Ruth and 1 Samuel

Teacher: Ed Reifsnyder

Two books. One book, a warm story of love, devotion, and a whirlwind romance. (Or was it a business transaction?) The other book? A history of turbulent times, pivotal moments in the history of the Jews, personal failures, and lots of blood.

Ruth

Listen to the book of Ruth from BibleGateway: ESV, KJV, MSG, NIV

Some questions to ponder about Ruth.

Who do you like in this story? Why?
Was it wrong for Boaz, a Jew, to marry Ruth, a woman of Moab?
Why is this book in the canon of the Hebrew Bible?
What is there here for us to learn?
When do you think it was written? Why is that important?

Short Outline of Ruth from Today's English Version

Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth (1:1-22)
Ruth meets Boaz (2:1 – 3:18)
Boaz marries Ruth (4:1-22)

1 Samuel

Listen to the book of 1 Samuel from BibleGateway: ESV, KJV, MSG, NIV

Some questions to ponder about 1 Samuel

At this critical moment in Jewish history, why does God so quickly tell Samuel to go ahead and appoint a king when God is clearly opposed?
Did God know Saul would fail? If so, why appoint him?
How long was it from the time David was anointed until he actually succeeded Saul? Why so long?
Why was the history of "God's people" so turbulent? Is it always that way? Think about that question in the light of history since the time of Jesus.
Do you suppose there were better people on the planet for God to work with than the Jews?

Short Outline of 1 Samuel from Today's English Version

Samuel as judge of Israel (1:1 – 7:17)
Saul becomes king (8:1 – 10:27)
The first years of Saul’s reign (11:1 – 15:35)
David and Saul (16:1 – 30:31)
The death of Saul and his sons (31:1-13)