What this blog is about and what I hope it does...

I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?

So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.

(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)

ONE LAST NOTE: you don't have to join or set up an account to share comments. Just click 'comment' at the bottom of a post, click the drop down and click 'anonymous.' Then write your post and if you want sign it with your first name and finish by clicking 'Post comment.' I would love to hear your thoughts.

4.16.2010

FOR FRIDAY Reading #7 (Ruth 2:19-23)

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ruth%202:19-23&version=NIV


Don't know if you noticed, but God/the Lord is the only 'person' who is named in every scene in the story...pretty cool, huh?


Doc, here's where Boaz begins to be seen by many interpreters as a 'type.' This method of interpretation was common for centuries, and has lessoned some now. If readers aren't familiar, the idea of type is that characters, objects, whole stories in the Old Testament are seen as in someway symbolizing Christ or an attribute of Christ. Doc, if one is careful, it can bea helpful and appropriate way of reading.


This is the first time the Hebrew goel shows up and is translated by the NIV as 'kinsman-redeemer.' For detailed background see Leviticus 25 and 27.


It was a part of Israelite family law in which a close relative had duties to clan/family. The goel was responsible for a number of duties, but two that are especially important here are the purchase back of property and/or family members who were sold, often out of economic necessity.


The two widows know that as a goel, they can expect at least some help from him and that begins to bring more light into their shadows...
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3 comments:

  1. DocApril 16, 2010 at 8:57 PM

    Why the caution about seeing Boaz as similar to Christ ?

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  2. MattApril 16, 2010 at 10:47 PM

    Have seen many looking for Christ under every word, object and action, that they miss the very OT story they are reading, and end up misinterpreting Christ. Scripture is fulfilled in Christ, but not every word is a loaded symbol of Him, and typology sometimes moves in that direction.

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  3. MattApril 17, 2010 at 9:37 AM

    Doc, maybe this will help: interpret the OT in light of the NT, but it is as important to interpret the NT in light of the OT, which means to read the OT in its own right...but yes there are certainly similarities between Boaz and Christ.

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