The Book Of Ruth
The third of the 12 historical books of the Old Testament
Ruth is the fifth book in the JPS of the Ketuvim (the Writings). Within the
Ketuvim are the five Megillot (Scrolls), Ruth is the second of the five scrolls.
Hebrew title - Ruth, a modification of the Hebrew word "Reuit" meaning
friendship
Greek title - Routh, the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name.
Latin title - Ruth, the transliteration of the Greek word "Routh"
The author of Ruth isn't given anywhere in the book, but the Talmud
attributes the writing of Ruth to Samuel. However this is unlikely since
David is mentioned in Ruth 4:17-22. Until David was made king over Israel,
his family lineage was of little importance to the rest of Israel. Samuel died
before David became king (1 Samuel 25:1).
Ruth was probably written during the reign of king David, but before the
reign of Solomon since Solomon isn't mentioned in the genealogy in Ruth
4:17-22. Solomon wasn't chosen to be the next king of Israel until just before
David died, and it wouldn't have been assumed at the time of the writing of
the book of Ruth that Solomon was to be king because he had several older
brothers.