Under the Wings: Reflections in the Book of Ruth

Under the Wings by Samson Gitau reflects on the Book of Ruth and its relevance to contemporary society. Ruth, a young Moabitess widow, makes the most profound vow to stick with Naomi, her widowed Jewish mother-in-law. Leaving the comforts of her people, the young foreigner travels with Naomi to Bethlehem where she remarries becoming the great grandmother of King David, an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Sheltered "under the wings," Ruth provides shelter for Israel and all humanity. The book presents an insightful understanding of the polarities of life, and the mysteries of divine operation. It exemplfies committed friendship and challenges people of faith to be the willing feet and hands of God in answering the prayers they make.

The Rev. Dr. Samson Gitau is the Episcopal chaplain for the Diocese of West Tennessee, serving the University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, and LeMoyne-Owen College. He is also adjunct professor of religion at the University of Memphis. A native of Kenya, the author is a graduate of Yale Divinity school, and holds a Ph.D. from Boston University, majoring in the Hebrew Bible and ancient Near Eastern literature. Rev. Gitau is the author of One Boat One Destiny, A study in the Book of Jonah, in addition to many other articles addressing religion in contemporary society.