Bible Study Guide: Ruth: Ancient Words Bible Study Series

By Andrew J. Lamont-Turner

Journey with Ruth and Naomi as they navigate the twists and turns of life in ancient Bethlehem. With the loss of their husbands and the uncertainty of their future, these two women must rely on each other and their unwavering faith to overcome adversity. But when Ruth meets Boaz, a wealthy landowner, their lives are forever changed as they embark on a journey of love, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's plan. Don't miss this heartwarming tale of perseverance, hope, and the power of love in the Book of Ruth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew J. Lamont-Turner
• Release date: Apr 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224766956

Andrew J. Lamont-Turner

Andrew Lamont-Turner is a theological scholar, author, and Bible teacher who has dedicated his life to pursuing theological knowledge and disseminating spiritual wisdom. With a profound understanding of the scriptures and a passion for teaching, Andrew has emerged as a leading voice in the field of theology. His extensive academic qualifications and love for God and his family have shaped him into a multifaceted individual committed to nurturing spiritual growth and intellectual exploration. Academic Journey: Andrew's academic journey reflects his thirst for theological understanding. He holds a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Theology (Honours), Master of Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology. These qualifications represent years of rigorous study and a commitment to excellence in his field. Furthermore, Andrew's intellectual curiosity extends beyond theology, as he also possesses a Bachelor of Education (Honours) and several Postgraduate Certificates in various commercial fields. This interdisciplinary approach has enriched his perspective and broadened his ability to connect theological principles with everyday life. Teaching and Writing: Andrew's knowledge of theology has been expressed through his teaching and writing endeavours. As an educator, he has inspired countless students through his engaging lectures and insights into the scriptures. His ability to distil complex theological concepts into accessible teachings has garnered him a reputation as an exceptional communicator. In addition to his teaching, Andrew is a prolific author who has published several books and a comprehensive Bible study series. His books delve into various aspects of Christian theology, offering insights, practical guidance, and thought-provoking reflections. With meticulous research, clear exposition, and a genuine desire to bridge the gap between academic theology and everyday faith, Andrew's writings have touched the lives of many, nurturing their spiritual growth and deepening their understanding of God's Word. Pastoral Leadership: Living his faith ensures Andrew takes his Pastoral Leadership very seriously. He is the Pastor of a community church in rural South Africa, where he ensures the flock entrusted to him by God is well-fed and looked after.

Book preview

Introduction to this study

This study comprises questions based on the various verses of Scripture taken from the Book of Ruth. Part 1 highlights verses from the book that draw particular attention to specific principles within the Book of Ruth. Part 2 is the verse-by-verse study that requires the reader to complete the questions and tasks. If this is done in a cell group environment, these answers should be discussed within the group. Within each section, additional study questions will require independent study. These questions need careful research and answering. Part 3 comprises the Knowledge Check on the Book of Ruth, where you can test how well your study has gone.

This book serves as a workbook to record the answers to the questions. Additional space may also be required to work through the more extended research questions.

Access to commentary is advisable to answer the questions. However, Bible reading and discussion will often result in in-depth, thoughtful answers.

Answering the questions is not a race. Careful thought should go into writing down the answers, specifically the life application of these questions and their answers.

Engaging in a Bible Study suggests that the reader recognises their need to understand Scripture and the depth of wisdom that follows knowing and understanding God and His ways. This is a spiritual journey, and it takes time as you investigate the verses, their meaning as the writer intended them to be, and their life application. Ensure prayer precedes each step of the way, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and opening your heart and mind to the knowledge of God.

This study matters as it might apply to your life’s reality. In other words, this study considers the Book’s Theology and other principles derived from the book within a framework that makes it easier to apply principles to our daily lives. This study is not a commentary, and although specific information about each book is provided, this study does not engage in textual criticism.

