Book Review for Ruth: From Bitter to Sweet by John Currid

Ruth, Naomi and Obed. Pen and brown ink over pencil on paper. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Naomi entreating Ruth and Orpah to return to the land of Moab by William Blake, 1795 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A commentary that gives more than encyclopedic information and definitions is not easy to find. There is certainly a need for great references like that for Bible scholars in their research and studies. But in my opinion this one about the book of Ruth is one of the most reader-friendly, interesting and enlightening commentaries I’ve read recently, reminiscent of the Warren W. Wiersbe “Be” series of years ago.

By the time I finished reading this, I had a better understanding of the significance of the kinsman redeemer, the ‘goel,’ to Israel and the promised Redeemer of the world. The author, John Currid, leads the reader to understand more clearly the sovereignty of God. He draws from Hebraic customs, vocabulary and language and cross references these in Scripture whereever possible, inserting quotes and illustrations from other well-known Bible teachers and leaders.

I believe both the new believer and the seasoned Christian would enjoy this commentary; the new believer, if they have little experience in using commentaries, would benefit from the author’s conversational writing style. The 137-page book is divided in such a manner that it could be used as a devotional with the reader reflecting on a few paragraphs at a time. Another person may want to read the entire book in just a couple of sittings, absorbing the
overall scenario and getting a glimpse of God’s all encompassing plan, the one that points to the Savior to come. The book of Ruth, then, becomes much more than a pleasant story, but a link in a chain of events that indicates who the Savior was to be and how He would be recognized by future generations. It is a book of hope, looking forward to the future with optimism.

I received a free preview copy of this book for review from Cross Focused Reviews. It is so interesting that I know I will be returning to it to read many times over.

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• The courage to go home (womenfromthebook.com)
• Book Review: Ruth, From Bitter To Sweet (offsetinnocence.wordpress.com)