Naomi’s Son

A couple of reflections on Ruth, after reading some student papers.

First, it’s fairly common to note the reverse inclusio around the book – Naomi loses sons at the beginning, and gains a son at the end. But in 4:15b, the women of the city claim that Ruth is better to Naomi than seven sons. The first replacement for Naomi’s dead sons is Ruth herself; the Gentile widow takes the place of Israelite sons.

Second, the story of Ruth is partly about the restoration of the tribe of Judah to legitimacy, bringing the 10 generations of exclusion to an end. It is striking, though, that this restoration of the royal tribe takes place thorugh a Gentile. Judah is put in a position to ascend to the throne by the incorporation of a Moabite.