Keywords
Ruth, Israel, Gentiles
Abstract
n the historical context of the late fifth century BC, the book of Ruth was a powerful story of hope and redemption for the eventual gathering and restoration of Israel’s covenants. Connecting their golden period of unity under King David to this idyllic tale with a beautiful happy ending may be more than a family story. It could also be read allegorically to prophesy the promised gathering of Israel by the Gentiles in the Latter-days. The key to understanding the symbolic layer of this story lies in deciphering the Hebrew meanings of the characters’ names, with Naomi representing the Israelites, and Ruth the Gentiles. Doing so unlocks the messages in the story of the Gentiles gathering Israel, the marriage relationship of Christ and the Church, and the promise of a Millennial Messiah. Exploring the connection of the book of Ruth, Pentecost, and harvest themes adds more significance to this allegory.
Recommended Citation
Francisco, Jan
(2025)
"The “Allegory” of Ruth as a Prophecy of Latter-day Gathering,"
Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship: Vol. 63, Article 17.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/interpreter/vol63/iss1/17
