Why is Ruth an important character?

Answer 1

Interestingly, the name does not seem to be Hebrew in origin, since Biblical Hebrew does not have the exact word "Ruth." But scholars have noted that there are some other Hebrew words that are very close to it, and probably related in some way, one of which translates as "friend" or "companion." Given Ruth's friendship with, and her compassion for, Naomi, this name seems very appropriate.

Answer 2

Ruth indeed proved to be a good character and this widow knows all about it and being loyal. You see, the reason is because she has chosen to stay by the side of her aged mother-in-law, named Naomi, rather than returning to a more comfortable life in her hometown. And this is even though this choice lessens her chances of finding a mate. Ruth always kept focused on the big picture. Yes, her love for Naomi and her desire to be with Jehovah's people meant more to her than impulsively satisfying her desire for marriage. Read about it at Ruth 1:8-17. Remember to, that, Ruth did not desperately seek a mate. However, in time, she found a husband who proved to be a mature man who shared simliar qualities and above all, a love for God.

Answer 3

Ruth 1:1 places the book's authorship long after the story is set, simply because it informs the reader that the events occurred in the days when judges ruled. In their own time, Naomi and Ruth would have been women of no particular interest to others, so there would be very little chance of anyone recording and passing down any of their life story, let alone the rich detail that is actually in the book, which is identified by scholars as a work of fiction. Carol Meyers ('Kinship and Kingship: The Early Monarchy', published in The Oxford History of the Biblical World) says the Book of Ruth may tell us nothing about the era of the judges beyond what an Israelite storyteller of a later period knew of it, but even that is important information, although it must be used cautiously.

Some suggest that the story of Ruth may have been written in King David's time to provide some family history about him, with Ruth portrayed as King David's great-grandmother, but many scholars say the story was more likely recorded centuries later in the time of Ezra.

Answer 4

Ruth means "companion," "friend," or 'friendship."

Answer 5

Ruth is very important as she was he great grand mother of king David, and Jesus was from Davids line.

Answer 6

Because she was a convert to Judaism; and her book was, according to tradition, written by Samuel, a Jewish prophet.

Answer 7

She was the ancestress of King David, and a very pious woman.

Answer 8

She was the ancestress of King David and a very pious woman.