Be Teachable

"The sketchy details of the story and the customs involved do not effect the overall meaning of the story." (Sailhamer 214) This chapter has some weird stuff that doesn't really make sense to us. Don't focus on that. Focus on what is happening in the big picture.

Open your Bibles to Ruth 3 and read along as we talk through the chapter. (Seriously open your Bible or at least open this in a new tab!)

Read verse 1.What Naomi is really saying here is "shall I find you a husband?" That word rest or security is the same one we see in 1:9 where she adds "in the house of her husband."

Read verses 2-5. Naomi comes up with a plan and Ruth says she'll be obedient to it. No questions, no suggestions for another way. She trusts Naomi to know the customs of her people and obeys without any debate.
Also, in verse 2 when it talks about the threshing floor... that was a shared building in the community. They would each be assigned a turn to use it. That's why Boaz would be sleeping there; he needs to keep an eye on his stuff that it doesn't get stolen.

Read verses 6-9. Ruth carries out the (strange) plan. Boaz wakes up in the middle of the night (after a hard day of work, this was probably God waking him up). He notices a woman, asks who she is and she says "it's Ruth; spread your cover over me." Again we miss some connections not knowing the original language or maybe just because we don't pay attention to details. But that word cover is also translated as wing depending on the version you read. It is the same word used in 2:12 when Boaz is blessing Ruth.
In Exodus 25:17-22, this word is used describing the decorations on the ark of the covenant, which was the place God dwelled. In the Psalms, this word is used multiple times explaining that we can go under God's wing as a refuge or shelter for our souls. So readers in biblical times knew the weight of the words Ruth was saying to Boaz, she wasn't simply asking him to share his blanket with her.
And one more thing to note for all the single ladies: This is not a recommended way for women to go find a husband today! According to commentaries, Ruth was being forward but that was because she was a widow. And going at night was probably so if he refused her proposal, he could do so quietly without embarrassing either one of them.


Read verses 10-13. Boaz replies by blessing and encouraging her... gives her some information... and gives her some specific instructions.
In verse 11, Boaz refers to Ruth as a "woman of excellence." In the Hebrew Bible, the books are arranged differently. There's the Law, the Prophets and the Writing. The Law is the first five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy). The Prophets include the historical books where we learn of the prophets as well as the actual books of prophecy (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah & Malachi). Finally, the Writing is the poetic books (Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Esther, Daniel, Ezra & Chronicles). 

Ok, so why does that matter? Ruth is located after Proverbs. The book of Proverbs ends with "An excellent wife, who can find?" (Prov. 31:10) and a description of that woman. Then the book of Ruth is next with an example of an excellent woman. I think it's pretty cool the way that works out.

This whole story has been working out pretty nicely (haha well besides the deaths in the beginning). But as far as things between Boaz and Ruth, everything seems to be falling into place. Until Boaz tells Ruth that there is actually another kinsman redeemer who would have the opportunity to redeem her first. Like any good ABC Family or Lifetime movie, there has to be a bit of conflict in the story.

Read verse 14. Boaz is an upstanding guy and to avoid any rumors, he has Ruth leave so no one notices she was there.

Read verse 15. That amount of barley would have weight about 60 pounds. "She girds herself with strength..." (Prov. 31:17) Ruth is definitely strong! And interestingly, he probably put it on her head for her to carry.

Read verses 16-18. As always, Ruth tells Naomi everything that happened. Naomi responds with confidence that  Boaz will take care of everything today!


Application:

• Be teachable. Listen to the advice given to you by the people who are wiser than you. You don't know everything and other people have more knowledge or more experience that they can offer you. Learn from them! Let them help you not to make decisions you may regret later.
• Girls: Be a woman of excellence. Guys: Be worthy of a woman of excellence. As we talked about with chapter 1, this was written in the time of the Judges when not many people were very excellent or worthy. Boaz and Ruth were exceptions. They were worthy when most peole around them were worthless. Regardless of what the people around you are doing, strive to be like Christ. In doing so, you will become a woman of excellence (or a worthy man).
• Don't dilly dally on important matters. Some times we need to think about decisions, like where to go to college or whether to move to Hawaii or other significant choices. But sometimes there are simple, yet important decisions that we should make immediately. These choices are whether to do the right thing or not. If Lauren is sad and lonely, I don't need to think for hours or days or weeks about whether I should talk to her and encourage her. Don't dilly dally, the answer is obvious.

Feel free to comment or email me your thoughts!

And to cite my source, the quote from the beginning is from the NIV Compact Bible Commentary by John H. Sailhamer.
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In Sunday School, we are going through the book of Ruth. We read the chapter and discuss as we go along. I always make the teens share how they think we can apply it before I share what I think.

Are you worthy?

Open your Bibles to Ruth 2 and read along as we talk through the chapter. (Seriously open your Bible or at least open this in a new tab!)
Read verse 1. Like an great literary work, the Bible includes foreshadowing. This is clearly demonstrated with our introduction to Boaz. (Also fun to note, Boaz is called worthy here. Years ago in Sunday School we studied the book of Judges and it often referred to a person as worthless or worthy which let you know you were about to read a story demonstrating that quality. You can find some of those worthless/worthy references here.)

Read verse 2: Foreigners, orphans and widows were in a tough spot in ancient times. Throughout the Bible we see commands to help them. In Deuteronomy 24:19, the people are told that when they are harvesting they are to leave some grain for them to pick up. This is why Ruth heads out to the field.

Setting the Stage for What's to Come

Recap: Hannah prayed for years for a son before the Lord gave one to her. She gave Samuel to Eli the priest so he could serve the Lord.

Read verses 1-10: These verses are Hannah's prayer (or song) and would have been tied to the sacrifice she made in regard to Samuel's birth – well, God's answer to prayers more so than the actual answer itself. Some commentators feel that her prayer shows the themes of 1 and 2 Samuel. We see God's sovereignty, and the expected Messiah.
Hannah shares a lot of theology in her prayer. What attributes of God does Hannah rejoice over? Or what things does she praise him for?

• The salvation He gives (v1)
• His holiness (v2)
• His strength (rock- v2)
• His knowledge (v3)
• He is just (v3)
• He is sovereign which means He controls all things and He is omnipotent or all-powerful (v5-9)

Also, verses 4-5 seem specific to Peninnah and Hannah's situation. Verses 9-10 we see a little bit of eschatology, meaning there are  prophetic remarks about what's to happen in the future. As we read Samuel, we will see that they were fulfilled immediately but also will be filled in the end times.

Read verse 11: Elkanah (and although unstated, Hannah) go home, Samuel remains with Eli to minister to the Lord.

Read verse 12a: "worthless men" - From seeing this phrase repeatedly in the book of Judges, we should know this is foreshadowing something bad is about to happen… And it's especially terrible because we know Eli's sons are what? Priests!

Read verses 12b-17: Phineas and Hophni didn't know the Lord and continually broke ruless and really stole what belongs to the Lord. Their sin is causing others to sin because their sacrifices are not being done properly. Their sin of Phineas and Hophni is very great. We don't understand a lot of the meaning behind what's going on with the sacrificial customs, but the fat portion belonged to the Lord, and that's what they're stealing. So this is a huge issue because it's sin being committed against the Lord!!

Read verse 18: Samuel is actually serving… Also it says he's wearing an ephod, which in Exodus 28 we learn that it's a garment worn by priests.

Read verses 19-21: Hannah and Elkanah continue to sacrifice yearly. Hannah brings Samuel a homemade robe each time. Because of this, Eli asks the Lord to bless them with more children, and he does with five more. Again it emphasizes that Samuel continues to grow.

Read verses 22-25: Eli is getting old. He knows that his sons do terrible things (both the stuff with the sacrifices we saw previously and now it also mentions that they sleep with women at the temple). Eli pleads with his sons to repent because their sins are against God, not men. They refused to listen and God is going to put them to death.
Depending on what version you read, it says God desired to put them to death or that he longs to put them to death. Ultimately, God longs for each of us to repent, however sin has consequences and if we refuse to repent, God will punish us for our sins.

Read verse 26: The atrocity of Eli's sons is book-ended by reports of Samuel's growth and favor. It is a huge contrast between how these men who are supposed to be priests are portrayed versus this boy growing up. The wording here is also very reminiscent of the wording used to describe Jesus in Luke 2:52.

Read verses 27-34?: "Man of God" – a human messenger sent by God with this message (paraphrased of course):

• You know me (v27). 
• You know I choose your tribe (v28). 
• Why do you to file me (v29)? 
• Punishment is coming for the defilers (v30-33). 
• Sons die same day (v34). 
• But God will raise up a faithful priest (v35). 
• He will be over Eli's household (v36).

Application:

• Don't let your age hinder you. (1Tim. 4:12) Samuel was a boy and yet the one who was doing the right thing. Just because people are older, it does not mean they are automatically correct or more spiritual. Don't fear serving thinking that there are people more qualified than you because of their age.
• Decisions have consequences. Hophni and Phineas are living is sin and seem like they are getting away with it, but it catches up with them. 
• Repent while you can. Even when your decisions have consequences, God longs to forgive us. (Jer. 18:8-9, 1 John 1:9)

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We are currently going through 1 Samuel in the youth group Sunday School class. These are my lessons turned into posts.

Ruth 3

Recap-Chapter 1: Naomi's husband and sons die, widowing her, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi heads back to Israel, but tries to send Orpah and Ruth back to their fathers. Orpah goes, but Ruth says no, your God is now my God and your people, my people. Naomi (call me Mara) and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem in time for the barley harvest.
Chapter 2: Ruth gleans in Boaz's field and catches his attention so he shows her favor.

Read verses 1: Naomi is now getting over her misery and helping Ruth out.

Read verses 2-4: Naomi comes up with a plan for Ruth. According to the Law, there were customs of which man was to step up to care for a woman in place of her deceased husband and also that man would get his land (Deut. 25:5; Lev. 25:23-28).
Winnowing is a time of celebration and work, a party-like atmosphere, tied in with the Feast of Booths (Deut. 16:13-15).

Read verse 5: Ruth says ok to Naomi's plan.

Ruth 2

Recap-Chapter 1: Naomi's husband and sons die, widowing her, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi heads back to Israel, but tries to send Orpah and Ruth back to their fathers. Orpah goes, but Ruth says no, your God is now my God and your people, my people. Naomi (call me Mara) and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem in time for the barley harvest.

Read verse 1: Boaz is a rich relative of Elimelech. More importantly he is referred to as a "worthy man," which stands in stark contrast to all these "worthless fellows" we've read about in Judges.

Read verses 2-3: Ruth gets Naomi's permission, then goes to glean in the fields. This was a provision God had set up for widows and orphans (Deut. 24:19). The field she happens to glean in belongs to Boaz.
As we read through Ruth, we see God's hand working in numerous situations, even if He isn't specifically credited for it, like happened here.

Samuel's Birth

This past Sunday we started studying the book of 1 Samuel in Sunday School. The books of 1&2 Samuel are really one book but it was too long to fit onto one scroll, so that's why it's split as we have it today. The book is next in line chronologically after the book of Judges. We will see that Samuel becomes the last of the judges before Israel then has kings in authority over them.

Read verses 1-2: Elkanah is an Israelite living in Ephraim. If we look in 1 Chron. 6:33-34, we see he is a Levite. Elkanah also has two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah has children but Hannah does not. In biblical times this is a big deal; much of a woman's worth was tied to being able to provide children (particularly sons), to her husband.

Read verse 3: Elkanah goes to sacrifice and worship yearly at the temple, which shows us he follows the Lord. Remember in Judges we saw that people do whatever they want, including Levites. So we are being shown that Elkanah was different in this regard – he obeyed the Lord.
We are also introduced to Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phineas. All three are priests at the temple.

A Levite and His Concubine

The last few chapters of Judges are appendices to the rest of the book. The last two chapters were one continuous story. We now move on to a new story with different characters, but the same theme. Now a word of warning, chapter 19 of Judges would get an R rating if it were a movie. Be prepared for that, no seriously, it's about to get crazy!

Read verse 1a: Yet again we are reminded that there is no king, which should makes us think that the people therefore are doing whatever they want.

Read verse 1b:  A Levite (not the same Levite from the last two chapters) is traveling around (but remember he should be doing priestly duties in a levitical city) and he takes a concubine. Now the question you don't want to answer for 7-12th graders, but you have to since you've been asked is: what exactly is a concubine? Well here are some possible answers:

• a sex slave (some sort of extended prostitution)
• a secondary wife (lacks the respect a wife deserves)
• the bearer of children for barren wives
• woman who was part of a king's harem for sexual gratification
• if a woman was unmarried and had no family, this was a better option than prostitution, homelessness or death.

The definition that seems to best fit this story is that she was like a live-in girlfriend. There was a relationship there but it lacks the commitment of marriage.

Oh and one other thing, The Levite is referred to as "the man," "his son-in-law," "her husband," "his master," and "the traveler" among other things. To make it less confusing, I'm just going to refer to him as the Levite throughout the entire story.

Read verse 2: After some time, the concubine is unfaithful to the Levite and goes to her dad's house for four months. In those days adultery would've been punishable by death so when it says she was unfaithful it means they were just having some issues which cause her to leave.

Read verses 3-4: The Levite goes to woo her back, and is welcomed by her father to stay for a few days.

The Beginning of the Saga of Jephthah

Chapters 10, 11 and 12 are one narrative that all seem to flow together. This week we read chapter 10 and the first half of chapter 11. Next week, we'll finish 11 and read chapter 12.

At the end of chapter 8, we read that the land was at rest. Chapter 9 was all sorts of upheaval as Abimelech tried to seize control of the land. At the end of chapter 9, Abimelech is killed and it seems like the land is at rest, even though we are not specifically told so.

Read verses 1-2: Tola judges Israel 23 years, then dies.

Read verses 3-5: Jair judges Israel 22 years, then dies.

Clearly not much information is given about these two men. They were judges for a number of years. Tola somehow saved Israel. Jair had sons with donkeys and cities. That's about all we know.
There are a few explanations for why this may be the case. They did nothing noteworthy (good, nor bad). Twelve is a popular number in the Bible, so they need to be mentioned so that we can have 12 judges. My guess is that they just lived during quiet, peaceful times (aka, the land was at rest). Think about it, if you are writing the history of the USA in 21 brief chapters, are you going to spend much time on James Garfield, Chester Arthur, Howard Taft, or Jimmy Carter? No, you'd focus on the guys at Mt. Rushmore (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt), FDR or JFK. They are the guys who were presidents at significant times in our country's history. It's not that what other presidents did was insignificant, just not as noteworthy. Of course, I'd give Taft a verse or two mentioning about getting stuck in the White House bathtub or mention in a verse that Garfield was the first left-handed president.

Abimelech

Like any great literary work, the book of Judges gives us some foreshadowing at the end of chapter 8. We are informed Gideon dies leaving behind 70 sons, including Abimelech. (And of course don't forget, Abimelech's name means "my father is king." We discussed some of the ramifications of that last week.)