Judges and Ruth (Focus on the Bible | 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.
In the lawless period of the history of Israel between the invasion of Canaan and the establishment of the monarchy there existed military leaders, national heroes called the Judges. The lesson of the book of Judges is that Israel's survival depended upon loyalty to God and that disloyalty always ended in disaster. It also shows God's faithfulness to his people when they turned in repentance.
The story of Ruth is set in the times of the Judges. It shows the blessings that came upon a foreigner when she turned to Israel's God at a time when Israel was turning away.
What’s more, with the Logos edition, Scripture passages are linked to your favorite English translation for quick reference, or to your Greek and Hebrew texts for original-language study! That gives you quick access to the message of the Bible as you study it! You can also read the Focus on the Bible: Judges & Ruth along with your Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, and the wealth of other Bible study tools in your digital library. This commentary will serve as a vital aid for sermon preparation, for personal and group Bible study, and for anyone looking to apply the text of Scripture to practical Christian life.
- Chapter-by-chapter commentary
- Accessible and readable exposition
- Eminently useful for preaching, teaching, and both personal and group Bible study
Top Highlights
“The first great lesson is this: when people become disciples of the Lord it changes their way of life.” (Page 139)
“Secondly, God had made it clear that Moab, a people who worshipped the fire god Chemosh, were a people to be avoided by the people of God (see Deuteronomy 23:3–6 and compare 2 Kings 3:26, 27 and Numbers 21:29).” (Page 132)
“But Ruth was only his daughter-in-law and no duty rested on her to raise children to keep alive Elimelech’s name” (Page 148)
“Naomi’s conversation with her daughters-in-law in verses 8–13 has been differently understood by Christian interpreters. However, the most likely explanation of her words is this. Naomi had to face the cost of her own re-commitment to the Lord. She was anxious that her daughters-in-law did the same. With great wisdom, therefore, she put the difficulties of commitment to the Lord before them. She did not want them to be deceived as to what they might expect.” (Page 135)
“Showing remarkable spiritual maturity for one of her age and experience, Ruth recognised that faithfulness to the intention of God’s Word required her to marry a kinsman of Elimelech. In his response to Ruth (verses 10–13) Boaz showed he recognised Ruth’s obedience to God. He himself (see especially chapter 4) then showed the same obedience to the intention of God’s Word.” (Page 150)
- Title: Focus on the Bible: Judges & Ruth
- Author: Stephen Dray
- Publisher: Christian Focus
- Publication Date: 2006
- Pages: 160