dis·cover details about land holding,, gleaning, and marriage. We are allowed an. up-close gpmpse of . . - customs in the _days of the judges. And, the book of Ruth is great symbolism; in · - it we see portrayed the great themes of loss and redemption, especially of the inclusion of a non-Jew into the very path of salvation through Christ. ·