PART 1: General Information

Title

The biblical book of Ruth draws its title from the central character, honouring her pivotal role in the narrative. Scholars offer varying perspectives on the primary figures within the account's framework. One analysis proposes Naomi as the central character in the overarching plot, Boaz as the key figure in the dialogues, and Obed as embodying the book's primary purpose. Ruth's name, which carries rich significance, possibly denotes concepts such as friendship, comfort, or refreshment. While its origin is believed to be Moabite rather than Hebrew, the precise etymology remains uncertain.

Some scholars suggest that Ruth's name may stem from the Hebrew root rwh, connoting actions like to soak, irrigate, or refresh, possibly alluding to her journey and the impact she had on those around her. As Ruth's account unfolded in Israel and gained circulation through the Book of Ruth, her name surged in popularity among Jews and later Christians.

Across various translations and versions of the text—Hebrew (Masoretic), Greek (Septuagint), Latin (Vulgate), and modern languages—the same title, emphasising Ruth's significance, adorns the book, underscoring its enduring relevance and universal appeal.

Date & Writer

The final composition of the Book of Ruth likely occurred after David's ascension to kingship in Hebron around 1011 B.C., as David holds a significant place in its genealogy (see Ruth 4:17, 22). However, pinpointing the exact timeframe of its completion proves challenging. Traditional Jewish sources, such as the Babylonian Talmud, attribute authorship to Samuel, reflecting ancient Jewish tradition. If Samuel, or a contemporary of his, indeed authored the book, the genealogical additions likely came later, possibly during the reigns of David or Solomon.

In contrast, modern critical scholars tend to advocate for a much later date of composition. Their reasoning often hinges on theories concerning the dating of Deuteronomy, with many asserting it was written during or after the Babylonian Exile, along with Joshua through 2 Kings. Consequently, they argue that Ruth must have been composed after these texts. However, there is a growing trend among critics to place the book's origins within the monarchy period.

Despite these differing perspectives, many conservative scholars reject these critical theories, contending that they lack solid textual or historical foundations. Instead, they uphold the traditional understanding of the book's origins and authorship, maintaining its historical and theological integrity within the broader context of biblical literature.

The authorship of the Book of Ruth remains a mystery, with various possibilities proposed, including Samuel, one of his contemporaries, David, Solomon, or another individual. Daniel Block suggests that a resident of the former Northern Kingdom, whose family survived the Assyrian conquest and deportation a century prior, could have penned the narrative.

Originally appended to the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible, Ruth later found its place in the third division of the Jewish canon, the Kethubim (Writings). Its positioning immediately following Proverbs and preceding the Song of Songs in most Hebrew Bibles creates a thematic connection, associating Ruth with themes of virtue and relationships.

The Jews incorporated the Book of Ruth into the liturgy of the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, underscoring its religious significance within Jewish tradition.

The opening verse of Ruth places the events within the era of Israel's judges, suggesting possible shared authorship or compilation with the Book of Judges. The Babylonian Talmud supports this notion. While minor alterations may have occurred under divine guidance after Ruth's original composition, the book's structural coherence and thematic unity argue for the likelihood of a single author. Some scholars speculate that the author could have been a woman, perhaps Naomi, given the prominent roles of assertive female characters in the narrative. However, such assertions remain speculative due to the absence of concrete evidence.

Context

The assertion that the events depicted in the Book of Ruth occurred during the period of the judges governing Israel (see Ruth 1:1) has led many scholars to examine the genealogy presented in Ruth 4:18-22 to determine the timeframe in which Ruth lived. If the genealogy is considered comprehensive, it suggests that Boaz lived during the seventh generation after Perez, the son of Judah, making Boaz the great-grandfather of King David.

When considering the lifespans during the patriarchal period, which could be notably long, scholars often calculate backwards from David to estimate historical dates. Conservative estimates place David's lifetime roughly between 1041 and 971 B.C. David, the seventh son of his father Jesse, whose birth could have been approximately 35 years or more earlier according to 1 Chronicles 2:12-15, provides a basis for this calculation. Thus, Boaz might have been born around 1150 B.C., and his son Obed was born to Ruth around 1100 B.C.

Given that most events in Ruth occurred shortly before