Who wrote the Books of 1 and 2 Kings and who did they write it for?
Traditionally, the prophet Jeremiah has been named the author of 1 and 2 Kings, but it is uncertain. 1 and 2 Kings were written for the Israelites to record some of the history of the Hebrew monarchy and the kingdoms of Judah and Israel.
When did the events of Books of 1 and 2 Kings happen?
1 and 2 Kings cover Israel’s history, from the reign of King David to the Babylonian capture of Judah. The events of 1 Kings happened between around 1003-865 BC, and 2 Kings through around 586 BC.
What was the setting of the Books of 1 and 2 Kings?
1 and 2 Kings provide important examples of good and bad kings, true and false prophets, and disobedience and faithfulness to God. These many years of history are a vital part of the Israelite’s journey emphasizing the difficulties they faced in remaining faithful to the Lord, and the Lord’s constant faithfulness to His people.
What is the purpose of the Books of 1 and 2 Kings?
Provides examples of how God uses those who are faithful and obedient for His great works and purposes.
Summary
The books of 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book, as were the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. The 4 books were combined into one book and then split into 4 parts of Hebrew history to become 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. All 4 of these books cover the history of the Hebrew monarchy and include many important examples of God’s chosen people in their pattern of disobedience, which led to the inevitable results that God promised would happen if they failed to repent and obey Him.
Throughout 1 and 2 Kings we see examples of good and evil kings, teaching us much aboutgodly leadership. We also learn about true and false prophets, highlighting the ministry of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. Throughout these stories are intertwined examples of God’s chosen people fluctuating in their allegiance to Him, and ultimately failing to repent and be faithful to the Lord resulting in the capture of Jerusalem.
These books of the Bible are important historical texts filled with examples we can learn much from today. We get to see God’s promises at work and His faithfulness to His Word. We receive both warning and comfort, as well as encouragement because of the love and power of God and His faithfulness in keeping His promises.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel and who did they write them for?
Samuel was dedicated to the Lord as a newborn by his mother Hannah and then grew up in the service of the Lord. It is believed that he wrote 1 Samuel 1-24 and that Nathan and Gad wrote the remainder of 1 Samuel 25-31 and all of 2 Samuel. Both 1 and 2 Samuel were written as a factual record for the Hebrew people.
When did the events of Books of 1 and 2 Samuel happen?
The events of the books of 1 and 2 Samuel happened after the time of the Judges, and cover the beginning of the history of the Hebrew monarchy in Israel. These events likely happened between about 1105-970 BC.
What was the setting of the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel?
1 Samuel covers the birth of Samuel, the beginnings of the Hebrew monarchy in Israel, and the preparation of David to become the second king of Israel after Saul. 2 Samuel covers the reign of David leading up to the reign of his son, Solomon. The people wanted a monarchy rather than a theocracy and desperately needed spiritual leadership.
What is the purpose of the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel?
Originally one book, 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel carry on the story of the Hebrew people after the time of the Judges, recording the beginning of the Hebrew monarchy. The people demanded to have a king, a monarchy, over the theocracy they knew. They chose Saul as their king.
Samuel began the records found in 1 Samuel 1-24, and from 1 Samuel 25-31 through the end of 2 Samuel Nathan and Gad took over the records. When Samuel was born his mother dedicated him to the Lord and put him in the Lord’s service. He was used by God to guide God’s people in this time of great need for spiritual leadership.
Throughout the book of 1 Samuel we learn about the reign of Saul and the anointing of David. In 2 Samuel we learn about the reign of David, through the end of his reign, and the preparation for the reign of his son, Solomon. Throughout these important historical accounts, we see incredible examples of both good and bad leadership, the faithfulness of God and defiance of His people, and the difficulties of temptation, sin, and of following God’s commands. We also find great encouragement in God’s love for His people, even when we sin and disobey Him.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Pride is a dangerous thing, and certainly something no one wants to admit to. Knowing that pride began with Satan and influenced people all the wayback in the Garden of Eden tells us that pride is a tactic Satan is going to keep planting and using for his purposes. Humility is the opposite of pride. It is important to understand and know where it comes from as well in order to better identify pride, defeat it, warn against it and keep your heart clean of it. So, what is the source of humility and how can we identify it against the sin of pride?
