Overview

The book of Ruth seems simple. It is the tale of a poor Moabite widow who relocates to Bethlehem and finds security there when she marries Boaz, a wealthy Israelite man. Although the plot is simple, the book's message is elusive. Re(reading Ruth) demonstrates how careful attention to the book's structure, allusions, wordplay, and location in the canon can reveal the dynamic ways that it engages with other biblical stories and how that engagement shapes its message.

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9781725262713

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This well-written and easily accessible study of the book of Ruth is a treasure. Tooman highlights the sophisticated narrative structure and poetic features of the book and demonstrates persuasively how reading it intertextually together with the rest of the biblical canon is essential for understanding its message and appreciating its literary artistry. --Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer, Orebro School of Theology, Sweden Tooman, a sensitive reader of the ancient text, draws our attention to the book of Ruth's literary characteristics--to questions of structure, repetitions, name etymologies, and especially, surprising allusions to other biblical texts as well as analogies found in other genres, including law, prophecy, and wisdom. The book is a wonderful guide for approaching any biblical narrative. Tooman's knowledgeable reading demonstrates the need for mastering biblical Hebrew in order to truly appreciate the Hebrew Bible in all its wonders. --Yair Zakovitch, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, emeritus Biblical Hebrew classes often use Ruth as a primary text. Instructors should also assign (Re)reading Ruth, an outstanding guidebook focused on the distinctive poetics of biblical narrative and the characteristic intertextuality of the biblical writings. (Re)reading Ruth meets the highest standards of critical scholarship, while at the same time clearly and judiciously coaching students to cultivate keener exegetical skills and new habits of reading. --Stephen B. Chapman, Duke University

This well-written and easily accessible study of the book of Ruth is a treasure. Tooman highlights the sophisticated narrative structure and poetic features of the book and demonstrates persuasively how reading it intertextually together with the rest of the biblical canon is essential for understanding its message and appreciating its literary artistry. --Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer, OErebro School of Theology, Sweden Tooman, a sensitive reader of the ancient text, draws our attention to the book of Ruth's literary characteristics--to questions of structure, repetitions, name etymologies, and especially, surprising allusions to other biblical texts as well as analogies found in other genres, including law, prophecy, and wisdom. The book is a wonderful guide for approaching any biblical narrative. Tooman's knowledgeable reading demonstrates the need for mastering biblical Hebrew in order to truly appreciate the Hebrew Bible in all its wonders. --Yair Zakovitch, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, emeritus Biblical Hebrew classes often use Ruth as a primary text. Instructors should also assign (Re)reading Ruth, an outstanding guidebook focused on the distinctive poetics of biblical narrative and the characteristic intertextuality of the biblical writings. (Re)reading Ruth meets the highest standards of critical scholarship, while at the same time clearly and judiciously coaching students to cultivate keener exegetical skills and new habits of reading. --Stephen B. Chapman, Duke University

Author Information

William A. Tooman is Senior Lecturer in Hebrew Bible at St Mary's College, University of St Andrews.

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