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In this insightful episode, we reflect on the complexities of Job's character as he presents his case not only before men but ultimately before God. As we discuss the significance of Job’s unwavering faith and moral standards, listeners are invited to consider how these lessons can apply to modern-day life, highlighting the relevance of Old Testament prophecies and the enduring power of staying true to one's principles.
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 brings us to Job chapter 31, Job's final words. In fact, he doesn't speak again until the very last chapter of this book. This is his final appeal. Let's listen in to Job as he speaks in chapter 31. Job 31
I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze at a virgin? What would be my portion from God above and my heritage from the Almighty on high? Is not calamity for the unrighteous, and disaster for the workers of iniquity? Does not he see my ways and number all my steps? If I have walked with falsehood and my foot has hastened to deceit, let me be weighed in a just balance and let God know my integrity. If my step is turned aside from the way and my heart has gone after my eyes and if any spot is stuck to my hands, then let me sow and another eat and let what grows for me be rooted out. If my heart has been enticed toward a woman, and I have lain in wait at my neighbor's door, then let my wife grind for another, and let others bow down on her. For that would be a heinous crime. That would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges. For that would be a fire that consumes as far as Abaddon, and it would burn to the root all my increase. If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or my maidservant when they brought a complaint against me, what then shall I do when God rises up? When he makes inquiry, what shall I answer him? Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, or have eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless has not eaten of it, for from my youth the fatherless grew up with me as with a father, and from my mother's womb I guided the widow. If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing or the needy without covering, if his body has not blessed me, and if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep, if I have raised my hand against the fatherless because I saw my help in the gate, then let my shoulder blade fall from my shoulder and let my arm be broken from its socket. for I was in terror of calamity from God, and I could not have faced his majesty. If I have made gold my trust, or called fine gold my confidence, if I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant, or because my hand had found much, If I have looked at the sun when it shone, or the moon moving in splendor, and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my mouth has kissed my hand, this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I would have been false to God above. If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him who hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him, I have not let my mouth sin by asking for his life with a curse. If the men of my tent have not said, Who is there that has not been filled with his meat? The sojourner has not lodged in the street. I have opened my doors to the traveler. If I have concealed my transgressions as others do, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom, because I stood in great fear of the multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence and did not go out of doors. Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me. Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary! Surely I would carry it on my shoulder, I would bind it on me as a crown. I would give him an account of all my steps, like a prince I would approach him. If my land has cried out against me, and its furrows have wept together, If I have eaten its yield without payment and made its owners breathe their last, let thorns grow instead of wheat and foul weeds instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.
In 1984, after reading chapters 31 through 34 of Job, I wrote, Job asserts his righteousness before God. In 1997, I read Job 29 through 34 on the same day, and I wrote, Job finishes his defense. And in 2015, after reading Job 30 and 31 on the same day, concerning chapter 31, I wrote, Job concludes by verifying his innocence once again by recapping his life. And chapter 31 ends with the words of Job are ended. Job has spent six chapters answering the last accusations he was faced with from his friends and defending himself before them and before his God. In chapter 31, he defends his character one last time. He begins in verse 1, I have made a covenant with my eyes, how then could I gaze at a virgin? My English Standard Version Study Bible footnote on that verse says this, In affirming his moral purity, Job recalls a personal commitment he had made regarding what he would and would not gaze at, what he calls a covenant with my eyes. In particular, he professes purity in avoiding sexual lust. How then could I gaze at a virgin? in previous chapters we have learned other aspects of job's character moral purity was another he furthers this thought in verses nine and following if my heart has been enticed toward a woman and i have lain in wait at my neighbor's door then let my wife grind for another and let others bow down on her For that would be a heinous crime. That would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges. We can step aside from Job chapter 31 for a moment and think about our sexual immorality in our world today. Verses like these remind us to come back to sexual purity. In many other verses in this chapter, Job is saying, If I have done any wrong and I didn't correct it, then I'm guilty. But I can't think of the things like that that I have done wrong. Things like verse 5, if I have walked with falsehood. Verse 13, if I have rejected the cause of my manservant or my maidservant. Verse 16, if I have withheld anything that the poor desired. Verse 19, if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing. Verse 21, if I have raised my hand against the fatherless. Verse 24, if I have made gold my trust. Verse 25, if I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant. Verse 29, if I have rejoiced at the ruin of him who hated me. Verse 33, if I've concealed my transgressions as others do. But in all those instances, he knows he's innocent. He is a man of integrity. In verse 35, he cries out once again to God. Oh, that I had one to hear me. Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me. in the whole of the book of job so far job does not blame anybody for his circumstances somehow under all this he understands he is under the sovereignty of an almighty god over and over that's where he takes his case He is very sure of his integrity. Are you? Do we want to take our filthy rags before the holy throne of God? Do we really want to make a defense of everything we've done in our lives? I don't think so. Do you? And aren't you glad because of the blood of Jesus at the cross of Calvary, you won't have to. Thank you, Jesus, for paying the penalty for my sin, for my iniquity, for my failures. Thank you that I will not have to plead my case before a holy God without you standing right beside me. Thank you for the forgiveness of my sin. Friends, the words of Job have ended, but the book of Job has not. We still have 11 chapters to go. Stay with us. The end will be worth it. Father, we thank you for the example of Job's integrity. We thank you for his desire to plead his case not before men, but before you. And we are thankful that we won't have to plead our case before you. We're thankful for the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from our sin and our unrighteousness before you. Job didn't know Jesus, but he knew you. He places his faith in you as we do. He had faith in your mercy and your grace as we do. So we look forward to how you are going to respond to Job in the later chapters of this book. Teach us more about your character. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen. Thanks for listening to AdBible today. Maybe you wonder if Old Testament prophecy is true, came true already, or is coming true in the future. First, most prophets had a recurring theme. God loves us. Because he loves us so much, he gave us commandments, rules, statutes to live by. If we live by them, we can be blessed beyond what we can think or imagine. But when we choose to disregard, ignore, and set aside his rules, we are subject to his curses. We live under curses until things get so bad we cry out to God. He's always there, waiting for our cry. Most often, but not always, He responds with grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness. We get back in line, then the cycle repeats. The Old Testament prophets cover this cycle over and over. Sometimes we wonder how the Israelites could have been so foolish. Yet, in our day, we have the same choice. We know God loves us. We generally know the rules, and we'd know them a lot better if we were more consistent in our time in God's Word. Yet we decide, like those in the Old Testament, to ignore them and live out our lives. Things don't often go well, so we finally cry out to God. As we see in the Old Testament, prophecy comes true as God restores rebellious, disobedient people like us back into right relationship with Him. But it is not always the case. Sometimes he has enough and does not deliver them. So yes, Old Testament prophecies are true, they came true, and they will come true in the future as we cycle through the same life choices the Israelites made. Thus, the value of reading all the Old Testament prophets. Maybe we will learn what they tried to teach. God loves us. Keep his rules, love him back, and enjoy his blessings. After listening to AdBible, you may wish members of your family or friends would find a personal relationship with Jesus like you have. But we know most Christians have never shared their faith with anyone else. In fact, it's about 95% of us. Maybe you want to, but you just don't know how. I was not very good at it either, but I had a desire to get better at it. Maybe you do too. Check out our teaching on how to share your faith without a fight at EzraProject.net. Sharing our faith is not a gift some have and some don't. It's a command to go and make disciples. Learn how to do it, or at least give it a try. Visit EzraProject.net. Find how to share your faith without a fight. I know you're going to enjoy it and want to share it with others.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
