Ruth: Bridges and Boundaries (Das Alte Testament im Dialog / An Outline of an Old Testament Dialogue)

__Ruth: Bridges and Boundaries__ is a literary close reading of the text as a bridge between the anarchic period of the Judges and the monarchic age that begins with the birth of David, as reflected through Ruth’s absorption process within Bethlehemite society. This bridge is constructed from three main axes: the theological perception that human actions have the power to shape and advance reality; the moral-legal perception that the spirit of the law must be privileged over the letter of the law and social conventions; and the principle that the institute of monarchy must be based upon human compassion. The commentary traces the narrative sequence through the paradigm of this three-fold cord, showing how these threads are woven throughout the book. This innovative reading is illustrated with an unprecedented psychological analysis of Ruth as a narrative of transition, using modern psychological theories. This contemporary yet textually faithful literary commentary offers new insight into the inner workings of the text of Ruth as literary masterpiece. Academic yet accessible, this work provides tools for readers of Ruth and the field of biblical narrative in general. Cover Contents Introduction The Book of Ruth’s Dating and Objectives The Structure of the Book of Ruth Artistic Structure Theology in the Book of Ruth Attitude Towards the Law The Narrative’s Employment of Legal Discourse Intertextuality Reflecting Violation of the Law The Story of Judah and Tamar Time and Space in the Book of Ruth Time Space Introduction to Chapter 1 Exposition (1:1–6) The Long Way Home: Naomi and Her Daughters-in-Law (1:7–18) Naomi’s Second Soliloquy (11–14) Naomi’s Third Soliloquy (15) “Wherever You Go, I Will Go” (16–17) Silent Acquiescence (18) Naomi (and Ruth’s) Return to Bethlehem (1:19–22) Introduction to Chapter II Ruth and Boaz’s Encounter in the Field (2:1–23) The Solitary Gleaner (2–3) Boaz and His Boy in the Field (4–7) Boaz Addresses Ruth (8–9) Ruth’s Response (10) Boaz’s Response (11–12) Ruth’s Reaction (13) Lunchtime Conversation (14–16) The Remains of the Day (17) Ruth’s Return to Naomi (18–22) The Structure of Ruth 2 Introduction to Chapter III Ruth and Boaz’s Encounter at the Threshing-Floor (3:1–18) Naomi’s Suggestive Suggestion (1–5) Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing-Floor (6–13) Boaz’s Reaction (10–13) Daybreak (14–15) Uncovering and Covering Ruth’s Return to Naomi (16–18) Naomi’s Reaction The Structure of Ruth 3 Introduction to Chapter IV Before the Law (4:1–12) Gathering at the Gate (1–2) The First Dialogue – the Redeemer Consents to Redeem the Field (3–4) The Second Dialogue – From Redemption to Acquisition (5–8) “The Wife of the Deceased” – From Two Widows to One Couple From the Redeemer to Boaz Boaz’s Declaration (9–10) The People’s Blessing: Security and Estate (11–12) Two Mothers in Bethlehem (4:13–17) Marriage and Birth (13) The Choiring of the Town: Let Your Name be Called (14–15) The Feminine Signature (14–17) “The Father of Jesse the Father of David” (17) Appendix – The Lineage of Peretz (4:18–22) Afterword Reading the Story in Light of Winnicott Bridges The book opens with a broad-scoped introduction exploring the book of Ruth's dating and objectives; its structure; and its attitude towards the law. The main body of the work is a close literary reading of the entire narrative in sequence. The discussion of each chapter is preceded by a specific, topical introduction.