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
God opposes pride. Scripture tells us that pride will bring destruction and will be broken down. If we choose to let pride grow in our hearts, fail to repent of it, and humble ourselves, we see examples from cover to cover that God will humble us Himself. How do we know, though, when we are in need of humbling? How do we know when God is warning us against pride?
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”[a]
A great example in scripture can be found in Daniel. God had given Judah over to King Nebuchadnezzar, who took some young men captive to serve in his household. Among them were Daniel (renamed Belteshazzar), Mishael (renamed Meshach), Hananiah (renamed Shadrach), and Azariah (renamed Abed-Nego). They were sent into the care of the eunuchs. From there, they were in the epicenter of the gluttonous court of King Nebuchadnezzar.
In his humility and trust in the Lord, Daniel stood up boldly in the promises of God and watched as God fulfilled His promises. King Nebuchadnezzar continued in his self-serving pride and God constantly used Daniel to warn the king and encourage him. Again in pride, the king kept on in his sin. Just as God fulfilled His promises to save the humble again and again, He also fulfilled His promise that pride leads to destruction.
The sin of pride is a powerful tool the enemy uses and tricks us into believing we are greater than, know better than, can do better than God. Pride says “my way is best”, and humility says “God’s way is best”.
When we remain in our pride, God will humble us. When we fail to heed God’s warnings, He will humble us. When we fail to warn one another of the dangers of pride, we too are responsible because we choose to disobey God and not lead someone in the ways and promises of the Most High. He will humble us when we fail to place Him as the ultimate authority in every area of our lives, and the One who is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.
7 “So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have [a]delivered your soul.
Humility comes from God, and to humble ourselves is to be in submission to our Holy God, recognizing His power and authority. The point is to bring us to repentance.
Even at the threat of death, while the king was murdering those who didn’t do as he commanded, Daniel stood up, stood out, and set himself apart for the Lord in faithful humility. He warned the king, the king made his choices, but Daniel was blameless and God protected him. The king was prideful and God cast him out in order to bring him to repentance. God absolutely expects the same of us, and will fulfill His promises in our lives as well.
Who are you most resembling in your life right now?
Take a look at this story of Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar again and ask yourself the following questions:
Do you stand firm in the promises of God, even at great threat of danger, or do you seek to please the appeals and demands of people to avoid conflict or discomfort?
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
Do you praise God in all circumstances, giving Him the glory, credit and honor, or do you take the credit for yourself, and praise yourself and things of the world instead?
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;[a]
Do you trust that God knows best even when we only see a piece of the situation, disagree or don’t understand, or do you seek to control situations and rest on your own understandings instead?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Trust God, humble yourself before Him, accept His correction, and obey His instruction. Pride comes before destruction, but God will bless the humble. Set the example for others around you, and encourage others in humility. Don’t fall into the trap of pride and remain there, but if you fall in know that you can trust God to also fulfill His promise to forgive, redeem, and restore you.
Is pride a habit you need to kick?
I encourage you to pray wholeheartedly for God to reveal any unchecked pride in you, to clean your heart, restore you, and redirect your eyes in humility to God Almighty, our Mighty Promise Keeper.
Who wrote the book of Ruth and who did they write it for?
The book of Ruth was likely written by Samuel and was written to the nation of Israel.
When did the events of the book of Ruth happen?
Ruth was written approximately between 1046-1035 BC.
What was the setting of the book of Ruth?
Ruth’s story happened in the time of the Judges and would have been in the transition period from Joshua’s leadership to Samuels when Israel had no king. This book takes place in Bethlehem with some time in Moab, which was a pagan nation. Moabites were perpetual enemies of Israel and constantly received judgments from the prophets for their sins.
Teaches of the importance of commitment and our willingness to honor God in our relationships
Displays the faithful service and obedience Christians are called to have toward one another, and to the Lord.
Reminds Christians that God comforts and provides for His people, even in unexpected ways.
Reinforces that God’s way is always right, even when we don’t understand.
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Summary
Naomi had just lost all of her sons as well as her husband and fell into grief. Upon sending her daughters-in-law away, one of them, Ruth, refused to go. The book of Ruth tells of Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi, but goes much further, deeper and wider than just that.
Ruth left her home as well as the culture and religions she’d known all her life to live with Naomi in enemy territory. She also chose to serve the God of Israel and left everything she’d known behind. Life was challenging for Naomi and Ruth upon returning to Naomi’s homeland, but Ruth worked hard and displayed how a Christion should respond to work, hardship, grief and so much more.
Ruth obeyed and helped her mother-in-law and committed her life to loving and caring for Naomi. She displayed how we should trust the Lord in times of struggle, judgment and uncertainty. The book of Ruth displays many examples of what a Christian should act like.
Above all, Ruth’s story foreshadows the redemption that was to come, and that we are now offered, through Jesus Christ. There is much to learn from Ruth’s example, and also from Boaz, her redeemer. This story is not only a foreshadowing of Christ, but also gives us a glimpse at His lineage and how God chose to use a Moabite, gentile woman in the bloodline of our Savior.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the Book of Judges and who did they write it for?
Although there is no claim of authorship, Samuel is said to have written the book of Judges to record the Israelites’ history from Joshua’s death, to Samuel’s leadership, to the beginning of the monarchy.
When did the events in the Book of Judges happen?
The events recorded in the book of Judges likely occurred between approximately 1405-1050 BC
What is the setting of the Book of Judges?
The Israelites had been appointed land in Canaan, which was the bridge between Egypt and Mesopotamia. There was a wide variety of people and religions, and there was no real leadership. God appointed judges to rule over His people.
What is the purpose of the Books of Judges?
Israel’s continued conquest of the Promised Land (Judges 1)
Reminds all generations of Christians that no matter the choices people make, God is in control and He is sovereign over all of creation throughout all history.
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Summary
The Israelites had been appointed land in Canaan and shortly after Joshua died the Israelites returned to their rebellious ways and turned away from God. The book of Judges is a recording of the honest history of one of the darkest times in Israel’s history, where they drove themselves deeper and deeper into the cycle of sin and disobedience against God.
Judges is incredibly important for Christians to read and take to heart because it puts on display the real consequences of continued unfaithfulness. It also puts the faithfulness of God on display and His sovereignty.
The history of the Israelites is packed with ups and downs, and this book gives us a look into what happens when we continue in our sin and allow sin to take root and drive us from our Heavenly Father. We see God’s people become darker, more corrupt, more oppressed, and more selfish as their story continued.
The installment of Judges is an important one, teaching all generations of Christians that we need godly leaders in our lives, and also that God calls us to work for Him in all kinds of ways. It also teaches us that God will even use people we don’t expect to be leaders of the faith.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more aboutsalvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the Book of Joshua and who did they write it for?
The book of Joshua was primarily written by Joshua to the Israelites and future generations of Christians.
When did the events in the Book of Joshua happen?
The events of the book of Joshua took place in the Late Bronze Age, possibly around 1405 BC.
What is the setting of the Book of Joshua?
Joshua was written during the approximately 30 years the Israelites were on a conquest to claim the Promised Land. By that time it was an extremely pagan land that worshiped many false gods and goddesses and lived in much sin. This made it perfect timing for the Israelites when they finally began their conquest.
Joshua was the primary author of the book of Joshua. He wrote it while the Israelites were on a conquest to claim the Promised Land. He was the predecessor to Moses, sent by God at about 80 years old to be the one to take the people into the land they’d been promised so long ago.
The Israelites likely fought for around 30 years to take the land they were promised, and history and scripture indicate they found the land divided and easier to conquer. It had been a very pagan land, filled with sin and worship of idols, which was surely a test of the Israelite’s faith as much as the conquest itself was.
