Bible Basics

Joshua, Judges, and Ruth: Faith, Obedience, and Divine Promises

• Jacqueline Williams Adewole • Season 3 • Episode 1

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Can Israel’s ancient stories still speak to us today? Uncover profound lessons about faith, obedience, and divine promises as we embark on the captivating narratives of the Old Testament in Season 3 of the Bible Basics Podcast. Join us as we journey through the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, exploring their timeless themes and how they resonate with our spiritual journeys today. From the conquest of the Promised Land to the cyclical nature of Israel’s disobedience and redemption, and the touching story of Ruth, each narrative reveals God’s guidance and his unwavering relationship with his people.

In this episode, we'll dissect the historical contexts and spiritual insights of these books, highlighting how they foreshadow the coming of Christ and shape the history of Israel.   Don't miss out – share, like, and subscribe to enrich your understanding of God's Word and be part of our growing community.

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SOURCE MATERIALS

Old Testament Survey: LaSor, Hubbard and Bush

MacArthur’s Quick Reference Guide to the Bible, John MacArthur

The Open Bible: Complete Reference System, Thomas Nelson

 

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Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

Jacqui:

Greetings listeners. Welcome to Season 3 of the Bible Basics Podcast. I'm grateful to have you with us as we start a new journey through a section of the Old Testament called Historical Narratives. We're starting this season with a look at Joshua, Judges and Ruth narratives that offer a glimpse into Israel's early history. These stories are not just ancient records. They provide enduring lessons through tales of God's guidance, unexpected leaders and unwavering faith. Whether you're new to the Bible or seeking to deepen your understanding, this episode will help you explore the pivotal moments that continue to inspire faith and courage today. Well, welcome everyone. I'm your host, Jacqui Adewole, and this is the Bible Basics Podcast, where, weekly, we break down the basics of the Bible into understandable, bite-sized chunks. In this episode, we'll focus on the first three historical narratives Joshua, Judges and Ruth. We'll uncover what these books are, what they teach us about God and how they fit into the larger biblical narrative.

Jacqui:

First, let's identify what a historical narrative is. Biblical history, also called historical narratives, is history told in story form. These stories cover a vast period of Israelite history, from their entry into the promised land God promised them to their exile, which can be described as being captured and deported to another land and their return back to the land God promised them. This type of literature can be found throughout most of the Old Testament books, but specifically in the 12 books Joshua, judges and Ruth 1 and 2, Samuel 1 and 2, Kings 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. These are the Old Testament historical narratives that specifically chronicle the history of God's people before Christ's birth. Today we'll explore the first three Joshua, Judges and Ruth. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, jericho, jericho. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho and the walls came tumbling down. The book of Joshua comes after Israel's 40-year wilderness wandering under the leadership of Moses. It recounts the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, which is the promised land, under Joshua's leadership, and the division of that land among the 12 tribes. It's a story of faith, obedience and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Remember, God's covenants are oath-bound commitments that bind the parties together in an unbreakable bond. To learn more about God's covenants, there's a link to our series on that topic in the show notes.

Jacqui:

Then there's Judges. How many of you have ever flipped to the last page of a book to see how it ends before deciding to read the rest? Well, let's jump to the last verse of the book of Judges, chapter 21, verse 25, and see what it says. In those days, israel had no king. Everyone did as they saw fit. That should give you a clue about its contents.

Jacqui:

The book of Judges stands in stark contrast to the one we just talked about, Joshua. In Joshua, an obedient people conquers the promised land through trust in the power of God. In Judges, these same people, now disobedient, are defeated time and time again because of their rebellion against God. This book captures a truly turbulent period in Israel's history, when the tribes of Israel were learning to coexist and face the challenges of living among neighboring, hostile, idol-worshiping nations. The book highlights a recurring four-part cycle. It starts with one sin and disobedience towards God. Two God's punishment he allows them to experience military defeat. Three, Israel prays and pleads for deliverance from God. And four, God raising up judges to rescue the people from oppression. This book illustrates the consequences of straying from God and the mercy that follows true repentance.

