First off, the book of Ruth presents itself as the solution to Judges’s problem. The book of Judges sums itself up in its final sentence: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Turn the page, and Ruth 1:1, we find ourselves in same world: “In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land.” However, in verse 2 we are introduced to a man named “Elimelech”, which translates “God is King.”
Tag Archives: bible
The Two Ways to Read the Old Testament
The same story can be a tragedy or triumph depending on who you are rooting for. I grew up in North Carolina in the heated NCAA basketball rivalry Duke v. UNC. Twice every winter, the two schools would meet on the court. Every game ended in cheers or tears. I won’t name names, but IContinue reading “The Two Ways to Read the Old Testament”
Why Is the Bible So Repetitive?
Let’s get to a beef many of us have with the Bible: The Bible can be so repetitive. Exhibit A: Four Gospels. Why four? It’s the same story. In fact many of the stories are word-for-word the same in Matthew as they are in Mark and Luke. And it’s not just the Gospels. Narrative gets repeated.Continue reading “Why Is the Bible So Repetitive?”
Shock and Awe II: Scripture in the Buff
Perhaps the most shocking four words a person can utter are these: “I believe the Bible.” No caveats. No exceptions. No qualifications. When you say this to a non-Christian, it is shocking to them in our progressively enlightened 21st century that any of our tribe still exist. When you say this to a Christian, theyContinue reading “Shock and Awe II: Scripture in the Buff”