Next, we'll read through the Old Testament book of Ruth. A short book (4 chapters), beautiful as a story in and of itself, yet powerful in its subtle theology of a God who works through people's loss, faithfulness, prayers and generosity to advance His promises to all of us. It's God's story, it's our story, it's everyone's story.
First thing we'll do is read through the book once or twice to get a feel for it. If you're willing, jot a few notes, questions, observations, ('hey that's interesting,') and post them for others to think about.
For the NIV reading of the whole book, click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+1-4&version=NIV.
Sorry I kinda fell off the map over the weekend. Things got a bit crazy. My plan is to stay with Ruth.
ReplyDeleteNo problem Dave...I think we all did a little.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, would ya'll rather do daily readings just during the week and take the weekend off (we can still keep commenting/posting over the weekend)?
My computer died over the weekend, so that's the explanation for my absence. Fortunately, Dan has me up and running again.
ReplyDeleteI need to discipline myself to the daily readings, personally. I find it easier to establish a habit if it is something that I do every day. But, I am also learning so much from everyone else and their commentary, so if it's better for ya'll to do the readings just during the week that's fine with me.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I certainly did!
Weekends off could be a cool idea. I would go for that .
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if anyone had thoughts on who the author of The Book of Ruth might have been?
ReplyDeleteTo me, it seems to be written from a woman's perspective. Is it possible that it was written by a woman?
One of my books says Samuel may have been the author but no one seems to say where or when
ReplyDeleteNIV introduction says Jewish tradition points to Samuel but it is unlikely because of the mention of David(4:17,22) implies later date
ReplyDeleteInteresting that the bible contains a book about women considering their low esteem back then . Even more interesting that Deborah was allowed to be a judge .How does that happen ?
ReplyDeleteThe net suggests various authors . A key to dating the book might be found if one knew exactly when they stopped exchanging sandals when exchanging property .
ReplyDeleteLike many of the books of the Bible, there is no explicit author or date give in terms of when it was written. Lots of opinions from the scholars, no consensus. Some agreement that the book was written between 1000BC (time of David) and 600BC, but even if we knew, not sure how that would benefit us. Wendy, a few scholars have suggested female authorship, perhaps even Tamar (David's daughter and Ruth's great, great grandmother). I tend to focus on the story's context (time when judges judged) and the story itself as being most important. Great questions, and we haven't even really gotten into it!
ReplyDelete