Living by the Book/Living by the Book Workbook Set (134 page)

R
ead the book of Ruth again, focusing exclusively on the content. When you finish, review the list of questions you wrote out on Day 1. By now you should have answered several of them. However, others may remain unanswered.

With all the examination of Ruth you’ve done to this point, you’re likely to have added to your list of questions. If so, good! List everything else you want to know about this intriguing book. You still have ample time to come to some logical conclusions concerning the answers you seek.

S
pend a day considering the historical context of the book of Ruth. You know it took place “in the days when the judges governed” (1:1), but what does that mean? You’ll find the answer in the book of Judges. For today’s study, back up one Bible book and read Judges. You may want to go back and do an in-depth study of that fascinating book later, but today remain focused on the historical perspectives. For example:

• How did Israel relate to the nations around it?

• What kind of leadership structure did Israel have?

• This was after Moses and before the prophets. How did God communicate with His people?