Ruth, Book of

Although many lessons of the book of Ruth allude to Old Covenant teachings, Ruth prefigures New Covenant principles such as mercy, Christ's care, and acceptance.

God alone determines the course of history. His naming of people is significant, and the book of Ruth can be studied through the lens of the characters' names.

Jesus redeemed us with His shed blood from the penalty of our sins, but He also works as our High Priest, continually redeeming us until we are resurrected.

Richard Ritenbaugh reminds us that counting Pentecost should not be a thoughtless, mechanical act, but should involve deep reflection as to how God has steered our lives and as to how we are managing the spiritual resources He has graciously given each of . . .

Richard Ritenbaugh, acknowledging that the Psalms have been divided into five books, suggests that there is methodology in the organization, reminding us of the number of Divine grace, as well as a number of handy organization emphasizing groups of five, i. . .

Richard Ritenbaugh, reiterating the day-for-a-year-principle, maintains that, as we count the 50 days toward Pentecost, we should reconsider the events of our lives (whether life-changing ones or those we might regard as incidental), coming to understand t. . .

Richard Ritenbaugh, acknowledging that Americans have a reputation for kindness warns that we are likely more and more to see a dark underside of America, where hardness of heart supplants kindness. In this milieu, chesed (covenant loyalty and mercy, or sh. . .

Richard Ritenbaugh, reiterating the five symmetrical and correlative sets of documents and events (the Torah, the Megilloth, the books of the Psalms, the summary psalms, and the five seasons), focuses on second set (comprising Book 2 of Psalms, Exodus, Rut. . .

Richard Ritenbaugh, continuing his exposition of the parallels between the divisions of the books of the Psalms with the Torah, Megilloth, and seasons, focuses again on Book II of the Psalms (written largely by David and showing how he reacts to some grues. . .

The phrase "a virtuous woman" means "woman of worth," "woman of strength," or "woman of noble character." It denotes a woman of skill, aptitude, or achievement.

The idea of redemption is that of 'buying back,' of paying the cost—often a steep one—to restore someone or something to a former condition or ownership.

Boaz is a type of Jesus Christ. Boaz' actions toward Ruth give us insight into the character of our Savior, particularly in His office of Judge.

Pentecost emphasizes the Christian's work, both in the field, his external labors, and his house, his internal labors. Being converted takes a great deal of work.

In Boaz' instructions to Ruth, we see the concern of Christ for His people. These instructions will keep us nourished, satisfied, and safe from harm.

The name of Boaz (a type of Christ) appears many times more than Ruth (a type of the church), indicating Christ's intense work on behalf of the church.

The story of Boaz and Ruth and the cup of betrothal at Passover ask us to consider: Are we committed to this wonderful relationship with our Fiance?

Conciliation involves placating others with the intent to bring harmony and peace. By esteeming others better than ourselves, we become a force for peace.

Winter is a time of cold, darkness, and sadness. As many as 10% of people in northern areas have Seasonal Affective Disorder. The Psalms for winter can help.

Martin Collins, reflecting upon the pervasive reluctance of many to perform acts of kindness (largely resulting from the cynicism of our society) recommends that we, as called-out firstfruits, desperately need to internalize the godly traits (or fruits of . . .