Final answer:
The books of Ruth and Ezra present different points of view on the inclusion of foreigners in ancient Israelite society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Points of View on Foreigners in Ruth and Ezra
The books of Ruth and Ezra present different points of view about foreigners among ancient people of faith. In the book of Ruth, the foreigner, Ruth, is celebrated and embraced by the Israelites. She is depicted as a woman of virtue and faith, and her story demonstrates the inclusion of foreigners in the community of faith.
On the other hand, the book of Ezra portrays a more exclusionary perspective. Ezra focuses on the importance of maintaining the purity of the Israelite community and emphasizes the need to separate from foreigners and their religious practices.
In the book of Ruth, Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes an ancestor of King David, highlighting that foreigners can have a significant role in the history and lineage of the Israelites. The book emphasizes kindness, compassion, and acceptance of the foreigner. In contrast, the book of Ezra emphasizes the importance of excluding foreigners and intermarriage with them. Ezra and other leaders push for strict adherence to the law and separation from foreign practices and relationships.