The Journey - March 2, 2019

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)
 
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