NOVEMBER | WEEK 45
This week, we'll finish the story of Ruth (chapters 2-4) and begin the Song of Solomon (chapters 1-2). Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.
Discussion Questions:
• What is meant by Boaz being a redeemer of Naomi and Ruth? (Ruth 2:20)
• What does Ruth mean by asking Boaz to spread his wings over her? (Ruth 3: 9)
• What is meant by perpetuating the name of the dead? (Ruth 4:5,10)
• In the first chapter of the Song of Solomon, how do the views of the woman's appearance differ between her and her beloved? (Song 1:5-6, 8)
• What is the significance of the woman expressing that her beloved is hers, and she is his? (Song 2:16)
Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:
• What does Judges 18:30-31 tell us about the spiritual condition of Israel during the period of the judges? – Israel was careless in following the law given through Moses. Even when they were not actively worshipping the gods of the Canaanites, they were worshipping God in ways contrary to the Law. Carved images were strictly prohibited.
• What was the sin of the people of Gibeah? (Judg. 19:22-26) – At one level, it was a lack of hospitality. But more specifically, it involved homosexual acts, rape, and murder.
• Why was Benjamin unwilling to turn over the perpetrators of the crime described in the previous chapter? (Judg. 20:12-14) – No specific reason is given. It is possible that they saw nothing wrong in what had taken place, even though the rest of Israel was appalled. More likely it was a matter of us against them, taking the side of those from their tribe.
• What was Israel’s solution to providing brides for the men of Benjamin? (Judg. 21:8-12, 19-23) Why was this considered OK? – Killing all but the virgins from one town and kidnapping other virgins to supply wives for Benjamin. Israel justified this action in order to keep from losing one tribe. That did NOT make it right. There is no indication they sought the Lord’s help in finding a solution. It also reflects the nature of life in Israel during the time of the Judges.
• What were Ruth’s feelings for Naomi? (Ruth 1:16-17) What other kind of relationship could be defined using these words? – Ruth was fully committed to Naomi. The words she used to express that commitment could also serve as marriage vows.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me through Ruth’s story that You are always at work, even when I cannot see what You are doing. Help me to trust Your faithfulness, follow Your leading, and show the same kindness and commitment that Ruth demonstrated. Teach me to see myself through Your eyes and to love others with sincerity, grace, and devotion. May my relationships reflect Your redeeming love, and may my life be a testimony of Your goodness. Amen.
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals
Discussion Questions:
• What is meant by Boaz being a redeemer of Naomi and Ruth? (Ruth 2:20)
• What does Ruth mean by asking Boaz to spread his wings over her? (Ruth 3: 9)
• What is meant by perpetuating the name of the dead? (Ruth 4:5,10)
• In the first chapter of the Song of Solomon, how do the views of the woman's appearance differ between her and her beloved? (Song 1:5-6, 8)
• What is the significance of the woman expressing that her beloved is hers, and she is his? (Song 2:16)
Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:
• What does Judges 18:30-31 tell us about the spiritual condition of Israel during the period of the judges? – Israel was careless in following the law given through Moses. Even when they were not actively worshipping the gods of the Canaanites, they were worshipping God in ways contrary to the Law. Carved images were strictly prohibited.
• What was the sin of the people of Gibeah? (Judg. 19:22-26) – At one level, it was a lack of hospitality. But more specifically, it involved homosexual acts, rape, and murder.
• Why was Benjamin unwilling to turn over the perpetrators of the crime described in the previous chapter? (Judg. 20:12-14) – No specific reason is given. It is possible that they saw nothing wrong in what had taken place, even though the rest of Israel was appalled. More likely it was a matter of us against them, taking the side of those from their tribe.
• What was Israel’s solution to providing brides for the men of Benjamin? (Judg. 21:8-12, 19-23) Why was this considered OK? – Killing all but the virgins from one town and kidnapping other virgins to supply wives for Benjamin. Israel justified this action in order to keep from losing one tribe. That did NOT make it right. There is no indication they sought the Lord’s help in finding a solution. It also reflects the nature of life in Israel during the time of the Judges.
• What were Ruth’s feelings for Naomi? (Ruth 1:16-17) What other kind of relationship could be defined using these words? – Ruth was fully committed to Naomi. The words she used to express that commitment could also serve as marriage vows.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me through Ruth’s story that You are always at work, even when I cannot see what You are doing. Help me to trust Your faithfulness, follow Your leading, and show the same kindness and commitment that Ruth demonstrated. Teach me to see myself through Your eyes and to love others with sincerity, grace, and devotion. May my relationships reflect Your redeeming love, and may my life be a testimony of Your goodness. Amen.
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals