Ruth by Francesco Hayez

Painting: ‘Ruth’ (1835) by Francesco Hayez, oil on canvas, dimensions 139 cm x 101 cm.

The Book of Ruth has a unique significance to Jews, because Ruth, who is celebrated as a convert to Judaism, understood Jewish principles and took them to heart. Also the Book of Ruth is read during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, due to the fact that the story takes place during the barley harvest season and that Shavuot marks the end of the harvest.

For Christians too the book has great significance because the connection between Ruth and David is very important. Jesus of Nazareth was born of Mary, betrothed to Joseph of the lineage of David. Thus in Christian Biblical lineage Ruth is a foremother of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). The lineage can be traced as: Boaz, father of Obed; Obed, father of Jesse; Jesse, father of David; David, ancestor of Joseph; Joseph, husband of Mary, mother of Jesus.

The genealogy of Jesus at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew is a male lineage. Only four women from the Old Testament are included in it, one of whom is Ruth. Many Christians interpret Boaz and Ruth as typical of Jesus and the Church. Many women look upon Ruth as a guideline to their lives.