As we read the trials and tests the Israelites faced we can be encouraged that the Lord keeps His promises and that He is working ahead of us, preparing the way for His will to be fulfilled in His way and timing. We can learn a lot about God and the journey and faith He calls each of us to through learning about the journey He took the Israelites through.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Have you ever tried to run from God? Ever ignored what you knew God was calling on you to do, to go, to say? Ever disobeyed God outright and knowingly? In our culture, it’s easy to make excuses to disobey God when He comes knocking. We want to remain in our comfort zone away from unwanted attention, conflict, conversations, or sacrifices. It feels easier to pretend it wasn’t really God telling us to do what we really don’t want to do.
1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because their evil has come up before me.” 3 Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence.
When God told Jonah to do what he didn’t want to do, Jonah ran away. Jonah 1:3 says he “got up to flee”. Jonah’s first reaction was one none of us want to admit is familiar.
When was the last time you fled from God?
What is it that God has called you to do that you are currently running from?
Jonah goes to great lengths and expenses boarding a ship going a totally different direction than where God told him to go. This is exactly what we do when we flee from God’s instruction. When we go the other way and excuse our disobedience we board a ship sailing away from the safety of God’s presence. We are fleeing from Him and the path He has been preparing us for.
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4 But the Lord threw a great wind onto the sea, and such a great storm arose on the sea that the ship threatened to break apart.
When Jonah boarded the ship, God hit it with a storm that almost destroyed the ship. When Jonah fled from God’s plan, God came knocking again – the first time with His instruction, and this time it was with a warning. God could have destroyed the ship, but v. 4 says the ship “threatened” to break apart. God was getting Jonah’s attention – but where was Jonah? Asleep in the bottom of the ship. The others on the ship found him and woke him up – much as we need at times.
How do you respond when God calls on you?
Sometimes we’re so busy ignoring God’s instructions that we miss the warnings and we need people to come and wake us up and call us out. We need God’s warnings to remind us of what He has called us to do. Sometimes we need to be shaken awake by the reality of our disobedience.
14 So they called out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, don’t let us perish because of this man’s life, and don’t charge us with innocent blood! For you, Lord, have done just as you pleased.” 15 Then they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. 16 The men were seized by great fear of the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. 17 The Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
One truly interesting thing is that God uses even our blatant disobedience for His glory. Here’s Jonah, running from God’s commands, and these pagan people wake him up, call him out, and you’d think that would be humiliating enough. Jonah then tells them to throw him into the sea to save them and owns up to his defiance against God. What’s astounding is what happens as a result – we probably all know what happens to Jonah – he spent 3 days in the belly of a fish, but don’t miss what happens to the others on the ship.
Verse 16 says “they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.” Because of Jonah’s disobedience, he was in the right place, at the right time, which led to the right circumstances for these men to pledge themselves to the Lord recognizing Him as God. It certainly doesn’t excuse Jonah, but this speaks to God’s power and plans. God knows what we are going to choose, what we will and will not do, and He plans accordingly so that all things will truly work together for good.
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.
God knows when we are going to run from Him and His instruction
He knows when we will disobey His command, knows when He will need to give us warnings, wake us up and shake us out of our disobedience, and He also knows how to use all circumstances for His glory.
Jonah ended up spending a temporary period of 3 days in the belly of a fish, which reminds me of the temporary period of time I have come out of my own stupor brought on by defiance – you know, that phase where your heart is broken over the realization that you’ve defied God. In that period of time, just like Jonah, we are brought back to our knees and realize how great our God is, how good His commands are, and how much He cares and provides for us. God uses this not just for our own good, but we can’t even fathom the ways He is using these times of discomfort for the salvation of others as well.
14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.15 That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.
Nothing we do can add to or take away from Him and His works. He knows what is ahead and what is behind. He knows what you are struggling with today, and knows the troubles behind and ahead of you. Whatever it is you are struggling with right now my prayer is that you surrender it to Him and trust Him to restore you and work out all that has been affected by your wandering away from Him. We try to make our plans but rest in the wisdom that God will establish every step according to His will. Let God it, and release your plans to His will for your life, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. His plans are always greater than anything we could even dream of or plan for.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Who wrote Song of Solomon and who did they write it to?
King Solomon of Israel wrote the Song of Solomon to his wife-to-be.
