When the Chronicler retells the story of David’s kingdom, he “conveniently” leaves out the story of Bathsheba and Uriah. Is this because the Chronicler wants to show a more sanitized version of David’s story? One where he is shown as a hero? No, because the Chronicler finds an even worse transgression: the census.
Ruth enjoins the covenant, and the covenant curses, upon herself to entwine her life with Naomi’s. Rather than elation, we find an all too familiar reality: disappointment, despite the work of God.
We move forward in the story, finally! A reverse exodus, a flood, a lack of king…biblical imagery swirls as the story of Ruth finally gets started…and it’s looking like this story will be just as messy as the first bit.
Another structural point on Ruth: a chiasm.
