Brief Summary: The setting for the Book of Ruth begins in the heathen country of Moab, a region northeast of the Dead Sea, but then moves to Bethlehem. This true account takes place during the dismal days of failure and rebellion of the Israelites, called the period of the Judges. A famine forces Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, from their Israelite home to the country of Moab. Elimelech dies and Naomi is left with her 2 sons, who soon marry 2 Moabite girls, Orpah and Ruth. Later both of the sons die, and Naomi is left alone with Orpah and Ruth in a strange land. Orpah returns to her parents, but Ruth determines to stay with Naomi as they journey to Bethlehem.
Muhtasari kwa Kifupi: Utunzi wa Kitabu cha Ruthu ulianza katika nchi ya makafiri wa Moabu, sehemu ya kaskazini mashariki mwa Bahari ya Chumvi, lakini kisha unaenda hadi Bethlehemu. Nakili hii ya kweli inafanyika wakati wa siku za kuhuzunisha kwa kuanguka na uasi wa Waisraeli, unaoitwa kipindi cha Waamuzi. Njaa inamlazimisha Elimeleki na mkewe Naomi, kutoka nyumbani kwao Israeli hadi nchi ya Moabu. Elimeleki anakufa na Naomi anaachwa na wanawe wawili, ambao wanaoa kwa haraka wasichana wawili wa Wamoabi, Orpa na Ruthu. Baadaye wanawe Naomi wote wanakufa, na Naomi anaachwa pekee na Orpa na Ruthu katika nchi wasioijua.