Judges and Ruth

Abstract

"This commentary brings to life the world portrayed in the stories in Judges and Ruth to demonstrate why they are an important part of the Bible. The intention is to prepare the reader to understand social norms and customs, such as hospitality codes, marriage customs, inheritance laws, and agricultural practices, when they appear in the stories. By setting the cultural stage, the commentary functions as an effective guide to the "insider" perspective on the narratives. Having established a cultural and literary context for Judges and Ruth, the commentary then treats each episode separately and as a whole. It is written to be accessible for a wide audience - including clergy, scholars, teachers, seminarians, and interested laypeople." --Book jacket