When did the events of Song of Solomon happen?
Solomon wrote this song in the early years of his reign, likely around 971-931 BC.
What is the setting of Song of Solomon?
This book is written in the setting of Solomon’s royal court in the kingdom of Israel. It is a letter between a betrothed man and wife, later husband and wife.
Expresses the love and devotion of a bride and bridegroom before and during their marriage.
Expresses the loving relationship of a husband and wife committed to one another, while simultaneously echoing the loving relationship between God and His people, and Christ and His Church.
Paints a picture of a godly wife who is healthy and well-loved, counteracting the cultural stigma of female weakness.
Expresses the mutual respect between a husband and wife living in this natural world.
Summary
Also called Song of Songs, this book is attributed to Solomon, King of Israel, in the early years of his reign. This is a beautiful letter between a betrothed man and wife and then later on in their maturing marriage.
This song depicts the incredible imagery of the love of God for His people, and Christ and His Church, in a way that we can understand the commitment, devotion, and love of a husband and wife. It also shows the strength, wholeness, health, and love of a woman by her husband and the mutual love between them, counteracting many cultural stigmas about women and their place in their marriage and culture.
This song is often kept from children until their teen years when they learn about the sanctity of marriage. It is such a vital explanation for Christ-followers to better understand the way our God loves us and calls us to love and be devoted to Him as well, as well as an incredible example of a godly marriage.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Answers the very human questions about the meaning of life and if life is worth living.
Teaches that the meaning of life is not found in work, wealth, desires, leisure, learning, or anything of the world, but is found only in a relationship with God.
Teaches that a life not focused on the Lord is futile and empty.
Declares our ultimate purpose is to obey and glorify God in all things, at all times, no matter the season or circumstances we find ourselves in.
Summary
Ecclesiastes is said to have been written by Solomon, King of Israel, in the later years of his life as a reflection of the godly wisdom he has gained during his lifetime and a reflection of his own life. It is an educational style book intended for the edification of a child or student.
The book focuses on declaring the meaning of human life, the vanity of human efforts without and against God, and the purpose for all of existence – to honor and glorify God within a personal relationship with Him. This book is filled with vital wisdom for all Christians to live by.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Solomon, son of King David and Bathsheba, King of Israel wrote most of the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 30 is attributed to Agur, and Proverbs 31 to King Lemuel’s mother.
When did the events of the Book of Proverbs happen?
Most of this book is said to have been written during the 10th century BC and was completed between 729-696 BC.
What is the setting of the Book of Proverbs?
It was written mostly during Solomon’s middle-aged years while he was at the height of his power as King of Israel, leaving behind a book of practical wisdom for godly living.
Teaches that wisdom is available to all, but all must choose the path of wisdom for themselves.
Explains that the wise and godly are rewarded for their righteousness. Alternatively, the foolish reap the consequences of their folly.
Provides practical guidelines for godly living and helps Christians to understand the difference between wisdom and foolishness, good and evil, truth and falsehood, and so much more.
Solomon was 20 years old when he ascended to the throne of Israel and he reigned for 40 years, from 971-931 BC. He wrote approximately 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. Proverbs is written primarily by Solomon, who is esteemed as the wisest person of all time (1 Kings 4:29-32). His strengths were not in battle but in matters of the mind such as planning, organization, meditation, and negotiation.
Solomon wrote more of the Old Testament than any other man except Moses. He wrote Song of Solomon in his youth while writing Proverbs in his more mature years at the height of his power. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in his later years as a reflection of his life and experiences. Agur authored Proverbs 30 while Proverbs 31 was from King Lemuel’s mother, neither of whom is much known.
What is a Proverb?
A proverb is a brief saying as a statement of comparison. The book of Proverbs is a collection of statements about everyday life and practical guidelines for successful living as a godly person. They often speak of a “path” or “way, indicating conduct and lifestyles as a means to wise and godly living.
