DAVID
LESSON 1
Day 1: Note References Below
1.In order to begin our study on the life of David, we will need an overview of Israel's history. The earliest references to the nation of Israel can be found in Genesis. Read and summarize the references below:
a) Genesis 12:1-7
b) Genesis 15:1-14
c) Genesis 17:1-8, 15-16
2.As you have summarized the above references, what do you find emphasized?
3) Compare with Hebrews 11:8-12.
Days 2 & 3: Note References Below
4.In our study above we have seen the beginning of a nation began by a miraculous, intentional act of God. This nation did spend 400 years in slavery, and they were brought out with great possessions. God established them in the land of Canaan and it eventually became known as the land of Israel. As Israel camped on the border of Canaan, preparing to enter the land after the exodus from Egypt, Moses addressed the nation. This great address is recorded in Deuteronomy. Let's look at some of what he said:
a) Deuteronomy 6:4-19
b) Deuteronomy 26:17-19
c) From what you have read, what was God's purpose for Israel?
5.Israel did enter the land and settled it. A good summary of Israel's early years in Canaan can be found in Judges 2:6-19. Summarize what you find here. (Note: Joshua succeeded Moses and was Israel's leader during the conquest of Canaan.)
6.Although we have just contrasted God's plans for Israel with Israel's actual experience once established in Canaan, summarize this contrast in your own words. Also, is there something we can learn from this?
7.Judges 2:20 - 3:5. What did God do as a consequence to Israel's rebellion?
8.Make a list of the nations that remained in Canaan. Some of these will be quite prominent as we study David's reign over Israel.
Day 4: Ruth 1:1-21
What we studied yesterday might lead us to think of Israel as completely apostate. And yet, tucked into the Bible between Judges and 1st Samuel is the tiny book of Ruth. Not only does Ruth give us a closer glimpse of Israelite life and customs during the era of the Judges, it tells us that good and God-fearing people still remained. It also begins the story of David. We will study this book now.
1.Ruth 1:1-2. Use a Bible Atlas for this. This actually gives quite a bit of information. Share what you find.
10.The Moabites were related to Israel as descendants of Lot, Genesis 12:4-5 & 19:36-37. They were hostile to Israel, Judges 3:12-14. If a Moabite were to move his family into Israel, they were to be excluded from the assembly of religious worship for 10 generations, Deuteronomy 23:3-4. Knowing this about Moab leads one to wonder why Elimelech moved his family there. It obviously didn't work out well for them, Ruth 1:3-5.
Ruth 1:6-18 is a touching story, especially when we consider the setting. The mother has lost her husband and both sons. The daughter-in-laws have lost their husbands. Adding to this tremendous personal grief is the destitution that widows experienced. In all practicality Orpah and Ruth's only option was to return to their fathers and brothers and hope to be remarried someday. With that in mind, make note of what it is that Ruth is doing here.
11. Personal: Is this an encouragement for you in any impossible situation that you are facing right now?
12.Ruth 1:6-21. Read through these verses again, this time looking at Naomi's attitudes in their situation. Share what you find.
Note: Naomi's reference in 1:11-13 to other sons whom the girls would marry is a reference to a Kinsman-Redeemer. In the Jewish Laws, God provided for the support of widows who had no sons. He designed for the deceased man's brother to marry the widow. This was called a Levirate marriage. The sons born of this union were fully considered the dead man's sons. They bore his name and inherited his property.
Day 5: Ruth 1:22 - 2:23
13.Ruth 1:22-2:23. As you read this part of the story, make note of the following:
a) What initiative does Ruth take and what are any risks involved?
b) In what way(s) do you see God's hand of help and guidance in these events?
c) What can you learn about Boaz?
d) What change(s) do you see in Naomi's attitude?
14.The book of Ruth is one of the most beautiful illustrations of Christ's relationship to us recorded in Scripture. From what you have read so far, draw some parallels between our experience with Christ and Naomi and Ruth's experience with Boaz.
Day 6: Ruth 3:1 - 4:22
15.Ruth 3:1-18. This part of the story is an intimate record of Ruth offering herself to Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer. It can be seen as romantic, especially as we note Boaz's response to her. We can also look for more qualities of their characters, Boaz and Ruth, as we look at how each conducted themselves in this encounter. We can see how Naomi's heart is healing in response to Boaz' kindness and as the future regains some hope. You may discover another aspect of this encounter that speaks to your heart. Read these verses and share what you find that is especially meaningful to you.
16.In vs. 1, Naomi's reference to finding a home for Ruth, where she "will be cared for" is the same Hebrew term that we find in Ruth 1:9 where she asks that the Lord would grant them each "rest" in the home of another husband. With this in mind, read Matthew 11:28-29. Note any parallels that you find between what we find in Matthew and what we studied in Ruth 3:1-18.
17.Ruth 4:1-10. Boaz immediately acts to fulfill his promise to Ruth. Contrast his response to Ruth and Naomi's need to that of their closest kinsman-redeemer.
18.Ruth 4:11-16. The tragic events in Naomi and Ruth's lives, along with their (especially Ruth's) response to the resulting changes, have been a witness to others. Boaz, in his care for them was a witness to others also. As you read these verses, consider what you find to be the witness that they have shown to their neighbors and relatives.
19.Personal: Can you find any additional encouragement in this for your own life?
20.Ruth 4:17-22 with Matthew 1:1-6. There are some interesting things to note in this. First, that Boaz and Ruth became the great-grandparents of David, Israel's greatest king. Second and more important, they were part of the lineage of Jesus, the Messiah.
But also notice that it is Boaz, not Mahlon, who is recorded in Scripture as Obed's father in these genealogies, even though Boaz was the Kinsman-Redeemer. Also notice that within two generations the offspring of Ruth, a Moabitess, not only joins the assembly of Israel, but becomes the anointed of God as its king. We have looked at this story as an example of Jesus, our Kinsman-Redeemer, and our experience with salvation. As you share your thoughts on these last verses, include any additional parallels you might find.
© 2000 pjw