Ruth.

This book together with the Judges treats the life of Israel from the rule of death of Joshua to the rule of Eli.

Name.  From the principal character.

Contents.  It is properly a continuation of Judges, showing the life of the times in its greatest simplicity.  It is also especially important because it shows the lineage of David through the whole history of Israel and thereby is a link in the genealogy of Christ.

Typical Matters. (1) Ruth is a type of Christ’s Gentile bride and her experience is similar to that of any devout Christian. (2) Boaz the rich Bethlehemite accepting this strange woman in an illustration of the redemptive work of Jesus.

The Key-words are love and faith.

Analysis.

  I. The Sojourn at Moab, 1:1-5.

 II.  The Return to Jerusalem, 1:6-22.

III.  Ruth and Boaz, Chs. 2-4.

   1.  Gleaning the fields of Boaz, Ch. 2.

   2.  Ruth married to Boaz, Chs. 3-4.

    A. A bold act, Ch. 3.

    B. Redemption of Naomi’s inheritance, 4:1-12.

    C. Becomes wife of Boaz, 4:13-17.

    D. Genealogy of David, 4:18-22.

Some one has said that Ch. 1 is Ruth deciding, Ch. 2 is Ruth serving, Ch. 3 is Ruth resting, Ch. 4 is Ruth rewarded.

For Study and Discussion. (1) Each of the characters of the book. (2) The whole story of Ruth in comparison with the stories of Judges (Chs. 17-21) to get a view of the best and worst in their social conditions. (3) The value of a trusting soul (Ruth).

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Chapter VIII.  First and Second Samuel.

Name.  The name is taken from the history of the life of Samuel recorded in the early part of the book.  It means “asked of God.”  The two were formerly one book and called the “First Book of Kings,” the two books of Kings being one book and called Second Kings.  Samuel and Kings form a continuous story, and give us a record of the rise, glory and fall of the Jewish Monarchy.

First Samuel.

Contents.  This book begins with the story of Eli. the aged priest, judge and leader of the people.  It records the birth and childhood of Samuel, who later becomes priest and prophet of the people.  It tells of Saul’s elevation to the throne and of his final downfall.  Along with this is also given the growing power of David, who is to succeed Saul as king.

The Prophets.  Samuel was not only both judge and priest and prophet, but as prophet he performed conspicuous services in several directions.  Probably the most notable of all his work was the establishment of schools of prophets, which greatly dignified the work of the prophets.  After this time, the prophet and not the priest was the medium of communication between God and his people.

Saul.  As king, Saul began well and under favorable circumstances.  He gave himself to military exploits and neglected the finer spiritual matters and soon made a complete break with Samuel, who represented the religious-national class-and thereby lost the support of the best elements of the nation.  He then became morose and melancholy and insanely jealous in conduct and could not, therefore, understand the higher religious experiences that were necessary as a representative of Jehovah on the throne of Israel.