The Family that Eats Together Stays Together: Food and Kinship in the Book of Ruth

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore how the concepts of food and kinship function within the book of Ruth. First, we want to argue that the book of Ruth tells the story of how a רג is incorporated into the society, family, and nation of Israel via the legislations outlined in Deuteronomy. Second, in order to accomplish such an endeavour, food is used not only as a means to welcome Ruth into the society, but it is also used symbolically as a promise for what is come. Third, despite her status as a lowly רג, Ruth challenges what it means to be an Israelite. Finally, her actions show that even a Moabitess can have an impact on the story of Israel.