18 - Judges--Part 2_ Judg. 13-Ruth 4

Roundtable Discussion on the Scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Participants:

  • Dana Pike, Professor of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University

  • Paul Hoskinson, Colleague

  • Todd Parker, Colleague

  • Gay Strathern, Colleague

Introduction

  • Discussion focused on the latter portion of the Book of Judges and the Book of Ruth.

  • Previous sessions covered Judges chapters 1-8, emphasizing Gideon's role as a judge and Israel’s deliverer from oppression.

Judges Chapter 8

  • Key Verses (8:22-23):

    • Israelites approached Gideon to rule over them.

    • Gideon's response: "I will not rule over you; neither shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you."

  • Significance:

    • Illustrates the lack of a human monarchy; emphasizes God as the divine king.

    • Reinforces the importance of loyalty to God and adherence to His laws.

  • Reflective Narrative:

    • Gideon avoided establishing a dynasty, though he created an ephod from battle spoils (28:27) that would later mislead Israel into idolatry.

Judges Chapter 10

  • Key Verses (10:13-14):

    • Lord expresses disappointment in Israel for serving other gods and states: "I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which you have chosen."

  • Theme:

    • Repeated cycles of Israel's fidelity and infidelity.

    • God's patience is depicted as wearing thin as Israel repeatedly turns away from Him after each deliverance.

Judges Chapter 11: Jephthah

  • Introduction to Jephthah:

    • A Gileadite judge summoned to deliver Israel from oppression.

    • Verse 29: "The spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah."

  • Key Vow (11:30-31):

    • Jephthah vows that whoever greets him upon his return from battle will be offered as a burnt offering.

    • The narrative leaves the morality of this vow ambiguous, fostering a debate on its implications.

  • Outcome:

    • Upon victorious return, Jephthah's daughter greets him first.

    • Jephthah feels compelled to fulfill his vow—suggesting a tragic example of rash commitment.

    • The interpretation of the outcome differs; some believe she is sacrificed while others posit she is dedicated to a life of celibacy.

Judges Chapter 13: Samson

  • Background on Samson:

    • Born of miraculous conception; a Nazarite, indicating a special dedication to God.

    • His narrative contrasts sharply with Jephthah’s; while he was intended to be a savior, his life exemplifies poor choices.

  • Mistakes and Consequences:

    • Proposes to marry a Philistine woman (14:1-4) and defies God’s commandments regarding ceremonial cleanness (14:9).

    • Acts out of revenge rather than righteousness, eventually sacrificing his life but for destructive motives.

Concluding Comments on the Book of Judges

  • Final Chapters (17-21):

    • Illustrate Israel's moral degradation; a stark reminder of faithlessness.

    • Repeated phrase: "In those days there was no king in Israel, every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (17:6, 18:1, 21:25).

    • Sets the stage for the forthcoming monarchy in the Book of Samuel.

Transition to the Book of Ruth

  • Contextual Setting (Ruth 1:1):

    • Introduces the famine both physical and spiritual during the judge’s rule.

  • Character of Ruth:

    • A Moabite, exemplifying loyalty and selflessness, contrasting with the failed leadership of the Israelites (Samson, Jephthah).

    • Demonstrates faith in the God of Israel through her commitment to Naomi (1:16).

Ruth Chapter 2

  • Gleaning in the Field of Boaz:

    • Ruth seeks sustenance in the field of Boaz, a kinsman and redeemer; gleaning was a provision in the Law of Moses for the poor.

  • Relationship Development:

    • Naomi recognizes Ruth's input and notes the bond developing between Ruth and Boaz.

    • Boaz’s kindness towards Ruth highlights his interest.

    • The term Goel indicates Boaz's obligation as redeemer, setting the stage for a potential marriage.

Ruth Chapter 3

  • Naomi’s Plan:

    • Strategizes to secure rest and security for Ruth through marriage (3:1).

    • Ruth's approach to Boaz signifies her willingness to enter this relationship under cultural customs.

  • Symbolism of Skirt (Kenaf):

    • Ruth requests Boaz to spread his skirt over her—a metaphor for protection and marriage.

    • This connects to God's protection over His people—a recurring biblical theme.

Ruth Chapter 4: Redemption and Blessing

  • Gate Scene:

    • Boaz meets the nearer kinsman to discuss the obligations laid out by the Law concerning Ruth (4:1).

    • Legal transactions conducted at the gate symbolize community and covenant fidelity.

  • Outcome:

    • Boaz marries Ruth, exemplifying covenant faithfulness and commitment to God’s law.

    • Ruth ultimately becomes an ancestor of King David and signifies the importance of non-Israelite faithfulness within God’s plan of salvation.

Conclusion

  • Moral Lessons:

    • Contrast between characters shows choices and consequences.

    • Emphasizes loyalty, faithfulness, and divine protection as powerful themes within scripture.