Ruth & Esther: God Behind the Seen (Focus on the Bible Commentaries | FB)
Overview
For each section of the Bible, the Focus on the Bible Commentaries summarize the passage of Scripture, including the intentions of the authors, the historical and cultural environment, and the questions and issues raised by a particular passage. But most importantly, the Focus on the Bible Commentaries brings you into the heart of the Bible, by explaining Scripture in an accessible way that makes sense for daily Christian living.
Tragedy and triumph—the books of Ruth and Esther tell the stories of two women who achieve success against all odds. One woman overcomes a personal tragedy, the other a nationwide crisis. The roads they take to succeed, however, are quite different.
This fascinating study provides a practical commentary on the lives of two women as it shows readers the providential care of the unseen God for his people—not only in past history, but in our day as well. Even seemingly out-of-control crises are under his watchful care.
Teachers of Bible study groups as well as pastors will find this volume a rich source of insight into the text and a real inspiration for living.
- Chapter-by-chapter commentary
- Accessible and readable exposition
- Eminently useful for preaching, teaching, and both personal and group Bible study
Top Highlights
“Ruth 1:1–5 teaches that a decision to take a spiritual shortcut could bring you to a disastrous dead end before the Lord.” (Page 20)
“As Erma Bombeck has sagely (and hilariously) observed, ‘the grass is always greener over the septic tank.’13” (Page 25)
“Who were Ruth’s original readers, and why was it written? The preceding discussion strongly implies that it had to do with David’s claim to the throne, or, if later, the ongoing claim of the Davidic line through Solomon. Perhaps much of Israel came to know that David had Gentile blood in his veins, by virtue of having a Moabitess great-grandmother, Ruth (Ruth 1:4). If so, the Book of Ruth would likely have been widely read in Israel as a crucial defense for David’s kingship.” (Pages 15–16)
“It is read annually by the Jewish people at the Feast of Pentecost, celebrating the harvest and first fruits” (Pages 16–17)
“Shortcuts do frequently lead to dead ends, not just on the highway. Many of life’s crucial decisions are made with the shortsighted choice being to take a shortcut or the easy way out. Many who make such decisions live to regret such choices when the longer-term consequences become clear. Sometimes, unfortunately, that is too late.” (Pages 19–20)
They did an excellent job in presenting the facts and commenting on them rather than filling our ears with unnecessary personal interpretation. I came away completely satisfied . . .
—Tricia Bleu, Teens 4 Jesus Library
- Title: Ruth & Esther: God Behind the Seen
- Authors: A. Boyd Luter, Barry C. Davis
- Series: Focus on the Bible Commentary
- Publisher: Christian Focus
- Print Publication Date: 2003
- Logos Release Date: 2011
- Pages: 384
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. O.T. Ruth › Commentaries; Bible. O.T. Esther › Commentaries
- Resource ID: LLS:FOBC08RUES
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-08-14T21:56:33Z
Barry C. Davis is Associate Professor of Bible and Hebrew at Multnomah Biblical Seminary in Portland Oregon. He holds degrees from the University of Hawaii, Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, the University of Southern California, Talbot School of Theology, and Trinity International University.
A. Boyd Luter is Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at the Criswell College. A father of three, he lives in Texas.