The Argument of the Book of Ruth

THE ARGUMENT OF THE BOOK OF RUTH.

Amongst other things that happened to the people of Israel, in the time of the Judges, this history of Ruth, to wit, her coming from Moab, her conversion to true Religion, godly conversation, and marriage with Booz, of the tribe of Juda, is recorded, as a more principal matter. For that not only king David, but consequently also our SAVIOUR, the Redeemer of mankind descended from her. Whereby was foresignified, that as salvation thus proceeded from the Gentiles together with the Jews: so the Gentiles are made partakers of the same grace. More clearly prophesied, as St. Jerome noteth, by Isai (ch. 16.) saying: Send forth O Lord the lamb, the Ruler of the earth, from the Rock of the desert to the mount of the daughter of Sion. That is, from Ruth the gentile to Jerusalem, or rather to the Church. This marriage of Ruth came to pass about the time of Abesan Judge. The book was written, as is most probable, by Samuel: and is divided into four chapters; whose contents follow in their places.

Marginal notes

• The history of Ruth is registered in holy Scripture, for the genealogy of David, and especially of our Saviour Christ. (left margin: summary side-note, set beside the argument)
• Judges 12. (right margin: citation, beside "about the time of Abesan Judge")