Editing Book of Ruth (section)

==Composition and genre==
According to some scholars, the Book of Ruth is likely a work of historical fiction.<ref name=":0">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Trible |first=Phyllis |title=Ruth: Bible |encyclopedia=The Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women |url=https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/ruth-bible |access-date=January 5, 2025 |quote= …probably a piece of historical fiction set in the time of the judges.}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web |last=Koosed |first=Jennifer L. |title=Ruth as a Fairy Tale |url=https://legendmakers.bibleodyssey.com/articles/ruth-as-a-fairy-tale/ |website=Bible Odyssey |access-date=January 5, 2025}}</ref> Other scholars hold that the Book is a historical narrative written in the form of a short story.<ref name=":2" />

The book does not name its author.{{sfn|Hubbard|1988|p=23}} It is traditionally ascribed to the prophet [[Samuel]] (11th century BCE), but Ruth's identity as a non-Israelite and the stress on the need for an inclusive attitude towards foreigners suggests an origin in the fifth century BCE, when [[Exogamy|intermarriage]] had become controversial (as seen in [[Ezra–Nehemiah|Ezra]] 9:1 and [[book of Nehemiah|Nehemiah]] 13:1).{{sfn|Leith|2007|p=391}}

A substantial number of scholars therefore date it to the [[Achaemenid Empire|Persian period]] (550–330 BCE).{{sfn|Grabbe|2004|p=105}} The genealogy that concludes the book is believed to be a post-exilic [[Priestly source|Priestly]] addition, as it adds nothing to the plot; nevertheless, it is carefully crafted and integrates the book into the [[history of Israel]] running from Genesis to Kings.{{sfn|West|2003|p=211}}