Ruth: from alienation to monarchy

Scholars enthusiastically concur that the Book of Ruth is a remarkably artistic literary masterpiece.
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Its apparent simplicity of plot and economy of description do not conceal its masterful use of structure, its exquisite utilization of language, its pleasing tempo, vivid details, and well-crafted characters.... And yet, the book’s magnificence cannot be properly understood without observing the relationship between the superb constructionof the book and its religious ideas.
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The elaborate techniques deployed in crafting this book transform and deepen its meaning. As we will see, the Book of Ruth employs artistry to create a seamless relationship between God's will and human actions. The book stretches out toward kingship, elegantly weaving its theology of kingship throughout the narrative. And the characters choose their destinies, for better and for worse, offering profound lessons with implications for a myriad of preeminent religious and social topics that arise in the biblical narratives.