‘Flawed’ on Ruth

I am responding to the commentary by Dr. Jeffrey M. Leonard in your “Bible Studies for Life” column in the Oct. 26 edition of The Alabama Baptist.

I know that Dr. Leonard is a regular writer for The Alabama Baptist and I enjoy his biblical insight. However, I have never heard/read such a negative interpretation on the book of Ruth. I choose to embrace Dr. David Jeremiah’s commentary in his study Bible which points out that the book’s themes are “… redemption, loyalty and kindness, and God’s sovereignty.”

In fact, in his “What It Means for You” section of his commentary, he makes these powerful statements: “In this story we find three people who went against the status quo and faithfully heeded the Lord’s direction even when they could not see where it would take them. And that trusting obedience brought redemption for us all, not just their family.”

I am not a skilled theologian, just a simple Bible student, but I believe Dr. Leonard’s theology is flawed in his treatment of the Book of Ruth.

Judy H. Robbins
Evergreen, Ala.