Jacqui:

Then there's Ruth. Here's an interesting fact Ruth is the only book in the Old Testament named after an ancestor of Jesus. It's a tale of love, kindness and God's providence, which means his continual protective care, care. It's a beautiful story of loyalty and deliverance, set in the grim context of the days of the Judges. It focuses on Ruth, a woman who was not an Israelite she was from the country of Moab and her faithfulness to her Israelite mother-in-law, naomi. Because of her faithfulness, god rewards her by giving her a new husband, boaz, a son, obed, and a privileged position in the lineage of David and Christ. She is actually the great-grandmother of David. So what can we learn about God in these history books? The history books offer profound insights into God's nature and his relationship with his people.

Jacqui:

Through the book of Joshua, we see God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises to his people. God is portrayed as a divine leader, one who guides his people to victory in battle when they trust and obey. God's guidance and power are evident as he leads the Israelites to conquer the promised land with Joshua as their human leader. The book emphasizes the importance of obedience and courage in following God's commands. Judges reveals God's justice and mercy. His faithfulness is a central theme as he brings his people into the promised land, fulfilling the covenant he made with them on Mount Sinai. Quote you will be my people and I will be your God. That's Exodus 6:7. While God remained faithful to his promise. The Israelites repeatedly failed to uphold their end of the covenant. Yet, despite their disobedience, God continually raises up judges to deliver them from their enemies, showing his mercy and desire for their repentance and restoration.

Jacqui:

The story of Ruth beautifully illustrates God's care and the inclusiveness of his plan. Ruth, a foreigner, a Gentile, becomes a part of God's people, eventually becoming an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, jesus. This book powerfully demonstrates God's grace, along with the importance of faithfulness and kindness, along with the importance of faithfulness and kindness. What sets the book of Ruth apart is how God's guidance is revealed. There are no dreams, visions, angelic messengers or voices from heaven. No prophet declares thus saith the Lord. Instead, god's presence is subtly woven into the narrative. Hidden within what appears to be mere human coincidences and plans, the book emphasizes that God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating his purposes through the faithful actions of individuals like Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.

Jacqui:

Now, how do these books fit into the rest of the Bible? Understanding the history books is crucial for grasping the overall narrative of the Bible. The events in Joshua, judges and Ruth lay the groundwork for the establishing of the office of king or the monarchy in Israel. This will unfold in later books like Samuel and Kings. We'll be covering those over the next few episodes. It also foreshadows Christ. Many themes and figures in these three books point forward to Jesus. Joshua is clearly a representation of Christ. His name Yeshua, meaning Yahweh, is salvation, is the Hebrew form of the name Jesus. By triumphantly guiding his people into their promised inheritance, joshua foreshadows or points to the one who will lead many sons and daughters to glory. That's Hebrews 2:10.

Jacqui:

In the book of Judges, each judge serves as both a savior and a leader, acting as a spiritual and political deliverer. In this way, the Judges represents Christ's role as the savior king of his people. Additionally, the book of Judges highlights the necessity of a righteous king. The book of Judges highlights the necessity of a righteous king. Ruth's story beautifully points to Christ's redeeming work. In this book the concept of Redeemer is illustrated by Boaz, the man Ruth married. That's in Ruth 4: 1-12. He is a significant representation of Christ's delivering work. The Hebrew word for Redeemer is mentioned 13 times in this short book, vividly depicting Christ's redeeming work.

Jacqui:

So in conclusion, in this episode we've journeyed through the books of Joshua, Judges and Ruth, uncovering their rich narratives and the powerful lessons they impart. We saw how, under God's guidance, Joshua, rooted in obedience and faith, led the Israelites to victory and fulfillment of God's promises. Lights to victory and fulfillment of God's promises. The book of Judges revealed the cycle of disobedience and redemption, showcasing God's unwavering justice and mercy even when his people faltered. Ruth, a story of loyalty and continual care, illustrated God's inclusive plan and the subtle way he guides our lives.

Jacqui:

These books are not just historical records. They are profound testimonies of God's character and his enduring relationship with his people. They laid a foundation for the establishment of Israel's monarchy and foreshadow the coming of Christ. They offer timeless lessons that resonates with our own spiritual journeys. That same God will redeem and save us. Today, as we conclude this episode, I encourage you to reflect on these stories and how they can inspire your walk with God today. Stay tuned for our next episode, as we continue to explore the rich tapestry of the Old Testament historical narratives and deepen our understanding of God's Word. Until next time, keep reading, keep seeking, keep learning and keep growing in your faith. Thank you so much for listening. So that we can spread God's Word further, please share, like, follow and subscribe.