In this episode, we delve into Job 28, exploring profound questions about the nature and location of wisdom. Amidst life's complexities, we reflect on Job's poetic discourse, which vividly contrasts human achievements with the elusive pursuit of true understanding. Our discussion takes us through Job's realization that wisdom is not a worldly commodity but a divine gift, encapsulated in the fear of the Lord and the shunning of evil. We journey further through personal journal reflections spanning decades, revealing a timeless thirst for wisdom beyond earthly knowledge. Highlighting wisdom's roots in reverence for God, the episode draws connections to Proverbs and other scriptures, unveiling the profound simplicity in trusting God's sovereignty as the cornerstone of true wisdom. Listeners are invited to consider an alternative approach to Bible reading, chronologically unveiling the narrative as it occurred. This method offers fresh insights and enriches one's spiritual experience by embracing wisdom's journey through scripture, ultimately enhancing our walk with God as we seek His guidance in our daily lives.
Welcome to Add Bible, an audio daily devotion from the Ezra Project. Alan J. Huth shares a Bible passage with comments from over 35 years of his personal Bible reading journals and applies the Word of God to our daily lives.
Today we are in Job chapter 28. Job continues his discourse after Bildad's last argument in chapter 25. This time Job questions, where is wisdom? Let's listen in to Faith Comes By Hearing's recording of Job 28.
Job 28 Surely there is a mine for silver and a place for gold that they refine. Iron is taken out of the earth, and copper is smelted from the ore. Man puts an end to darkness and searches out to the farthest limit, the ore in gloom and deep darkness. He opens shafts in a valley away from where anyone lives. They are forgotten by travelers. They hang in the air, far away from mankind. They swing to and fro. As for the earth, out of it comes bread, but underneath it is turned up as by fire. Its stones are the place of sapphires, and it has dust of gold. That path no bird of prey knows, and the falcon's eye has not seen it. The proud beasts have not trodden it, the lion has not passed over it. Man puts his hand to the flinty rock and overturns mountains by the roots. He cuts out channels in the rocks, and his eye sees every precious thing. He dams up the streams so that they do not trickle, and the thing that is hidden he brings out to light. But where shall wisdom be found, and where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its worth, and it is not found in the land of the living. The deep says, It is not in me, and the sea says, It is not with me. It cannot be bought for gold, and silver cannot be weighed as its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal. The price of wisdom is above pearls. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. From where, then, does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the birds of the air. Abaddon and Death say, We have heard a rumor of it with our ears. God understands the way to it, and He knows its place. For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When He gave to the wind its weight and apportioned the waters by measure, when He made a decree for the rain and a way for the lightning of the thunder, Then he saw it and declared it. He established it and searched it out. And he said to man, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.
In 1984, I read Job 24 through 28 on the same day, and I wrote in my personal Bible reading journal, How can a man be right before God? Job affirms his righteousness. lips don't speak unjustly tongues that do not utter deceit hold on to integrity and righteousness and then concerning wisdom i wrote acquisition is above pearls where does it come from god understands its ways and knows its place defined It says the fear of the Lord, and understanding is, depart from evil. Thirteen years later, in 1997, I read Job 22-28 on the same day, and I wrote in my personal Bible reading journal, Man cannot figure out God or His ways, yet we try in our limited wisdom to do so. Job said, But where can wisdom be found, and where is the place of understanding? He later answers, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. And 18 years later, in 2015, I read Job 28 and 29 on the same day. And concerning chapter 28, I wrote, Man can do much, as Job describes, but we cannot seem to find wisdom, godly wisdom. He understands God knows the way to wisdom. He understands God's sovereignty. The fear of the Lord is wisdom, and to refrain from evil is understanding. Thus ends my personal Bible reading journal entries concerning Job 28. So let's take a look at the question, where is wisdom? First of all, I think we would all agree we need godly wisdom in our world today. We always have. And as Job describes in the first 11 verses of this chapter, man is smart. Man can do many things. We can take minerals out of the earth. We can make light out of darkness. And out of the earth comes bread. We can cut channels out of rocks, for example, roads or train tracks. And we can even dam up streams to make lakes and to provide energy. Yes, man is gifted. We can do many things. But Job then asked the question in verse 12, but where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? He goes on to say, man does not know its worth. In other words, we don't know the worth of wisdom. And he reminds us, it cannot be bought. though many seek it through various levels of education. The price of wisdom is above pearls. And then Job goes back to the very same question in verse 20. From where then does wisdom come, and where is the place of understanding? But then he answers the question in verse 23. God understands the way to it, and he knows its place. And then Job concludes the chapter in verse 28 by sharing how wisdom can be found. And he said to man, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. And to turn away from evil is understanding. As we think about wisdom here in Job 28, surely we are reminded of Proverbs chapter 1, verse 7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 2, verse 6. For the Lord gives wisdom. From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He stores up wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. Proverbs 2, 10 says, For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. And there's some famous verses in Proverbs 3, verses 5 and 6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. So wisdom is not found in human understanding. Proverbs chapter 3 verses 13 and 14 go on to say, Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding. For the gain from her is better than gain from silver, and her profit better than gold. Proverbs chapter 4 verse 5 says, Get wisdom, get insight. And down at verse 7 it says, The beginning of wisdom is this, get wisdom. And whatever you get, get insight. Proverbs chapter 8 verse 11 says, And Proverbs chapter 9 verse 9 says, How do we get wisdom? James chapter 1 verse 5 reminds us, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. in romans chapter twelve verses one and two say i appeal to you therefore brothers by the mercies of god to present your bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to god which is your spiritual worship do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of god what is good and acceptable and perfect yes there is much to be said in the scriptures about wisdom but the mystery of where wisdom is found is answered in the word of god we've just heard it haven't we the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom that's why we lack wisdom to-day we don't have a healthy respect a fear of god almighty and we're instructed if we lack wisdom to ask the lord and he will grant it to us but how many go to god for wisdom and we are reminded not to conform to this world but renew our minds how by staying in the word of god and seeking god's wisdom In Job chapter 28, Job asks, But where shall wisdom be found? From where does wisdom come, and where is the place of understanding? He concludes the chapter as we have with our other references. Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding. Almighty God, may we apply these truths to our lives today. Many of us lack wisdom in the decisions that we face in life, but you guarantee that we can have godly wisdom if we fear you and seek wisdom from you. Whatever we're facing today, may we do just that. May we bend our knee before the Lord. May we have a health of respect for God. May we seek him for the answers to the questions of life. Wisdom is found in the Lord. Wisdom is found in His Word. And it's available to each and every one of us. Hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus. Amen. Our radio programming is set for 2025. We will cover 44 of the 66 books of the Bible using the Ezra Project day by day through the Bible 11 book series. We start at January 1 with the writings of Old Testament historical books beginning with Job. We will cover seven more historical books until spring when we jump into the New Testament writings of Mark, Peter, James, Jude, and Hebrews. By summer, we will go back to the Old Testament writings of all 13 of the minor prophets. We'll finish 2025 with the writings of Paul. Maybe you don't want to follow the AdBible radio programming in your daily quiet time. Okay, I offer you an alternative plan. Read the Bible chronologically starting any day you want. The Bible is not organized the way things occurred. You can order an Ezra Project Chronological Bible Reading Journal and experience an amazing journey through the Bible in the order things actually occurred. The first time I read the Bible chronologically, it was an aha experience. While reading Kings and Chronicles, I read the prophets who were alive at the time. In the New Testament, you read about a miracle or a parable by all four gospel writers on the same day. It was a very educational and inspiring way to read the Bible. One user said this about our chronological Bible reading journal. Some years ago, I used a couple of spiral notebooks for my journaling. I've attached pictures of the book, the first edition of the Ezra Project Bible Reading Chronological Journal. That was the picture he sent. I live in Phoenix now, and I cannot find any place that has this type of journal. I've used many types of journals recently, but this seems to work the best for my needs. Please let me know if these are still available. Yes, they are. In fact, it is our number one best-selling product of all time. Visit azureproject.net and order a chronological Bible reading journal today and start your chronological journey through the Bible. I know you're going to enjoy it.
Alan J. Huth provides insightful commentary on Ruth chapter 3, revealing the cultural significance of the kinsman-redeemer and how Naomi and Ruth's actions depict faith in divine timing. As Ruth approaches Boaz with a bold marriage proposal, we see God's hand at work, transitioning Naomi's bitterness into enduring hope. Discover practical applications for today's challenges in this deeply reflective episode.
00:00:09 Introduction to Add Bible and Today's Episode
Welcome to Add Bible, an audio daily devotion from the Ezra Project. We join Alan J. Huth as he shares Bible passages and comments from over 30 years of his personal Bible reading journals.
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Today we are in Ruth chapter 3. We'll listen to our guest reader, Terry Huth, my wife of 42 years, read the 18 verses of Ruth 3.