The primary contrasts throughout Proverbs are the differences between wisdom and foolishness, good and evil, life versus death, truth versus falsehood. Throughout the Book of Proverbs, we can all learn the Biblical wisdom of having the right relationship to God and living godly, prudent lives for Him.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
I don’t know about you, but one common misconception I hear about Christianity is that becoming a Christian means life is automatically easier. People seem to believe that it’s like a switch that you flip and the troubles turn off. People often believe that you don’t struggle anymore once you become a Christian. This common worldview is held by so many, but is not Biblical and therefore not true. The story of Ruth tackles this beautifully.
Christians still suffer. We still struggle. We still go through uncomfortable and even painful circumstances. Christianity is a way of life. It’s a belief. Its faith in our Maker and Savior. What we experience is not about us. Our lives are about Jesus. We are called to follow, imitate, grow in relationship with, and likeness of Christ.
For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Christ suffered, therefore you can count on suffering as well. Suffering and discomfort are not things to avoid, though. Trials can teach us, grow our faith and reliance on Him, and lead us to become more like Christ all the time. Discomfort and even pain should draw us closer to the throne of God and the way He wants us to live and away from sin and selfish ambition.
The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.
3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Scripture is filled with examples of people, just like you and me, who were plopped right smack into uncomfortable and even painful situations. Two such people were Naomi and Ruth. Naomi had lost her husband then her sons. She was left to fend for herself which was an incredible challenge and danger.
2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
Naomi instructed Orpah and Ruth, her daughters-in-law, to go back home to their families. Ruth and Orpah would be taken care of if they went home to their families. This would leave Naomi completely on her own. Naomi, knowing this, willingly told these women to leave her behind to deal with the struggles of being a woman alone in Biblical times, thinking the Lord had turned against her.
11 But Naomi replied, “Return home, my daughters. Why do you want to go with me? Am I able to have any more sons who could become your husbands? 12 Return home, my daughters. Go on, for I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me to have a husband tonight and to bear sons, 13 would you be willing to wait for them to grow up? Would you restrain yourselves from remarrying? No, my daughters, my life is much too bitter for you to share, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me.” Ruth 1:11-13 CSB
Doesn’t that sound so familiar?
How does Ruth encourage us in times of suffering?
It’s easy to feel like God has turned on us when we’re faced with difficult and painful circumstances. This woman had already lost her husband, and now both of her sons are dead as well, and she thinks God has turned on her and becomes bitter. I can think of plenty of times in my life my mind went down this train of thought during a time of despair. It’s easy to be blinded by grief, pain, and discomfort and fall into bitterness.
The beautiful thing, though, is that no matter how we feel or what we think, God’s promises never change, never fail, and God is always faithful. We can rest in God’s truth. God reminds us that we are never alone and that painful circumstances are opportunities.
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How is Ruth an example to us?
Naomi tells Ruth to leave her behind, but Ruth “clung to her” (v. 14). Again, Naomi feels so much like how I would likely respond – she tells her to go again, urging her to go make a better life for herself, but Ruth… Ruth stays. Not only does Ruth stay but she declares something incredible to her mother-in-law.
14 Again they wept loudly, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. Follow your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth replied: Don’t plead with me to abandon you or to return and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me, and do so severely, if anything but death separates you and me. Ruth 1:14-17 CSB
Ruth chooses a life of discomfort. She chooses to declare herself to Naomi, no matter the cost, even until death. Even more incredible, she leaves her people’s religion behind and chooses God, Yahweh, Naomi’s God, our God, the God of Israel. Ruth chose to change her entire life not knowing what may be ahead, but knowing it would be filled with hardship.
Ruth tackles her circumstances head on choosing the more difficult path because she knows it is right. She clearly understands what we miss so often – sometimes the hard thing and the right thing are the same thing. She doesn’t shy away, she heads toward it faithfully, boldly.
What should I do when life hurts?
May we have that kind of faith, that kind of boldness, that kind of dedication to God. May we be so committed to the way of the Lord that we are unafraid, unflinching, and choose to go full steam ahead wherever the Lord is leading. Trust Him to guide, carry, strengthen, provide and grow you through any circumstance. Trust in the Lord to keep His promises and to be with you always.
