Ruth Introduction – Author and Date

Authorship and Date of Writing

Who wrote the book of Ruth? The book doesn’t contain a claim of authorship, although external tradition holds that Samuel the prophet wrote Ruth. The Jewish Talmud says that Ruth as well as Judges and 1 and 2 Samuel were written by this prophet of Israel.

The Talmud says,

“Samuel wrote the book which bears his name and the book of Judges and Ruth.”

There is also evidence within the book itself and also the book of Judges to support the Talmud’s claim. First, note the repeated phrase, “in those days,” instead of “in these days,” “Israel had no king (Judges 21:25; Ruth 1:1). This same phrase also indicates that the events in the book happened before the division of Israel into two kingdoms after Solomon’s death since it reads “king” instead of “kings.” This short statement hints during a composing during the time of the United Kingdom, the time period in which Samuel would have lived. A time in which there was one king – David, and a time where the rule of the judges had faded into the past.

Secondly, as we consider Judges 1:21, we see that the Jebusites are present at the time of its writing. David conquered Jerusalem and drove the Jebusites from the city and their land in 1004 B.C. (2 Samuel 5:6-7) which means both books were written before this time.

Thirdly, 1 Samuel 4:3-11 says that the ark of the covenant was removed from Shiloh during Samuel’s day but according to Judges 18:31, it was still there during the time they governed. All three clues point to a writer living after Saul became king (1043 B.C.), but before David captured Jerusalem (1004 B.C.); this time frame fits well with Samuel being the author.