Ludwig Lavater compares the short book of Ruth to "precious jewels" of "exceptional worth," which provides "the greatest usefulness to all parts of life." Bringing this important study into the modern era, this new translation by Michael Hunter, with a biographical introduction by Jonathan Gibson, makes accessible these biblically rich sermons from a sixteenth-century pastor and scholar. Lavater's sermons on Ruth promote virtuous living for Christian men and women and culminate by showing how the genealogy of David points us to Jesus Christ. The Book of Ruth Explained is a useful guide for laypeople, pastors, and scholars who desire to study the book of Ruth and apply it to everyday life.