BIBLE DICTIONARY PROJECT I
CHARLIE MITCHELL

Old Testament Bible Dictionary Project

RUTH

Book of Ruth is a romantic drama and love story on how God use people to carry out his divine agenda. Even non-believers carries God message, as depicted with Ruth, a Moabite woman (Gentile). “Historically, Ruth is the lynchpin of the covenant. Theologically, the story of Ruth and Boaz illustrates the biblical concept of redemption” (Ed Hindson and Elmer Towns, Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction, 2013, page 111). While the authorship of the Book of Ruth is anonymous, some experts’ thinks possibly it was written by Nathan. The love story centers during the era of 1020 to 1000 BC, and signifies a “Ray of Hope” for the Israelites. If one were to view the genealogy of The Tribes of Israel, you will note The Moabites descended from Lot, the nephew of Abram (later changed to Abraham). Down through Ruth being the Great-Grandmother of King David, and in line with the Davidic and messianic lineage. Four elements of the Moabites one must know to grasp the full scope of God’s intentions. They are the descendants of Lot, and not friendly with Israel. Second, property inheritance were given first right to next of kin. Third, the Levirate marriages were the right of next of kin of a deceased man (Elimelech) to marry his widow. Fourth, a Moabite male or his descendants up to the tenth generation, could not hold public assembly in Israel. The beauty of this story is, Ruth’s devotion to her Mother-in-Law (Naomi) and her religious beliefs. She declined to return to her homeland after the death of her husband, but to follow Naomi wherever she may go. “And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16, ASV). Closing the curtains of this love entourage in Bethlehem, Ruth met Boaz will gleaning in his wheat field. Which happens to be in the near of kin line, but not the kinsman redeemer (Ruth 3:12 ASV). The next of kin (kinsman-redeemer) also refuse to accept, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: take thou my right of redemption on thee; for I cannot redeem it” (Ruth 4:6, ASV). As with many love story, Ruth and Boaz wed and beget a son name Obed. Thus perpetuating the Davidic and messianic lineage.

DAVID

David story starts to unfold in 1 Samuel 17, “which begins by telling us the location of this event, the valley of Elah” (Ed Hindson, Courageous Faith: Life Lessons From Old Testament Heroes, 2003, page 151). While authorship of I and II Samuel is anonymous, scholars predicts the books was written by Nathan or Gad. David lived in the land of Israel, the town of Bethlehem, the youngest son of Jesse from 1040 BC- 970 BC. During the era of many wars Israel were having in maintain the promise land. Under King Saul reign, Israel had been in battle with the Philistines. The Philistines had kept King Saul under control for forty days, and, was being taunted by the Philistines main force, Goliath. Since King Saul was not God’s choice as a ruler of his chosen people, Saul were the people choice. A Benjaminite, a strapping tall man with not so God-like tendencies. “He was greedy, selfish, and jealous. His kingship was a failure, and his kingdom was about to collapse. The Promise was in jeopardy as well” (E. Hindson, et.al. page 152). Jesse, David’s father being a concerned parent, sent his 17-year old son to check on the welfare of his three oldest sons. As David reached the camp, the soldiers were preparing to go into battle with the Philistines. David went along with the army, as they marched and sang the war cry. Just as David found his brothers, he also discovered Goliath. David thought, he is huge, no wonder they fled from him. “The bible describes the Philistine “giant” as being over nine feet tall. Proportionately, he would have weighed at least 600 pounds. He was huge” (E. Hindson, et.al. page 153)! Goliath had been taunting the Israelites for forty days and nights, “I defy the ranks of Israel. Give me a man and let us fight each other” (1 Samuel 17:10). The challenge was issued eighty times, no Israelite stepped forward. On the forty-first morning and the eighty-first challenge (David had only heard it once). “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God” (1 Samuel 17:26)? As the final curtain falls of the story of David, so does Goliath with one of 5 stones David had selected from a creek bed. David rose that morning a boy, when the sun set, he was Israel hero. His many escapes from the wrath of Saul, with the aid of Saul’s son, Johnathan. Further attributes that God’s hands were upon David for something greater than he had anticipated. Not a bad saga, considering David rose from a court musician and armor-bearer. To be the King of Israel and later united the kingdom as one. Further sealing the lineage for the messiah lineage. He later went on to write 73 verses in The Book of Psalms. “There are no easy roads to victory. It takes faith and courage to face obstacles of life. And the spoils of victory do not go to the weak or fainthearted. The victory goes to those whose faith exceeds the obstacles” (E. Hindson, et.al. page 161).

JERICHO

Jericho: There is not a book in the bible that specifically dedicated to the City of Jericho, the significance of this city lies within Israel conquest and settlement in the Promise Land. Jericho in Hebrew means, "City of Palms.” The events surrounding Jericho dates in circa 1380-1370 BC. Imagine your family relocating to a new town, only to finding out it will take your family 40 years to actually settle in your new town (rather disheartening to think). This is exactly what happened to the Israelites during their escape from Egypt, at the hand of Pharaoh. The story is told in the book of Joshua, the first of the twelve Historical books of the Old Testament. The setting of this phenomenal event occurs as Joshua is leading his people to cross the River Jordan. Before the conquest, Joshua is found preparing his military unit for the invasion. A leader of his people, Joshua sends out two spies to gather information about the city of Jericho. In the meantime, just as Moses had encountered God at the burning bush on Mount Horeb (Exodus 3:1-22), Joshua encounter with God (Joshua 5:12-15 ASV) confirms that God was calling him to lead his people to the Promised Land. Just as Moses had crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31), Joshua experienced the same phenomena in crossing the River Jordan (Exodus 3:1-17). Jericho was the first Canaanite city Israel conquered in its conquest, but not without resistant’ from their foes. “The fall of Jericho resulted from Joshua’s obedience to follow the plan of the “commander of the Lord’s army.” The walls of Jericho fell as a result of Israel’s faith in God’s enormous power” (E. Hindson, et.al, 2013, page 95-96). Joshua and his army went on to conquer many more cities for the promised people of Israel. The learned lesson of Joshua’s conquest, is his obedience and faith in the God who serves his people. In Illustrated Bible Survey by Hindson and Towns, teaches that, “the underlying theology of the book of Joshua reminds us that spiritual discipline is the key to victorious living. Vigilance must be consistent so that today’s success might not turn into tomorrow’s defeat” (page 99)
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References

Bible, Holy, American Standard Version
Hindson, E. (2003). Courageous Faith; Life Lessons from Old Testament Heroes, AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, Tennessee, ISBN: 9780899571324.
Hindson, E., Towns, E. (2013). Illustrated Bible Survey; An Introduction, B&;H Publishing, Nashville, Tennessee, ISBN: 9781433682216.