Ruth: Continental Commentaries

This volume provides a readable introduction to the narrative book of Ruth appropriate for the student, pastor, and scholar. LaCocque combines historical, literary, feminist, and liberationist approaches in an engaging synthesis. He argues that the book was written in the post-exilic period and that the author was a woman. Countering the fears and xenophobia of many in Jerusalem, the biblical author employed the notion of h.esed (kindness, loyalty, steadfast love), which transcends any national boundaries.

LaCocque focuses on redemption and levirate marriage as the two legal issues that recur throughout the text of Ruth. Ruth comes from the despised people of Moab but becomes a model for Israel. Boaz, converted to the model of steadfast love, becomes both redeemer and levir for Ruth and thus fulfills the Torah. In the conclusion to his study, the author sketches some parallels with Jesus' hermeneutics of the Law as well as postmodern problems and solutions.

		Review from Shofar;   Adobe Acrobat Document

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Dedication
Abbrevations
Editor's Foreword
Preface
Translator's Note

Introduction
Overview
Textual Criticism
Style
Literary Criticism
Canonicity
Date
Social Environment
Theology


1. Ruth 1:1-22
   Exile and Death in Moab (1:1-5)
   The Return to Judah (1:6-15)
   Ruth's Great Return/Reversal (1:16-18)
   
   
2. Ruth 2:1-23
   Gleaning in the Field of Boaz (2:1-17)
   Ruth Reports to Naomo (2:18-23)
   
   
3. Ruth 3:1-18
   Naomi's Strategy (3:1-5)
   The Seduction Scene (3:6-15)
   Ruth Reports to Naomi (3:16-18)
   
   
4. Ruth 4:1-22
   The Court Session (4:1-4)
   Boaz's Dangerous Gambit (4:5-12)
   Marriage and Birth (4:13-17)
   Genealogy (4:18-22)
   
   Conclusion
   
   Bibliography
   Scripture Index
   Index of Names