MacArthur Bible Studies: Ruth & Esther

Top Highlights

“Esther and Exodus both chronicle how vigorously foreign powers tried to eliminate the Jewish race and how God sovereignly preserved His people in accordance with His covenant promise to Abraham of around 2100–2075 b.c. (Genesis 12:1–3; 17:1–8). As a result of God’s prevailing, Esther 9–10 records the beginning of Purim—a new annual festival in the twelfth month (February–March) to celebrate the nation’s survival. Purim became one of two festivals given outside of the Mosaic legislation that are still celebrated by Jews. Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is the other (see John 10:22).” (Page 46)

“Fourth, was not marriage to a Moabitess strictly forbidden by the law?” (Page 4)

“Jewish tradition credits Samuel as the author of this book, which is plausible since he did not die until after he had anointed David as God’s chosen king (1 Samuel 16:6–13; 25:1).” (Page 1)

“Along with Song of Solomon, Esther, Ecclesiastes, and Lamentations, Ruth stands with the Old Testament books of the Megilloth or ‘five scrolls.’ Rabbis read these books in the synagogue on five special occasions during the year— Ruth being read at Pentecost due to the harvest scenes of Ruth 2–3.” (Page 2)

“Because of Moab’s idolatrous worship of Chemosh (1 Kings 11:7, 33; 2 Kings 23:13) and its opposition to Israel, God cursed Moab (Isaiah 15–16; Jeremiah 48; Ezekiel 25:8–11; Amos 2:1–3).” (Page 2)