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Ruth chapter 3. Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, My daughter, should I not seek rest for you? that it may be well with you? Is not Boaz a relative and whose young woman you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor. But do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do. And she said, All that you say I will do. So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. and when boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down at midnight the man was startled and turned over and behold a woman lay at his feet He said, Who are you? And she answered, I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer. And he said, May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first, in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for your fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. And now it is true that I am a redeemer, yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good, let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning. So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor. And he said, bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out. So she held it. and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city, and when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, How did you fare, daughter? Then she told her all that the man had done for her, saying, These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law. She replied, Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.
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In 1983, when I read Ruth chapter 3 at 28 years old, I wrote a woman of excellence, and I was referring to verse 11. And then also verse 10, Ruth continues to show kindness to Boaz. The other two journals that I had selected, 1997 and 2011, I read all of Ruth in one day in each of those years, and I've already referred to those in my other recordings of Ruth chapter 1 and 2. In Ruth chapter 3, Naomi... The lady who came to Bethlehem in bitterness may be beginning to see God's sovereignty in what is going on with Ruth and Boaz. She says in verse 1, My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? In other words, maybe my bitterness is going to turn into something really good here. She's understanding that Boaz is a relative and therefore he is a kinsman redeemer. What does that mean? That means that when a woman was left without a husband, someone was supposed to fulfill the obligation to make sure that they had offspring. The order of redemption was first a brother, then an uncle or a cousin or a close clan relative. Boaz qualifies as a close clan relative. Naomi instructs Ruth to take quite a risk here. She says to her daughter-in-law, clean up, take a bath, make yourself attractive, and go down to the threshing floor with a bunch of guys for the night. Find where Boaz is going to take his nap and go lie at his feet. Surely, worthy women or excellent women do not go down to the threshing floor at night with a bunch of guys. But Naomi may be getting a glimpse of God's sovereignty. She says so in verses 4 and 5. Go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do. And Ruth replies, all that you say I will do. There's another beautiful characteristic of Ruth, obedience to a mother-in-law. Naomi offers much trust here in Boaz. Go lie at his feet. He won't abuse you. He will tell you what to do. Ruth goes as instructed by mother-in-law. At midnight, Boaz goes to take his nap and Ruth lies at his feet. My ESV footnote on verse 4 is very valuable here. It says, to uncover his feet and lie down there will demonstrate her dependence on him in view of her bold marriage proposal. It is sometimes suggested that his feet, or place of his feet, is a euphemism for sexual contact. But there is no evidence for this, and it would be out of place in this story. So in case you were wondering about that, that's why I wanted to refer to the footnote. Boaz wakes up from his sleep and is startled that there's a woman laying at his feet. In the pitch dark, he says, who are you? And she says it's Ruth. And she makes a marriage proposal to Boaz. Now, I don't know how old Boaz was, nor do I know how old Ruth is. But in chapter 1, when it talks about her husband's death, it said they lived there about 10 years. So she may have been married already 10 years when her husband died. But Boaz is impressed that Ruth has not gone after the young men. Ruth has quite the reputation, as already described earlier. But here, even Boaz says, For all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. I referred to her in my journal in 1983 as a woman of excellence. Both are accurate, depending on which translation you may be reading. Boaz must have also been doing a little homework about Ruth because he knows that he is a redeemer. But he's not the first one in line. But I think based on this story, he wants to redeem Ruth. But he has to play by the rules. In verse 13, it says, Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good. Let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Ruth's mission is successful, so she sneaks out before the light of day. I think this again shows her character. I think she got in there that night and laid down by Boaz's feet and got out before anybody ever knew that she went to this threshing floor with a bunch of men. But before she left... Boaz gives her six measures of barley. Not only was he providing for Ruth and Naomi for food, but that measure of barley indicated his intentions to redeem Ruth as a wife. Ruth gets back to mother-in-law Naomi with the barley and reports in. How did it go, Naomi asks. Ruth tells her everything that happened. Naomi responds, Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest, but will settle the matter today. God is at work, and Naomi sees it. Can you just see her bitterness is changing into hope? So how does this apply to us today? Throughout the book of Ruth, we don't see Ruth or Naomi looking for a handout. We see them take some incredible risks, and we see God's hand at work as they do. What I see as an application is when the chips are down, Don't wallow around. Don't get a poor me attitude. Look around and see what you can do to improve your situation. Take some risks like Naomi and Ruth have done here. All the time watching for God to work in the circumstances. I can't wait for chapter 4 to see how this is all going to turn out. Until then, Lord, help us see our circumstances through your eyes. Help us keep moving forward. Keep us from a poor me attitude. Help us be willing to stretch a little bit to see your hand at work in our own lives. And may you bless us as we do. Blessed be the name of the Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen. Speaking of risks, I sure took a risk 16 years ago when I started the Ezra Project, and I took another risk a couple of years ago when we started AdBible. Terry and I took a step of faith, and God has rewarded our step for 16 years. He has provided for us through people like you. If you're being touched, if you're being blessed by AdBible, would you consider becoming a financial partner with the Ezra Project? That's the only way these podcasts continue. So visit EzraProject.net, find the Donate Now button, and maybe you'd give a one-time gift or maybe you'll become a monthly partner with us. The mission God has given us is to record something about every chapter of the Bible. Quite a calling, but with your help, we will finish the task. May God bless you as you consider maybe taking a risk to support the Ezra Project financially. And God's richest blessings as you do.
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The ESV Bible, the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, ESV, text edition 2007, all rights reserved. English Standard Version, ESV, and the ESV logo are registered trademarks of Good News Publishers, used by permission.
In this episode of Add Bible, we delve into Ruth chapter 2, unraveling the providential encounters that define Ruth's journey with Naomi and Boaz. As Ruth commits herself to gleaning in Boaz's fields, we witness the unfolding of God's sovereign plans through acts of kindness and favor. Listen as we explore the deeper meanings behind Ruth's humble resilience and Boaz's generous spirit, reflecting on how these biblical narratives echo in our contemporary lives.
Welcome to Add Bible, an audio daily devotion from the Ezra Project. We join Alan J. Huth as he shares Bible passages and comments from over 30 years of his personal Bible reading journals.
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Today we are in Ruth chapter 2. Listen to Faith Comes by Hearing's reading of the 23 verses of Ruth 2. Ruth 2
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Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.
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And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor. And she said to her,
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Go, my daughter. So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and he said to the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered, The Lord bless you. Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, Whose young woman is this?
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And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, She is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers. So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.
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Then Boaz said to Ruth, Now listen, my daughter. Do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.
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Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner? But Boaz answered her,
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All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.
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Then she said, I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.
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And at mealtime Boaz said to her, Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.
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So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain, and she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over.
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When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, Let her glean, even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her, and also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.
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so she gleaned in the field until evening then she beat out what she had gleaned and it was about an ephah of barley and she took it up and went into the city her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned she also brought out and gave her what food she had left over after being satisfied and her mother-in-law said to her
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Where did you clean today and where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you.
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So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.
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And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead. Naomi also said to her, The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.
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And Ruth the Moabite said, Besides, he said to me, You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest. And Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law,
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It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted.
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So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, cleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law.
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At 28 years old, in 1983, when I read Ruth chapter 2, I wrote in my personal Bible reading journal, Ruth gleans grain in the field of Boaz. Boaz rewards Ruth for generosity toward Naomi. Two acts of kindness, Ruth and her concern for Naomi, and Boaz and his treatment of Ruth. At 42 years old in 1997, I was reading the whole Old Testament that year, and I read all of Ruth on one day, and I summarized that in the podcast concerning chapter 1, so we move on to 2011. At 56 years old in 2011, I was reading the whole Bible that year, so I was reading Old and New Testament passages on the same day, and I read all of the book of Ruth on the same day, and I again summarized that in chapter 1. Before I get into the book of Ruth, chapter 2, I do want to make a comment about these Bible reading journals. You'll notice I read the Bible differently many years. In 1983, I read Ruth chapter by chapter. In 1997, I was reading the whole Old Testament. And in 2011, I was reading the whole Bible. I share those things so that you too can alter the way you read the Bible. To keep life in your Bible reading, you don't need to read the Bible the same way each year. So here in my journey through the book of Ruth over various years and various decades, you can see already three different ways to read the Bible. Chapter by chapter, read just the Old Testament or just the New Testament, or read the whole Bible. I encourage you to try all three methods. Now let's look at Ruth chapter 2. In chapter 1, Naomi and Ruth show up in Bethlehem. Ruth goes right to work, getting a job gleaning in the field so that they can have something to eat. Verse 3 says she happens to show up in the field belonging to Boaz. Do we really believe that, that she just happened to show up there? Right here in chapter 2, we begin to see God orchestrating his sovereignty in the life of Boaz, the life of Ruth, and the life of Naomi, though they may not know it at all. Boaz obviously takes notice of Ruth. Maybe it was because she was new in town. Maybe it was because she was attractive. Maybe it was just because there was a woman in his field and he wanted to know who she was. Or maybe it's because it was ordained by God. Boaz takes special interest in her and gives her great favor in his fields. He even instructs his young men not to lay a hand on her. Ruth illustrates her humble spirit. Verse 10, She fell on her face bowing to the ground and said to him, Why have I found favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me since I am a foreigner? The story of Ruth's love and care for her mother-in-law, Naomi, had obviously reached Boaz's ears. He says in verse 11, All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me. So Ruth's reputation has already preceded her in Bethlehem. What would be told of you? What do people see in your behavior? Are you acting in such a way that people would take notice of you? Ruth has showed up in town, and her behavior is being observed by many. Boaz goes the next step. He instructs his young men to treat her with even more favor. Verse 16, And also pull out some from the bundles for her, and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her. Boaz is making sure that Ruth has enough for her and her mother-in-law, Naomi. I mentioned in my journal back in 1983 two acts of kindness, Ruth and her concern for Naomi and Boaz and his treatment of Ruth. the practical application of ruth chapter two may be this regardless of your circumstances make the best of it get to work do the best you can and watch god work ruth did so gleaning from early morning all day with just a short rest Next, she fell on her face and bowed down to the ground when she met Boaz, illustrating a spirit of humility and gratefulness. Then she even saved some of her meal for her mother-in-law, Naomi. Yes, even in difficult circumstances, let your light shine before men. And maybe you're on the other end of the stick like Boaz is. Maybe you can provide kindness to someone today. Someone who doesn't have everything you have. Someone who may be suffering under a difficult circumstance right now. Maybe you could be a provider for such a person today. Father, we thank you for the acts of kindness that we see in Ruth chapter 2. Oh, our world needs kindness today. Help us, Lord, as Christians. Look around our world and see where we can be kind to someone today. And as we do, may we understand that you are working around us in our lives. You are sovereign. And you can provide a blessing, even under new or difficult circumstances. To God be the glory. In your name we pray. Amen. Our radio programming is set for 2025. We will cover 44 of the 66 books of the Bible using the Ezra Project day by day through the Bible 11 book series. We start at January 1 with the writings of Old Testament historical books beginning with Job. We will cover seven more historical books until spring when we jump into the New Testament writings of Mark, Peter, James, Jude, and Hebrews. By summer, we will go back to the Old Testament writings of all 13 of the minor prophets. We'll finish 2025 with the writings of Paul. Maybe you don't want to follow the AdBible radio programming in your daily quiet time. Okay, I offer you an alternative plan. Read the Bible chronologically starting any day you want. The Bible is not organized the way things occurred. You can order an Ezra Project Chronological Bible Reading Journal and experience an amazing journey through the Bible in the order things actually occurred. The first time I read the Bible chronologically, it was an aha experience. While reading Kings and Chronicles, I read the prophets who were alive at the time. In the New Testament, you read about a miracle or a parable by all four gospel writers on the same day. It was a very educational and inspiring way to read the Bible. One user said this about our chronological Bible reading journal. Some years ago, I used a couple of spiral notebooks for my journaling. I've attached pictures of the book, the first edition of the Ezra Project Bible Reading Chronological Journal. That was the picture he sent. I live in Phoenix now, and I cannot find any place that has this type of journal. I've used many types of journals recently, but this seems to work the best for my needs. Please let me know if these are still available. Yes, they are. In fact, it is our number one best-selling product of all time. Visit azureproject.net and order a chronological Bible reading journal today and start your chronological journey through the Bible. I know you're going to enjoy it.
In this episode, we delve into the profound narrative of the Book of Ruth, a timeless story rooted in biblical history. Explore the themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence as we navigate through Ruth's poignant journey alongside Naomi, her mother-in-law. Discover how this classic love story also emphasizes virtuous womanhood and commitment, unfolding during a period when Israel was without a king.
Welcome to Add Bible, an audio daily devotion from the Ezra Project. We join Alan J. Huth as he shares Bible passages and comments from over 30 years of his personal Bible reading journals.
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Today we begin the book of Ruth. I will use my ESV Study Bible book introduction to look at the book of Ruth. The story of the book of Ruth takes place in the time of Judges, before a king reigned over Israel, probably around 1000 BC. The book is named for its main character, Ruth, a Moabite woman who marries Boaz. They eventually have a son, Obed, who is the grandfather of King David. Therefore, Ruth is an ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus. The theme of Ruth is how God's people experience His sovereignty, wisdom, and covenant kingdom even under difficult circumstances. Kindness and redemption are two key themes. The book of Ruth is the Bible's classic love story. Few stories in the Bible are told from a woman's viewpoint, but in Ruth, the writer gives attention to feminine values and feelings. Also, Boaz, in his role as kinsman redeemer, presents a striking figure of a man who embodies the Lord's own kindness. The book of Ruth exalts virtuous womanhood and strong manhood. Ruth is one of the only two books in the Bible named after a woman, Ruth and Esther. Interestingly, Ruth is a Gentile woman who marries a Hebrew man. Esther is a Jewish woman who marries a Gentile man. Ruth is not only a love story, it is a tremendous example of how redemption changes everything. Our guest reader for the Book of Ruth is my wife, Terry. Terry and I have been married for over 42 years. We met in high school at age 15, dated four years, and married at 19. We have been together our whole lives. She is a homemaker, raised our three children, and now focuses on our five grandchildren. Terry has been a member of the Ezra Project Board of Directors since we started in 2002. She is our Special Events Coordinator. Terry will read the last two chapters of the Book of Ruth, so we'll listen to Faith Comes by Hearing's reading of Ruth, Chapter 1.
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Ruth Ruth 1
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In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Malan and Kilian. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives. The name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other, Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Malan and Kilian died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law,
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Go, return each of you to her mother's house. May the Lord deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you, in the house of her husband.
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Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept, and they said to her... No, we will return with you, to your people.
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But Naomi said, Turn back, my daughters. Why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.
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Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. And she said...
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See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. Return after your sister-in-law.
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But Ruth said, Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me, and more also if anything but death parts me from you.
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And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more. So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, Is this Naomi?
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She said to them, Do not call me Naomi. Call me Himera, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?
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So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.
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To help us through the book of Ruth, I've selected three of my personal Bible reading journals. The first one is the first Bible reading journal I ever wrote back in 1983 when I was 28 years old. The next one is 14 years later in 1997 when I was 42 years old. And we'll use 2011, another 14 years later, when I was 56 years old. So those are the three journals we will use in the book of Ruth. In 1983, after reading Ruth chapter 1, I wrote the first seven books focused on the nation of Israel. Ruth begins to focus on the family of the Messiah within the nation. Ruth was a Moabite woman, descendant of Lot. In 1997, I was reading the whole Old Testament that year, and I read the whole book of Ruth on one day, and I summarized the book this way. I wrote, nice story, but isn't it against God's instructions for Boaz to marry a Moabite? Yet she and he become the genealogy of David and Jesus. In 2011, I was reading the whole Bible in a year. So I was reading Old Testament passages and New Testament passages each day. So on this day, I read all the chapters of Ruth, and I read some passages out of Luke. Concerning Ruth, I wrote... Interesting that this story is about a Jewish man marrying a Moabite woman, which I thought was prohibited by the law, and that this union is blessed by God as the lineage of King David and the ancestor of Jesus himself. The story also shows God's sovereignty and reward for faithfulness. Ruth to Naomi. The story of Ruth begins with a Jewish family. Eli Melech and his wife Naomi were from Bethlehem and the tribe of Judah. They have two sons, but then Naomi's husband dies. The two sons took Moabite wives. I mentioned in my journal that I thought that was against the law of God. So let me read my ESV Study Bible footnote concerning this. Ruth's husband was Malan. There was no formal prohibition against marrying Moabites. However, marriage to Moabites was discouraged because of their commitment to other gods, such as Moloch, the Balaam debacle, Israel's debauchery with Moabite women in the wilderness, and the ten-generation Moabite male exclusion from the assembly of the Lord. So, I guess I learned something here, and that's that it's not prohibited. It was just discouraged to marry a Moabite. The two sons of Naomi both die, leaving the Moabite women without husbands. Naomi, the mother of the two sons, now intends to return to her homeland of Judah. Naomi graciously frees her daughters-in-law to go back to their homelands as well. But Ruth refuses to do so. Ruth demonstrates incredible loyalty to Naomi, her mother-in-law. In verse 16, the word says, Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also, if anything but death parts me from you. Naomi and Ruth returned to the city of Bethlehem, and the whole town is stirred up because of them. It had probably been many years since Naomi was in Bethlehem, so maybe they were excited to see her again. Or maybe they were concerned because she left with a husband, and she came back without one. Anyway, it was a reunion, and the whole town was stirred up. She left with the name Naomi, but now she calls herself Mara, which means bitter. Naomi is bitter because God has taken away her husband and her two sons. She returns desolate, childless, and as a widow. She has suffered, and she probably thinks her suffering is some kind of condemnation from God for some sin that she is unaware of. But this is not the end of the story of the book of Ruth, only the beginning. Maybe like Naomi, you think you've been dealt a bitter hand from the Lord. Maybe you've suffered greatly. Maybe you've lost members of your family. Maybe you've been divorced. Maybe you're suffering under a health issue. Maybe you've lost your job. Maybe, like Naomi, you feel bitter against God. But again, this is only chapter 1 of the book of Ruth. So let's see what God does with Naomi's bitterness. It may give you hope for your own bitterness. Father, we thank you for the opening chapter of the book of Ruth. The scene is set, a scene of bitterness, disappointment, like many of us may feel from time to time in our lives. We look forward to what you might teach us in the book of Ruth that may soften our own bitterness toward you. Life doesn't always turn out the way we want it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't turn out the way God wants it. Teach us, Lord, to hang in there with you, even if life gets bitter or difficult, even when it doesn't turn out the way we think it should. Teach us sovereignty through your word. For it's in Jesus' name we ask it. Amen. Thanks for listening to AdBible today. To support AdBible, visit EzraProject.net, the donate button. For a one-time gift of $39 or more, we will send you a free copy of one of our day-by-day through the Bible books. And for a gift of $100 a month, we will send you the entire 11-volume series covering all 66 books of the Bible chapter by chapter. You will get a book a month for the first 11 months of your $100 a month contribution. So support the Ezra Project today by going online and hitting the donate button at EzraProject.net.
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The ESV Bible, the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, ESV, text edition 2007, all rights reserved. English Standard Version, ESV, and the ESV logo are registered trademarks of Good News Publishers, used by permission.
Join us as we delve into Job 42, the final chapter that wraps up our 30-day venture through the compelling story of Job. Witness the restoration of Job's fortune and the renewal of his life after unspeakable trials. Job's sparking repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty serve as eternal lessons for us to remain steadfast in our own life challenges. As we explore reflections from over three decades of journaling, gain valuable insights into maintaining faith and trust in the divine, even when life's trials feel insurmountable.
Welcome to Add Bible, an audio daily devotion from the Ezra Project. Alan J. Huth shares a Bible passage with comments from over 35 years of his personal Bible reading journals and applies the Word of God to our daily lives.
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Today we reach Job chapter 42, the last chapter of the book of Job, and the last of our 30-day adventure through this book. We'll see Job respond to God one more time, we'll see God speak, and we'll see God restore everything to Job. Let's listen in to the last chapter of the book of Job, chapter 42. Job 42
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Then Job answered the Lord and said, I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me which I did not know. Hear and I will speak. I will question you and you make it known to me. I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.
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After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite,
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My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly." for you have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has.
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So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them. And the Lord accepted Job's prayer. And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before and ate bread with him in his house. And they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him. And each of them gave him a piece of money and a ring of gold. And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. And he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first daughter, Jemima, and the name of the second, Keziah, and the name of the third, Karenhapik. And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job's daughters. And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. And after this Job lived 140 years and saw his sons and his sons' sons four generations. And Job died an old man and full of days.
