THE ARGUMENT
OF THE BOOK
OF RUTH.

AMONGST other things that happened to the people of Israel, in the time of the Judges, this history of Ruth, to wit, her coming from Moab, her conversion to true Religion, godly conversation, and marriage with Booz of the tribe of Juda, is recorded, as a more principal matter. For that not only King David, but consequently also our Saviour, the Redeemer of mankind descended from her. Whereby was foresignified, that as salvation thus proceeded from the Gentiles together with the Jews: so the Gentiles are made partakers of the same grace. More clearly prophesied, as S. Hierome noteth, by Isaie (cap. 16.) saying: SEND FORTH, O LORD, THE LAMB, THE RULER OF THE EARTH, FROM THE ROCK OF THE DESERT TO THE MOUNT OF THE DAUGHTER OF SION: That is, from Ruth the gentile, to Hierusalem, or rather to the Church. This marriage of Ruth came to pass about the time of Abesan Judge. [Judic. 12.] The book was written, as is most probable, by Samuel: and is divided into four chapters; whose contents follow in their places.