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NASB | Ruth 1:1 Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ruth 1:1 In the days when the judges governed [Israel], there was a famine in the land [of Canaan]. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live temporarily in the country of Moab with his wife and his two sons. |
Bible Question: I have read the book of Ruth a couple of times now and personally cannot quite understand the significance of the story other than it being the beginning of the lineage of Jesus. Any help would be greatly appreciated! |
Bible Answer: Phoenix - Noting that you say you've read the book of Ruth a couple of times without having grasped its full significance brings to mind something I read long ago that was written by a Bible scholar and expositor whose name has escaped my ability to recall. ...... The gist of his comment was as follows: I never pretend to know nor dare put a word on paper about any book of Scripture until I have read the book at least 50 times. ...... In these hurly-burly times of ours we have all of us become victims to a greater or lesser degree of the instant gratification syndrome: If at first we don't gain perfect understanding, we have become conditioned immediately to look for the quick fix! I say this to you not meaning to be inhospitable in any way or to cast an accusatory glare. My point is simply that we cannot and should not expect Scripture to yield its riches without ourselves being diligent to present ourselves approved unto God workmen who do not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15). The key word concerning ourselves is to be "diligent." ...... This little sermonette comes from one whose sloth is legendary and monumental, a genuine thorn in my flesh, and I doubt that anyone understands better than I how extremely painful it is to discipline and goad oneself into sustained daily reading and study of Scripture. But the rewards far outweigh the pain! :-) --Hank |