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Ruth: a Commentary
Kirsten Nielsen's comments on the book of Ruth paint a rich and subtle portrait of its characters, carefully tracing the many connections between this story and other biblical passages, such as the stories of Judah and Tamar. This volume is a powerful addition to this critically acclaimed Old Testament Libraryseries. The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
- GenresTheology
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 24, 2018
The Book of Ruth gets its own small volume in the Old Testament Library (OTL) series. Written by Kirsten Nielsen, this commentary meets the aims of the series in providing a critical take in a mid-length commentary. Though I do not hold to the author’s viewpoint, I did appreciate its thorough presentation of a critical position as well as several reflections that you won’t find anywhere else.
In the Introduction, the author first discusses contents and structure. The author seems impressed with the outstanding, tight structure of this little book. Though a short section, I found the comments on structure helpful. Next, there’s the typical discussion of genre found in most commentaries on Ruth. The rest of the Introduction focuses intensely on inter-textual reading. In other words, the author loves tracing out connections to other parts of Scripture. Some seem more plausible to me than others, but this is clearly an area where the author has carved out a niche. I couldn’t follow the thinking presented in the historical context, but it matches what you would expect in a critical commentary. Much better is a discussion of theological themes. Finally, there’s a short discussion about the text of Ruth.
The commentary well matches what I’ve come to expect from the OTL series. In several places, you will glean much food for thought. I appreciated the emphasis of hesed not being overlooked. On the downside, the discussion of Ruth’s behavior at the threshing floor that included a confidence of sexual activity and of that sexual activity being praiseworthy was more than I could take! Fortunately, the commentary on other parts of the narrative is much more reasonable.
This book is one of the best to gain the perspective of the critical camp. It’s not prolix, it’s easy to follow, and it will stretch your mind in places. If you can overlook that one offensive section, you will find this a nice book to add to your library.
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.
In the Introduction, the author first discusses contents and structure. The author seems impressed with the outstanding, tight structure of this little book. Though a short section, I found the comments on structure helpful. Next, there’s the typical discussion of genre found in most commentaries on Ruth. The rest of the Introduction focuses intensely on inter-textual reading. In other words, the author loves tracing out connections to other parts of Scripture. Some seem more plausible to me than others, but this is clearly an area where the author has carved out a niche. I couldn’t follow the thinking presented in the historical context, but it matches what you would expect in a critical commentary. Much better is a discussion of theological themes. Finally, there’s a short discussion about the text of Ruth.
The commentary well matches what I’ve come to expect from the OTL series. In several places, you will glean much food for thought. I appreciated the emphasis of hesed not being overlooked. On the downside, the discussion of Ruth’s behavior at the threshing floor that included a confidence of sexual activity and of that sexual activity being praiseworthy was more than I could take! Fortunately, the commentary on other parts of the narrative is much more reasonable.
This book is one of the best to gain the perspective of the critical camp. It’s not prolix, it’s easy to follow, and it will stretch your mind in places. If you can overlook that one offensive section, you will find this a nice book to add to your library.
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.
October 27, 2024
This was fun! I think a really comprehensive picture of Ruth is communicated here. The author covers a LOT of ground and does it very simply. I’m curious what sort of revelations have been had about Ruth in the nearly 30 years since!
It’s a perfect primer though and I imagine this would be a definitive starting point for understanding future scholarship
It’s a perfect primer though and I imagine this would be a definitive starting point for understanding future scholarship
October 22, 2023
Kinda liked it
February 16, 2016
Kirsten Nielsen's OTL commentary on Ruth is fine and helpful volume. It lays out the basic important introduction and textual concerns in a matter-of-fact, down-to-business kind of way. I don't think I could call it "delightful" or "monumental"; it's not a commentary you read and think, "Wow, everything I thought about Ruth I need to rethink." Instead it's sensible, manageable, good at being a resource for a working pastor.
If Nielsen brings an individual contribution, it's her insistence on intertextual reading. The stories of the Patriarchs (and their women) figure largely in this volume, especially Lot's older daughter and Tamar--both trickster figures. On the basis of clear textual markers (Moab, Perez' genealogy), Nielsen reads Ruth through and against these earlier stories.
Nielsen also seeks to situate Ruth's production within controversy over the validity of the Davidic monarchy (after all, one of the matriarchs was Moabite). Ruth, in this case, spins what could be a negative story into an account of God's election (the barren woman motif). This is interesting, but not altogether enlightening for me as a working preacher.
Overall, this is a decent, helpful, adequate volume to keep on the shelf for when you find yourself with Ruth.
If Nielsen brings an individual contribution, it's her insistence on intertextual reading. The stories of the Patriarchs (and their women) figure largely in this volume, especially Lot's older daughter and Tamar--both trickster figures. On the basis of clear textual markers (Moab, Perez' genealogy), Nielsen reads Ruth through and against these earlier stories.
Nielsen also seeks to situate Ruth's production within controversy over the validity of the Davidic monarchy (after all, one of the matriarchs was Moabite). Ruth, in this case, spins what could be a negative story into an account of God's election (the barren woman motif). This is interesting, but not altogether enlightening for me as a working preacher.
Overall, this is a decent, helpful, adequate volume to keep on the shelf for when you find yourself with Ruth.
January 1, 2016
Great resource highlighting the content/structure, genre, intertextuality, literary and historical context, as well as theological themes in the book of Ruth. Not as in-depth with linguistic commentary, but provides valuable insight, particularly in establishing the sitz in leben and exploring its resulting social implications. The author culls the traditional and current scholarship and points out some interesting connections with extra-biblical literature. Very helpful.
February 8, 2016
A technical commentary, focusing on the relationship between the story of Ruth and those of the patriarchs, particularly the story of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38). Nielsen sees the purpose of the book as primarily a legitimation of the claims of David and his descendants to the throne of Israel. Though the commentary is a little sterile in its approach, it nonetheless has a number of useful discussions on more technical matters that could be of help in sermon preparation.
September 22, 2012
Commentaries are on going reading projcts
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews