Ruth swearing her allegiance to Naomi, by Jan Victors, 1653. In both the New Testament and Hebrew Bible, widows are repeatedly the subjects of miracles. Following the death of her husband, a widow’s best hope for security would be her son’s ability to provide for her. The loss of a son was thus an even greater tragedy for a widow.
Adele Berlin argues that the story of Ruth illuminates the main theme of the Hebrew Bible: the continuity of God’s people in their land.
The story of Ruth (Ruth 1–4) is interpreted as being about comeliness, kindness and grace. What is left unexplained is why nobody offered to help Ruth or Naomi, why they did not return to the farmstead that they obviously owned, and why the land became a point of contention in the final chapter of the book.
Deborah, a prophetess and judge in the Bible, led Israel to victory against the Canaanites, showcasing her wisdom, courage, and leadership.
Rahab the harlot? It may be a surprise to some readers, but Biblical prostitutes were commonly mentioned in the text. What was the profession of Rahab in the Bible? Here, she assists Israelite spies down what may be a casemate wall, within which her home may have been located. Engraving by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Germany, 1860. Image: CCI/The Art Archive at Art Resource, NY.