Written in the times of the prophet Samuel, the story of Ruth adheres to the timeline of the early part of the book of Judges and as such is often times associated with it. The events pertaining to Ruth were believed to have taken place between 1160 B.C and 1100 B.C.
As to the author of this book, some attribute it to Eli the priest, who seems to have been too soon to give an account of the birth of David; others to Gad or Nathan; some to Hezekiah, and others to Ezra; but what the Talmudists assert, which is most generally received, and most probable, is, that it was written by Samuel; so they say Samuel wrote his own books, Judges, and Ruth; and it is commonly said that this book is an appendix to that of the Judges, and the introduction to 1 Samuel, and is fitly placed between them both. There are even claims that the book may have been written by Mordecai, the author and a chief character in the book of Esther.
Apart from Esther, Ruth is the only other book in the Bible named after a woman. Also, Ruth is the only book in the Bible where the protagonist of the story is the woman after whom the book is named. C. I Scofield in his commentary identifies the journey of Ruth with that of a Christian believer. Ruth also gives a normal Christian experience:
Ruth deciding, (Ruth 1)- The entire length of the narrative hinges on Ruth's decision to not remain in Moab but to follow Naomi into the land of her deceased husband.Ruth serving, (Ruth 2)- Ruth serves Naomi without the hope of any reward. She goes into the field collecting grain and making flour. She takes responsibilities she is not supposed to take, simply to comfort the woman who has lost enough.Ruth resting, (Ruth 3)- Once Ruth finds the field of Boaz she finds help and some semblance of security among his women and servants. She receives help.Ruth rewarded, (Ruth 4)- Ruth regains a husband, has a child and attains a legacy in the fact that she becomes the great-grandmother of the second king of Israel.
The Book of Ruth is divided into four distinct settings.
1st setting: The country of Moab. 1:1-182nd setting: A field in Bethlehem. 1:19 - 2:233rd setting: A threshing floor in Bethlehem. 3:1-184th setting: The city of Behtlehem. 4:1-2
The journey is symbolic as it marks an inward journey into God's covenant. Moab is outside of Judah. The fields were generally outside the city. The threshing fields closer to the cities and then finally the city of Bethlehem.
Though the book covers a time period of almost 10 years it is not surprising to find that the major part of the book spans only a short period of time. The speed with which the latter part of the narrative progresses seems to highlight the force of God's breakthrough.
