Edward F. Campbell, Jr., Ruth: A New Translation with Introduction, Notes, and Commentary

Bibliographical details:
Campbell, E. F. (1975). Ruth: A New Translation with Introduction, Notes, and Commentary. The Anchor Bible. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.

Publisher’s information:
Ruth (Volume 7 in the Anchor Bible series), a tale of human kindness and just dealing far beyond the norm, contains elements that for centuries have been the subject of debate. With sprightly translation and commentary rich in informed speculation Professor Campbell considers the questions of layman and scholar alike.

Finding no overt almighty acts, the layman asks, ‘Why was Ruth included in the Bible at all? Where is God?’ Professor Campbell shows that God is not only present throughout, but is indeed the moving force behind all the developments of the story. Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz each act as God to each other, by taking extraordinary responsibility and performing extraordinary acts of kindness. And it is God who is responsible for the series of coincidences on which the plot hinges.

The scholar’s questions deal with such matters as purpose, date, genre. Professor Campbell’s research into ancient customs and linguistics suggests to him that Ruth is an historical novelette, entertaining and instructive, composed not long after the reign of King David, during the time of Solomon or within the subsequent century. He demonstrates the story-teller’s skill with sensitive analysis of form, pacing, word-play. By delving into word origins and nuances he shows how convincingly the characters are developed.

One instance: that Naomi and Boaz use obsolescent language, emphasizing the generation gap between them and Ruth.

In addition, the illustrations help the reader understand unfamiliar elements of the story – the setting, the agricultural seasons and harvesting, the clothing of the times, the city gate where elders and interested villagers gather to make sure that all is done in a just and godly way.

Edward F. Campbell, Jr., is Professor of Old Testament at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

Table of contents:
Preface … IX
List of Illustrations … XIII
Principal Abbreviations … XV
Transcription Equivalents in the Notes … XVII
Glossary of Terms … XIX

INTRODUCTION … 1
What Is the Book of Ruth? … 3
The Artistry of the Story-Teller … 10
The Hebrew Singer of Tales … 18
The Date of Composition … 23
The Theology … 28
Canonical Status and Canonical Place … 32
The Text … 36

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY … 42

TRANSLATION, NOTES, AND COMMENTS … 47
I. A Family of Sojourners (1:1–5) … 49
II. Returning Home (1:6–22) … 60
III. Amid Alien Corn? (2:1–23) … 85
IV. The Encounter at the Threshing Floor (3:1–18) … 114
V. The Resolution at the City Gate (4:1–12) … 139
VI. ‘A Son Is Born to Naomi!’ (4:13–17) … 162
VII. A Genealogical Appendix (4:18–22) … 170

INDEX OF SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES … 175
Key to the Text … 189

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