Ruth
The book of Ruth narrates a touching story about Ruth’s devotion, love and faith. The book’s author is unknown. However, the Talmud credits it to Prophet Samuel. The ancient writing style utilized in the book shows that it was written during the early monarchy, which occurred between 1200 and 1000 BC; this can also be attributed to the fact that Ruth’s genealogy was only three generations to David.
The main personalities in the book include Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, Orpah, Obed, and Elimelech, among others. The book outlines how Ruth, a Moabite widow, left her family and friends to come to Israel with Naomi, her mother-in-law. The book seeks to instruct, as well as entertain. Going by its genre, the book is a narrative and a poetic art. The book’s setting is significant in locating the events that occurred during the time of judges.
The book portrays ordinary events in Naomi and Ruth’s life to be the sight of God’s ingenious providential doings. The themes portrayed in the book include pathos, delight, faith, love and devotion. In essence, the story views God’s actions through the lenses of a woman. Major events include Naomi’s grief for her sons and Ruth’s emotional loyalty and devotion to her. Through Ruth’s loyalty, God accepts her among His chosen people. Moreover, God honors Ruth by including her in the family line of King David and Jesus Christ (Goodman, 2006).
Saul
Saul was the first King of Israel. According to 1 Samuel, Saul was loved by all for his looks and tall figure. Saul was a Benjaminite, the son of Kish. He was born and raised in Gibeah. It is estimated that Saul was born in 1080 BC. Besides, the estimations also confirm that he passed away in 1010 BC. Saul became king when he was 30 years old, and he ruled Israel for 42 years. Saul became King just after prophet Samuel retired as the last judge of Israel.
He was anointed King at Ramah by the prophet. Saul won many battles for Israel through God’s help. He organized an army, and he won the battle of Michmash against the philistines. He also won the war against Amelekites. In the process, Saul disobeyed God by making sacrifices to God by himself as opposed to the requirements in law. Moreover, Saul became disillusioned and withdrawn. He even tried to kill his servant David. He saw David as his inevitable successor.
Saul wanted to eliminate him so that his lineage would continue the Kingship. Saul had divided his energies since he was fighting David from within and fighting Philistines on the outside. In the process, he lost track. He abandoned his God and consulted a median. The Battle of Gilboa killed all his sons who went to the battle. Saul took his life to avoid suffering at the hand of the enemy (Hindson, 2003).
Egypt
Egypt is considered to be a place of refuge and bondage in the Bible. Egypt has rich history that transcends to pre 3100BC. The country’s history is categorized in six main periods, namely prehistoric Egypt, Ancient Egypt, classical antiquity, middle ages, early modern Egypt and modern Egypt. Egypt is one of the oldest countries in the world. The country was located along the lower part of Nile River.
Even though its expanse was large in Ancient history, modern Egypt has retained its central location in lower Nile (Anderson, 2007). The country’s civilization began in 3150 BC when both Upper and Lower Egypt came together under Menes, the country’s first Pharaoh. The Kingdom attained its pinnacle of power in the New Kingdom. The Bible notes that Egypt was a dreamland for the Israelites during drought as indicated in exodus. At the same time, according to the Bible, Egypt was a place of torment and bondage for the Israelites during the slavery period as indicated in exodus (Hindson, 2003).
Egypt has been utilized as a symbolism for torment and anguish. While Ancient Egypt existed between 3100 BC and 332 BC, the classical antiquity period lasted between 332 BC and 629 AD. Moreover, the middle ages existed between 641 and 1517 AD. Similarly, early modern period span between 1517 AD and 1914 AD. Modern Egypt began with the British occupation in 1882 AD to date. Egypt excelled in administration, agriculture and commerce. Egyptian temples were also important in administration. The country was divided into 42 regions whose heads reported to the vizier. The vizier reported to the Pharaoh (Wilkinson, 2003).
Reference list
Anderson, D. (2007). Egyptian history and the biblical record: A perfect match? Web.
Goodman, H. (2006). A literary Analysis of the book of Ruth. Web.
Hindson, E. (2003). Courageous faith: Life lessons from Old Testament Heroes. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
Wilkinson, R. (2003). The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. London, England: Thames and Hudson.