There's fairly good evidence that the unknown au­thor of Ruth did his writing in the days of David, Israel's most famous king. The events this ancient writer pre­sents took place back in the days of the judges.

An Israelite man, his wife, and two sons leave Ca­naan because of a famine and go to live in Moab, where food is more plentiful. After a while the father and two sons all die, leaving three widows—the mother and the two young women the sons had married after arriv­ing in Moab.

The famine over in Canaan, the mother decides to return, and Ruth, one of her daughters-in-law, insists on going with her. They settle in Bethlehem, where a beautiful romance begins between Ruth and Boaz, a local farmer.

As the plot unfolds, two things become apparent. First, a more beautiful short story has never been writ­ten. Second, the story isn't just about people; it's about God and His providence.

That makes the book of Ruth worthy of our closest attention.