During the time of the Judges (circa 12th to 11th Century BC)
The period of the Judges was marked by a cycle of Israelite apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and the rise of judges as leaders. It was a time of social and religious instability.
Israel was a loose confederation of tribes without a centralized government. The land was often subject to raids and influence from surrounding nations.
Bethlehem in Judah, a small town known for its agricultural activities, located about six miles south of Jerusalem.
The practice of gleaning allowed the poor and foreigners to gather leftover crops from the fields, as commanded in Levitical law (Leviticus 19:9-10). The concept of a kinsman-redeemer was a cultural practice where a close relative could redeem or marry a widow to preserve the family line.
Boaz
A wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech.
Ruth
- Leviticus 19:9-10 (Laws on gleaning)
- Deuteronomy 25:5-10 (Laws on levirate marriage)
- Judges (Context of the time period)