The authorship of the Book of Ruth has been a topic of scholarly debate for many years. While some traditions attribute the writing of this book to the prophet Samuel, there is no definitive historical evidence to confirm this claim.
One reason some believe Samuel could be the author is that the Book of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges, a period when Samuel lived. However, the text itself does not explicitly state who wrote it, and the writing style and language used in the book suggest it may have been composed later than Samuel’s lifetime.
Additionally, the narrative of Ruth focuses on themes of loyalty, redemption, and God’s providence in the lives of individuals, rather than the prophetic or historical style associated with Samuel’s writings. The book also includes genealogical details that serve to link David to Ruth, suggesting it might have been written with a specific audience and purpose in mind that goes beyond the era of Samuel.
In conclusion, while the idea of Samuel as the author of Ruth is a tradition, it remains unproven and speculative. The true authorship of the Book of Ruth remains unknown, with possibilities including later anonymous authors who were part of the Israelite community reflecting on their history.