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 CSB
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 CSB
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 CSB
The book of Psalms is a praise and worship book for God’s people that teaches God is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and worship in all circumstances.
Psalms display that God will defend His people against their enemies in the ways and times that He knows are right.
Psalms express that being in a relationship with God is the key to joy and security in life.
What are the different types of Psalms?
Royal Psalms:
Emphasize that God is King
Uses phrases such as “the Lord reigns”
Addresses God’s role and Creator, Savior, and Coming One
Psalms of Zion:
Focuses on Jerusalem using its endearing name, Zion
Emphasizes God’s choice for the city as His Holy temple
Penitential Psalms:
Poems that confess sins to, ask for, and receive forgiveness from the Lord
Poems of praise to God for renewal of relationships and forgiveness
Wisdom Psalms:
Often focuses on the same issues throughout Proverbs
Provides clear descriptions of the differences between righteous and wicked
Addresses God’s blessing and curses, focusing primarily on righteous living
Includes some focus on the Torah, identifying the beauty, truth, and sufficiency of God’s Law
Includes some focus on creation and history
Often calls for believers to praise God, identifying Him as Creator and Savior
Seeks renewed commitment to God, often in times of disorder and rebellion
Imprecatory Psalms:
Prayers that ask God to curse the wicked often believed to conflict with the gospel but actually reflect God’s abhorrence for sin and evil
Passover Psalms:
Also called the joyful and prophetic Psalms
Were a part of the Passover celebration in Judaism
Focus on the events of God delivering the Israelites from Egypt
Praise God, His character, and His divine saving works
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote Deuteronomy and who did they write it to?
Moses wrote Deuteronomy for the new generation of Israelites that would inherit the land promised to their ancestors by God.
When did the events of Deuteronomy happen?
Deuteronomy covers the timeline of approximately 1446BC-1380BC and is said to have been written while the Israelites were camped across from the Promised Land, right before entering the land.
What is the setting of Deuteronomy?
On the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from the Promised Land where they camped after their 40 years of wandering the wilderness.
What is the purpose of Deuteronomy?
Moses reviews the history of the Israelites (Deuteronomy 1–3)
The fifth book of the Pentateuch; the books of Moses.
Summary of the whole Pentateuch, and the first book of prophecy.
Tells of Israel’s disobedience, destruction, and eventual restoration.
Reminds us that we are called to love and obey God, that God is a promise keeper, and that there are consequences for disobedience as well as the promise of hope to come.
Updates and expands on the laws for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Focuses on the generation of Israelites that were not present during the events on Mount Sinai.
Lessons for the Israelites in how God wanted them to live in the land He had been promised to them in their ancestors’ lifetime.
Tells of the last days of Moses’ life, and the choosing of his successor.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more aboutsalvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Summary of Journey from Egypt to Canaan (Numbers 33)
Boundaries of Canaan and distribution of the land (Numbers 34-36)
How does the book of Numbers apply to my life?
The fourth book of the Pentateuch; the books of Moses.
Accounts for the gradual fulfillment of promises made to Abraham regarding his descendants being the people of God and occupying Canaan.
Displays the reality of God’s presence with the Israelites and their constant doubt, unbelief and grumbling that costs many lives and the delay of entering Canaan by 40 years.
Underscores the importance of obedience in the life of Christians and reminds us of the value of learning from the ways in which God has worked in the past.
Highlights God’s discipline when His people choose to disobey.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Leviticus is part of the Pentateuch, and one of the five books of the Torah.
Ordination established for Christ to fulfill the Law.
Displays the faithfulness of God toward His people throughout all of history.
Reveals the holiness and love of God toward His people in ways not found anywhere else in scripture.
Teaches the importance of knowing and applying God’s Law.
Encourages Christians about faithful obedience to God through cleanliness and worship.
Instructs about the importance of giving back to God.
Teaches about the way to God and the walk with God.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
I am a wife, mom, writer, crafter, and above all, a Child of God. I love to study the Bible, fellowship with other Christians, and serve God. I am thrilled to invite you to join me in seeking to satisfy our thirsty souls with the Living Water of Christ, which is what Water On Thirsty Land is here to do.
