Ruth 3: A New Creation?

Abstract

Ruth 3 is an exciting section within the composition of the overall book. Here, the course for a blessed future for Naomi and Ruth, the main characters of the narrative, is set, although tragedy has ruled their past. In this sense, Ruth 3 can be seen as a new beginning, a new start, a new creation in the life of the two women. This "new creation aspect" is fostered by the text itself which refers to, alludes to, and echoes the creation account. This study aims to describe the links between Ruth 3 and the creation account, linguistically, thematically, as well as in terms of space or time.

Key Words: Ruth, creation, intertextuality, new creation, Gen 1-2