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Ruth argues with Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy bars Moabites from the assembly for ten generations. Ezra-Nehemiah uses this law to expel foreign spouses. The book of Ruth, from the same era, offers a counter view.
The Bible argues with itself.
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Ruth stays 'the Moabite' to the end; she doesn't have to give up her identity. Meanwhile Deuteronomy forbids hating Edomites, 'for he is your brother,' echoing Jacob and Esau's tearful reconciliation in Genesis.
Bible reference: Deuteronomy 23:3–8; Ruth 4:17
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 390–391
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