Me: I know that there are even deeper levels of analysis here. For example, I read once that there is a poem or song in Ruth that is thought to be ancient, perhaps one of the oldest things in the OT (Even though Ruth itself is not so old).
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AI: That’s a fascinating thread to pull on. The Book of Ruth, though often dated to the post-exilic period (around 400 BCE), contains linguistic and poetic elements that suggest it preserves much older material, possibly reaching back to the early monarchy or even pre-monarchic Israel.

The Ancient Core: Ruth 1:16–17

The passage most often cited as ancient poetry is Ruth’s declaration to Naomi:

> 'Where you go, I will go;
> Where you lodge, I will lodge;
> Your people shall be my people,
> And your God my God.
> Where you die, I will die,
> And there will I be buried.'

This is widely recognized as a formal poetic structure, with:
- Parallelism typical of early Hebrew poetry
- A vow formula resembling ancient covenant language
- A rhythm and intensity that suggest oral tradition

Some scholars believe this passage may have originated as a folk saying or liturgical vow, later embedded into the narrative. Its archaic style and emotional force stand out from the surrounding prose.

Why It Might Be Ancient

- Linguistic markers: The Hebrew here uses forms and cadences more typical of early biblical poetry, akin to the Song of Deborah (Judges 5) or Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 2).
- Cultural resonance: The themes of loyalty, kinship, and covenant reflect values central to early Israelite identity.
- Narrative placement: It functions as a turning point in the story, almost like a ritual utterance.

Ruth as a Literary Palimpsest

While the book as a whole is likely post-exilic, written to promote inclusive identity and Davidic legitimacy, it may preserve:
- Older oral traditions
- Poetic fragments
- Genealogical lore linking Ruth to King David

This layering is part of what makes Ruth so rich - it’s a late literary frame wrapped around early emotional and theological depth.