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Traditions of Return Migration for a Multi-cultural Society

정중호 1

1계명대학교

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ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to argue that return migration is a key theme in the book of Ruth, while emphasizing the importance of return migration in a multi-cultural society. In particular, this study will refocus the character of Ruth as a return migrant, rather than a simple migrant. Finally, the Davidic royal genealogy(Ruth 4:18-22) will be reinterpreted in terms of this return migration. When analyzing the structure of the book of Ruth, it can be found that the story of Naomi, rather than the story of Ruth, occupies the core and the return migration story of Naomi forms the center of the structure. Although Ruth's identity as a foreign woman is combined with her identity as Naomi's daughter-in-law, it is clear that Ruth returns with Naomi. The most important question is how Ruth’s identity as a return migrant is to be accepted in Bethlehem community. Here the role of Boaz is to be highlighted. At first sight, Boaz regards Ruth as Naomi's daughter-in-law. Playing the roles of Goel and a levirate marriage partner, Boaz helps Ruth to be recognized as a return migrant. The reason why the Davidic royal genealogy is shown in the book of Ruth is because the story of Ruth is an ideal narrative that functions as a foundational story for the Davidic dynasty. The story of Ruth and Naomi is a tradition of return migration, and the story of Boaz is to help returning migrants. Since the Davidic dynasty and national leaders have the character of returning migrants, the book of Ruth can contribute positively to our understanding of the house of David.

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* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.
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