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We'll take a look for the last time at those journals I've been using through the book of Job. We'll begin with 1984 as I finished the book of Job with chapters 41 and 42. And I wrote, Job repents. God restores him. 41.11 says, Who has given to me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine. And 42.2 says, I know that thou can do all things. Thirteen years later, in 1997, I finished the book of Job. With chapters 35 through 42 on the last day, I wrote, God speaks to Job and his friends. Prepare yourself like a man. I will question you and you shall answer me. God puts Job in perspective. He never ever addresses Job's issues but declares his sovereignty. Everything under heaven is mine. When Job has a chance to answer, he laid his hand over his mouth. I will not answer. There is no answer or question to God. He simply repented for ever questioning God. Lord, forgive me for whining or ever questioning you. Give me strength to live in your sovereignty. And 18 years later, in 2015, I finished the book of Job by reading chapters 40 through 42 on the same day. And I wrote, God calls those who question him fault finders. Job desired, waited for the opportunity to present his case before God. He now has the chance to do so and he says nothing. We are so small before God, our articulation is babbling. Doubtful if any of us are going to question God or present our futile case before him. God never answers Job. He never explains what happened to Job. He reminds Job of how big he is. Job responds, God restores the fortunes of Job. after he prayed for his friends. Job lives 140 years, so his suffering may have been a very short trial in his life. How am I handling my trials? In this last chapter of the book of Job, Job does speak to God. Let's go back and see what he had to say. In verse 2, I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. In verse 3, he says, Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. Job never argues his case before God, does he? Nor will we. Job understands he has no case before God, nor do we. So Job never does understand what happened back in chapter 1, in the book that carries his own name. God does not need to explain himself. After Job successfully faces his trial, this test from God Almighty, Then the Lord restores everything back to Job. Verse 10, And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends, and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Verse 12, And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. Verse 16, And after this Job lived 140 years. And verse 17, And Job died an old man and full of days. Notice too, the restoration of Job only came after he was restored to his friends. He had to pray for them, and God said he would hear that prayer from Job. How do you feel after completing the book of Job? Do you feel a little let down that God never tells Job what really happened? Do you feel challenged by your own personal trials and how Job was handled his and he remained faithful? And are you questioning whether you can remain faithful during the trial that God has you in? Or do you feel like you're on the way out of a trial and that you will be restored? Has Job helped build your faith and trust in God? Do you feel sorry for your questioning of God through your life? And do you feel like repenting? Like Job did. Again, look at verse 6. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. Job repented. Do you need to? When we started Job, we said the theme of Job is can God be trusted? It responds to our heart's desire to question God, to wonder about our faith in a sovereign God when things don't appear to be going right. We said Job questioned God, but while demonstrating unshakable faith... Has our journey through Job given you unshakable faith? Let's close out our journey through the book of Job in prayer. Father, we thank you for this book, a book of despair, a book of trial, a book of trouble, a recap of a life much like our own. Job suffered. He lost it all, but his faith never wavered. As you put us through the tests of life, may we be like Job. May our faith never waver. Thank you for strengthening us through this book. Thank you for reminding us the trials will come in our lives. Thank you for reminding us of who you are. You're bigger than any trial we will ever face. And thank you for the promise of restoration. You restored Job. May you restore us as well. Thank you for the lessons of life in the book of Job. Holy Spirit, apply them to each of our journeys. as we continue our sojourn on the earth. Job had many more years to live after this trial. We may too. So thank you for the promise of restoring us. We give you all the praise and the glory. Amen. Thanks for listening to AdBible today. Our radio programming is set for 2025. We will cover 44 of the 66 books of the Bible using the Ezra Project day by day through the Bible 11 book series. We start at January 1 with the writings of the Old Testament historical books beginning with Job. We will cover seven more historical books until spring when we jump into the New Testament writings of Mark, Peter, James, Jude, and Hebrews. By summer, we will go back to the Old Testament writings of all 13 of the minor prophets. We'll finish 2025 with the writings of Paul. Maybe you don't want to follow the Ad Bible Radio programming in your daily quiet time. Okay, I offer you an alternative plan. Read the Bible chronologically starting any day you want. The Bible is not organized the way things occurred. You can order an Ezra Project Chronological Bible Reading Journal and experience an amazing journey through the Bible in the order things actually occurred. The first time I read the Bible chronologically, it was an aha experience. While reading Kings and Chronicles, I read the prophets who were alive at the time. In the New Testament, you read about a miracle or a parable by all four gospel writers on the same day. It was a very educational and inspiring way to read the Bible. One user said this about our chronological Bible reading journal. Some years ago, I used a couple of spiral notebooks for my journaling. I've attached pictures of the book, the first edition of the Ezra Project Bible Reading Chronological Journal. That was the picture he sent. I live in Phoenix now, and I cannot find any place that has this type of journal. I've used many types of journals recently, but this seems to work the best for my needs. Please let me know if these are still available. Yes, they are. In fact, it is our number one best-selling product of all time. Visit azureproject.net and order a chronological Bible reading journal today and start your chronological journey through the Bible. I know you're going to enjoy it and want to share it with others. To support AddBible, visit EzraProject.net, the donate button. For a one-time gift of $39 or more, we will send you a free copy of one of our day-by-day through the Bible books. And for a gift of $100 a month, we will send you the entire 11-volume series covering all 66 books of the Bible, chapter by chapter. You will get a book a month for the first 11 months of your $100 a month contribution. So support the Ezra Project today by going online and hitting the donate button at ezraproject.net.
