Interpreting Historical Books in the Old Testament: Case Study on the Book of Ruth

Biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) is essential for understanding God’s revelation. In Luke 10:25–37, Jesus emphasizes both the written text and its meaning, demonstrating the necessity of proper interpretation. Since the Bible consists of various literary genres—especially historical books—interpreting these texts requires a sound hermeneutical approach. Despite the importance of historical books in Scripture, there is often a lack of clarity on how to interpret them accurately. Many readers either view them as mere historical records or impose allegorical meanings, leading to misinterpretation. This raises the question: What hermeneutical principles should guide the interpretation of biblical historical books to ensure faithfulness to the text and its theological message? This study aims to establish a hermeneutical framework for interpreting historical books in the Bible. It provides general principles of biblical interpretation and applies them specifically to Old Testament historical books. The book of Ruth serves as a case study to demonstrate how these principles function in practice. A proper hermeneutical approach ensures that historical books are interpreted within their literary, historical, and theological contexts. By following sound principles, readers can better understand and apply biblical narratives, preserving their theological integrity.