The Purpose of the Book of Ruth

Numerous scholars argue that the book of Ruth, with its story concerning mixed marriages Judahites Moabite women, consciously opposes exclusivist rhetoric books Ezra–Nehemiah. However, a detailed analysis narrative especially compared to supersessive roughly contemporary Samuel–Kings, reveals main purpose Ruth was delegitimize claims tribe Ephraim domination in Israel, and against this background promote Judah Davidic dynasty. Therefore, most probably served as rhetorical-ideological model for much more elaborate, likewise Judean Samuel–Kings.