Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
A Christian Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Materials available for professors by request only
Chapter
12. Judges and Ruth: Israel's Moral Crisis
Discussion Questions
- Why can the book of Judges be considered Deuteronomistic History?
- What could the judges from the book of Judges contribute to our country today?
- How can the selection of Deborah, a woman, as a judge be justified in the Old Testament?
- What conclusions about moral relativism can be drawn for us today from the book of Judges?
- Who do you think the central figure is in the book of Ruth, and why is this important?
Class Activities
- Divide the class into twelve groups. Assign each group one of the twelve judges. Have the groups find the judges, cite the reference, and summarize their contributions both positive and negative. Follow this with a feedback session for the entire class. Class time allowed: 25 minutes.
- Divide the class into groups of four students. Have them discuss the question: What kind of difficulty would there be today in having the kind of relationship Ruth had with Boaz used as a Christian testimony? Follow the small group work with a follow-up discussion with the entire class. Class time allowed: 20 minutes.