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The narrative of the book of Ruth is a drama of ordinary human life, but the drama unfolds against a background of the providence and purposes of God. Katharine Doob Sakenfeld has written a commentary that makes very clear why the book of Ruth has such great importance as literature and as Scripture. A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
91 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 17, 2023
This is a very good commentary and interpretation of the Book of Ruth. Sakenfield effectively analyzes questions of authorship, dating, and intention behind the text in ways that enriched it deeply. I was especially impressed by her ability to bring out the literary elements of an ancient text; in the best ways, it reminded me of reading E.B. White with friends in high school. Most saliently, Sakenfield interprets the text as progressive and feminist for its time, encouraging equality in the present, without sacrificing or ignoring the realities of gender and wealth in ancient Israel. Walking that line is delicate, but Sakenfield does it well and roots her work in the text.
My one critique is that, as with much biblical scholarship, it gets dry at times, particularly when parsing through language use and translation. It's necessary work, and I don't know of a way around the dry feeling, but it's there nonetheless.
I quite liked this book and would recommend it to both of my grandmothers, my friend Ronnie, and my friend Colby. I'm grateful my sister recommended it to me!
My one critique is that, as with much biblical scholarship, it gets dry at times, particularly when parsing through language use and translation. It's necessary work, and I don't know of a way around the dry feeling, but it's there nonetheless.
I quite liked this book and would recommend it to both of my grandmothers, my friend Ronnie, and my friend Colby. I'm grateful my sister recommended it to me!
March 10, 2018
This slim volume is part of the Interpretation Bible Commentary series. It’s one of the best books available to lay out the critical position (your other option is the OTL from the same publisher). Of the two, this one probably has more theology and insights to glean for the preacher. The author writes clearly, accessibly, and with enough verve to hold the reader’s attention well.
The Introduction begins by stating that Ruth is the favorite of many Bible readers and that it could be viewed as “an island of tranquility”. The first main section discusses date and purpose. Though I can’t accept all her conclusions, she reviews well the scholarly debate over the date. She also well explains the belief that the point of Ruth is to reinforce David’s right to the throne. She goes on to state her belief that the use of David is only “the storyteller’s means of legitimizing an inclusive attitude towards foreigners, perhaps especially toward foreign women”. I personally doubt that’s the theme of the Book of Ruth, but it was interesting. She also confesses that tradition has long held Samuel to be the author of this book and doesn’t counteract it other than stating her fascination with the possibility of a female author. She’s indecisive on what exactly the levirate marriage’s role is. She well describes the canonical context. The best part by far of the Introduction is her description of theological themes. She sees the themes as the peaceable community, examples of loyal living, and the place of God in the story.
The commentary itself makes for interesting reading. Yes, there are critical conclusions at many junctures, but also many perceptive theological points. I felt I got exactly what I was looking for in this commentary, and for those looking for the same, I highly recommend this book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Introduction begins by stating that Ruth is the favorite of many Bible readers and that it could be viewed as “an island of tranquility”. The first main section discusses date and purpose. Though I can’t accept all her conclusions, she reviews well the scholarly debate over the date. She also well explains the belief that the point of Ruth is to reinforce David’s right to the throne. She goes on to state her belief that the use of David is only “the storyteller’s means of legitimizing an inclusive attitude towards foreigners, perhaps especially toward foreign women”. I personally doubt that’s the theme of the Book of Ruth, but it was interesting. She also confesses that tradition has long held Samuel to be the author of this book and doesn’t counteract it other than stating her fascination with the possibility of a female author. She’s indecisive on what exactly the levirate marriage’s role is. She well describes the canonical context. The best part by far of the Introduction is her description of theological themes. She sees the themes as the peaceable community, examples of loyal living, and the place of God in the story.
The commentary itself makes for interesting reading. Yes, there are critical conclusions at many junctures, but also many perceptive theological points. I felt I got exactly what I was looking for in this commentary, and for those looking for the same, I highly recommend this book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 28, 2019
Although written twenty years ago, this commentary is so informative and relevant to our current political climate. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and learned so much about this four-chapter book in the Old Testament.
June 29, 2021
Obsah, stručnost a srozumitelnost - skvělý pracovní průvodce k četbě SZ knihy Rút.
April 28, 2023
Read for my thesis writing. I appreciate Katherine Doob Sakenfeld's descriptions and feminist commentary about the book of Ruth.
October 19, 2009
If you don't like dealing with original languages and are looking for a solid commentary on Ruth, this is a good commentary for you. I would encourage everyone to do at least some work with the original languages but if not, this commentary will point out themes, commonly used words of significance, and other important details without getting held up on observations that aren't worth your time. It is very readable, scholarly and basic enough for most people to read.
April 11, 2023
I didn't mean to read this entire book, but I preached through Ruth and read the whole thing. I found it helpful and insightful and appreciated that was brief.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews