Frequently Asked Questions About the Old Testament
Session 12 – Ruth and 1 Samuel 1-15
What is the purpose of the Book of Ruth?
Through the story of the experiences of this family, Ruth presents unobtrusively but powerfully the concept of divine providence. There are no direct conversations with God or appeals to him, though God is mentioned in the book in various places, and the solemn oath “As surely as the Lord lives” (3:13) is invoked. Clearly divine providence is behind everything that happens in the book–the famine, the deaths, Ruth's choice of Boaz's field as a place to glean, his attraction to her, and their eventual marriage. The covenant relationship that bound the people of Israel to God and to one another underlies much of the book. Though the word “covenant” is not found in Ruth, it is a significant factor in the book's unfolding plot. Ruth's eloquent commitment to the God of her mother-in-law (1:16-17) was her acceptance of a relationship voiced earlier by Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:3). When Boaz commended Ruth's loving care of Naomi (2:12), he was echoing Deuteronomic theology (Deuteronomy 28:2). Even Naomi's bitter complaint (1:21) was based on the presupposition of his faithfulness and trustworthiness by reason of his covenant relationship with his people.
–NIV Bible Commentary
Why did Naomi tell Ruth to return to her own gods (Ruth 1:15)?
Implied in Naomi's charge to Ruth seems to be a lack of concern that she would worship the one true God. In the Middle East at that time, people were seen as an inseparable unit, part and parcel with their land and their gods. God's call of Abraham had challenged that view, envisioning a blessing encompassing “all the peoples on the earth” (Genesis 12:3). Naomi should have remembered that original plan. Jesus reiterated this worldwide mission when he told us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Our message about God is for everyone–as was Abraham's . Our concern should always be to share the truth of eternal life in Jesus Christ, regardless of a person's culture or background.
–Don Porter and Judson Poling
Was Ruth being immoral by lying at the feet of Boaz while he slept (3:7-8, 13-14)?
Although this custom may sound questionable to modern ears, Ruth was above reproach. Her actions were simply a ceremonial request for marriage. Anything immoral would have been out of character for her.
–The Quest Study Bible
What did it mean to “spread the corner of your garment" over someone (3:9)?
This may have been a play on words in the original language. "Garment” (singular) referred to a custom that had to do with making a marriage proposal. The same word (plural) could mean “wings"–suggesting that, more than marriage, this was a request for protection. Boaz used the term earlier when he said Ruth trusted God by taking refuge in Him.
–The Quest Study Bible
Is not the transaction between Boaz and the kinsman in Ruth 4:3-8 contrary to the stipulations in Deuteronomy 25:5-10?
There is not a contradiction to the general law of the levirate in Deuteronomy 25. The basic rules there for a formal rejection of the duty to the widow and also for a public acceptance of that responsibility were carried out by both men. Ruth's failure to carry out an active role in accusing and shaming the other go'el amounted to the voluntary surrender of her right to perform this ceremony, in view of the fact that the essential purpose of the levirate ordinance was about to be achieved in a far more desirable and acceptable fashion through Boaz himself.
–Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties
Was it wrong for an Israelite to marry a Moabite?
No disapproval by God is implied here. Marriage with the Moabites was not forbidden by God, but no Moabites or their sons to the tenth generation were allowed in the tabernacle (Deut. 23:3). The Moabites, though not Israelites, were considered distant relatives, because they were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew (Gen. 19:36-37). As a result, the restrictions against marriage to foreigners did not apply to the Moabites.
–The Quest Study Bible
In what way did Samuel “not yet know the Lord” (1 Samuel 3:7)?
Though he was serving God in the tabernacle, Samuel had experienced no direct personal encounter or revelation from God. This would explain why Samuel did not recognize the voice of the Lord when God had called out to him. Although the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to Samuel, that would soon take place (v. 11); and as God continued to speak to Samuel through the years (v. 21), the Lord's word would so captivate him that it would be virtually indistinguishable from “Samuel's word” (4:1). Samuel the priest would become Samuel the prophet (v. 20).
–Don Porter and NIV Bible Commentary
Why did the Israelites lose, when they had the ark of the covenant (1 Samuel 4:5, 7, 10)?
The Israelites had a lot to learn about God. He was bigger than the box which symbolized his presence. They could not enhance their fortunes by trying to cart him around like a good luck charm. Having the ark didn't mean God was on their side. The more important issue was whether they were on God's side. In this case, God's presence meant judgment rather than blessing.
–The Quest Study Bible
Why did the people want a human king to rule over them (1 Samuel 12:12)?
The reasons given by the people are found in 1 Samuel 8:5: Samuel was aging; Samuel's sons had not proven to be strong, moral leaders; and, they wanted to be like their neighboring nations. Given the Lord's response in 1 Samuel 8:7 ("they have rejected me as their king"), it is clear that their desire for a human king was a rejection of the Lord's role as King over the nation. Possibly they did not like the Lord's direction, or they may have felt insecure living by faith in God as opposed to the leadership provided by a human king. Perhaps they just wanted to “fit in.” Their folly is a sober reminder to us as well. In a world that often functions out of step with God and encourages us to conform, we are to live in a trusting relationship with the Lord–even if that means having to be "different."
–Don Porter
We find the theme of blessings and curses throughout the Old Testament. Is it God who chooses who is to be cursed and who is to be blessed?
When pagans cursed or blessed, they believed their words had a mystical power to bring about the effect. They believed their gods would also act to help the process along. When a man or woman of God extended a blessing or a curse, they knew results would follow only if they were speaking on behalf of the Lord. When God himself utters a blessing or a curse–then or now–surely it will come to pass (Isaiah 55:11). The Bible is clear God pronounced a curse over creation when mankind sinned (Genesis 3:17; Romans 8:20-21). For those in Jesus Christ, all curses are removed, having been placed on Jesus instead (Galatians 3:13-14).
–Don Porter and Judson Poling
How does God show his will (6:9)?
This is a description of how God worked on this occasion, but it does not prescribe a method for discovering God's will. In this case, God revealed himself to the Philistines by working through their superstitions. For God's people, however, he gives Scripture, prayer and the inner witness of the Spirit.
–The Quest Study Bible
Why did the Israelites choose to send the ark away (6:20-21)?
If the ark was the problem, they reasoned, then they needed to get rid of it. They reacted much the same way the Philistines did, not realizing they were the problem, not the ark.
–The Quest Study Bible
