Ruth

Yesterday's reading block was a sign of things to come. We started with Judges, flew through the 4 chapters of Ruth and then ended in 1 Samuel. After multiple days in the Pentateuch books, it felt very quick, almost like driving through New England: "Look kids, now we're in Connecticut...and here comes Massachusetts. Well be in Rhode Island in 15 minutes!" Just wait til the latter New Testament...

Some major impressions from the beautiful book of Ruth:

1. What a contrast with Judges! After the too often grim narrative of the Judges, Ruth was a breath of fresh air. In particular, after seeing the worst of human nature, Ruth really does give us a look at the best. Boaz vs. Abimelech? What a contrast! It's not even close. The book of Ruth gives us a snapshot of what things like loyalty, generosity, integrity and faith can really look like.

2. It's great to have a book of Scripture named for a woman. Seems to me that Ruth could pretty easily be named Boaz (or Naomi, or even Obed), but I'm glad it's not. Even (especially?) in the Old Testament, God is concerned about the situation of women in the culture, and He's a champion for women. First there's the rampant mutuality that characterizes the creation account. Next, we saw that in the portions the Law designed to care for women in the community. Then in Judges, Deborah is almost the only bright and shining star. And now there's Ruth. I've heard the Old Testament described as "misogynistic." Don't believe the hype.

3. Here comes...David! The tale end of the book of Ruth gives us our first mention of the coming King David. Perhaps this is the main point of the book of Ruth? I mean, the reader is certainly to take away the examples of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz as examples for living right in the community, but, in the larger picture, I think we are supposed to take away the reality that David is coming, and that Ruth, a Moabitess, is in his lineage. After all, it is David who will dominate the Old Testament narrative for the foreseeable future! If this really is the main point of the book of Ruth, it demonstrates God's sovereign working to provide for His people. From humble and unexpected origins, He will raise up His archetypal king. He'll do it with David, then He'll do it again a bit later on!

On to 1 Samuel, but not til after the Japan v. Cameroon match! Thanks for reading.