Episode 161 – Ruth Pt 1: Acknowledging Our Famines
Key Passage(s): Ruth 1:1-5; Judges 21:25
One of the most beautiful and moving stories in the Bible is found in the book of Ruth. But it doesn’t start that way. Set in the dark and precarious times of the Judges, the story of Ruth begins in a place of famine and death. As we’ll see, the first five verses are loaded with contextual information that lay a foundation for the rest of the book. Before we can appreciate the beauty of the story, we have to deal with the disappointment and understand why it’s so important to acknowledge our famines so they don’t define us.
Discussion Questions
- What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?
- What connection do you see between “The days when the Judges ruled” and what culture and society are like today?
- In Hebrew, a name reveals a person’s identity. If Ruth means “friend” or “companion,” what do you think your life reveals about what your name means?
- Reflect and Respond to this statement: What we don’t acknowledge defines us.
- What are some of the famines you’ve needed to acknowledge in your life?
- How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?
For Further Study
- The New American Commentary: Judges/Ruth by Daniel I. Block
- The NIV Application Commentary: Judges/Ruth by K. Lawson Younger Jr.
- Rose Then and Now Bible Map Atlas by Paul H. Wright – Chapter 7 (Naomi and Ruth)
- Ruth by BibleProject
- Ruth (One Hour. One Book.) by Randall Smith
- Ruth Photo Companion to the Bible by BiblePlaces.com
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Are you planning on at least mentioning that in the Tanakh ordering of the books of Scripture, Ruth is in the Writings section as one scrolls of the Megillot?
Hi Donald,
You’re beating us to the punchline! But, yes, it’s coming.
My first visit to “Walking the Text”, and I am thankful to catch the series of Ruth since I am experiencing a famine in full time ministry to Chinese students at a university
Thanks for visiting Erin. So very sorry to hear about the challenge you’re facing. May God give you feet for the path He has you walking.
This is my first time here. Thank you so much for this explanation of the foundation of the Book of Ruth. It has given me so much more than I really have understood about this book.
GLORY to King JESUS 🙌 🙏 🤴 I 1st of all want to THANK you for CONFIRMING my PROPHETIC WORD from the lord, that my King Boaz is on the way in JESUS name. ANGELIC ASSISTANCE RELEASE FAVOR FAVOR FAVOR in every AREA of my life. The name Ruth is my PROPHETIC calling from the lord,as I too left my country London England 🇬🇧 to come into the land America 🇺🇸. I Cane by FAITH 31 yrs ago and God has been very FAITHFUL ..INSPITE of 😢 🙏 🤲 God BLESS you Sir. This also is my fav book! Ruth. The movie For The ❤️ Of Ruth..I’ve watched a 100 times 😆 such comfort to my SOUL 👍
Thank you for this teaching I am in a bible study about ruth, and this is helping me even more!
You are most welcome Carol. Hope your study is energizing!
I always thought I knew a lot about the book of Ruth. I have, however, learned so much from his teaching on just the first 5 verses. I’m going to enjoy this series on Ruth very much.
So glad you’re following along with us Joy.
Thank you for this teaching! First time here. I’m doing a deep dive study of Ruth and you have provided some great information. Looking forward to the remainder of the study!
This is my first time here. Thank you so much for this explanation of the foundation of the Book of Ruth. It has given me so much more than I really have understood about this book.
I need closed caption to enjoy learning about Ruth.
Hi Charlotte,
At the bottom of the YouTube screen, you’ll see a small icon that says CC. If you click there, you’ll see the closed captions appear on the screen.
I wish l could purchase this on DVD for our ladies group. It is so educational. Not just story telling. Love it. Thank you.
Betsy, you should be able to share the links with your group. I’ll provide 2 link here.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSHy3zQ_m98
Walking The Text Website: https://walkingthetext.com/episode-161-ruth-pt-1/
God is so faithful to have me come across your website this very morning, as I have been sitting with the Lord this morning and acknowledging for the first time my famine and literally telling Him that I don’t want to sweep it under the rug and ignore it as I would normally do, or try to be falsely grateful to try and make it like “it’s all good” but I want to trust Him through it and believe that even as I’m going through it, I know He is working in my life.
Finding this study was NO coincidence.
Thank you!
So very glad this is meeting you where you are Ruth!
Thank you.
Thank you so much for this series. Just watched session 1. I am ready to lean into this beautiful teaching! I found it while looking for something to help me prepare for a Valentine retreat for widows. In my ministry, I portray Naomi in first-person drama. I want to bring joy to women who probably suffer during the lovefest of Valentine’s Day. I know I have found the right place to discover my message. Looking forward to the next session!
Sandra,
I’m so encouraged to hear this series is resonating with you.
I believe God chose this study for me. I’m anxiously waiting his answers to the famine in my life.
Patricia, We’re so sorry to hear about the trying space you’re in. I hope you will find not only the encouragement and understanding you’re searching for, but, more than anything, His Presence.
Thanks for your teaching! I learned a lot in just this first lesson! Looking forward to the next one! Praising God is with us in our famines and in our good times,too! God is good all the time no matter what’s going on!!
very interesting already liking & learning! you really are bringing the Book of Ruth to life!!
I am walking out a very hard road. I have lost 2 husbands in the last 5 years. I lost my first husband in 2020 to pancreatic cancer. I met my second husband a year later we dated six months and got married. He was very good to me. But then in jan 2024 he was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer and just passed away in march 16th of this year. I have always loved the book of Ruth and to me my second husband was my boaz now he has gone to be with the Lord. My first husband was a Christian also. So I know both are in heaven with Jesus. I am learning that sometimes you have to walk through these hard times. Thank you for this teaching.