<P> The book does not name its author . It is traditionally ascribed to the prophet Samuel , 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 intermarriage had become controversial ( as seen in Ezra 9 : 1 and Nehemiah 13 : 1 ) . A substantial number of scholars therefore date it to the Persian period ( 6th -- 4th centuries BC ) . The genealogy that concludes the book is believed to be a post-exilic 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 . </P>
<P> The book does not name its author . It is traditionally ascribed to the prophet Samuel , 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 intermarriage had become controversial ( as seen in Ezra 9 : 1 and Nehemiah 13 : 1 ) . A substantial number of scholars therefore date it to the Persian period ( 6th -- 4th centuries BC ) . The genealogy that concludes the book is believed to be a post-exilic 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 . </P>
when did the book of ruth take place
when did the book of ruth take place
the fifth century BCE
the fifth century BCE