Did You Know?

Ruth is one of only a few women, and the only Moabite, mentioned by name in the genealogy of Jesus.

Her inclusion appears in Matthew 1:5, alongside other notable women such as Rahab, Tamar, and Bathsheba. This inclusion is often highlighted as reflecting a theme of God's grace extending beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Joshua divided the conquered land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel.

This division is detailed extensively across Joshua 13-21, with each tribe receiving a specific territorial allotment, except the tribe of Levi, which received cities rather than a large contiguous territory due to its priestly role (Joshua 13:33). The tribe of Joseph was divided into two half-tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh.

Achan's disobedience in keeping forbidden spoils from Jericho brought trouble upon all of Israel.

This episode is recorded in Joshua 7, resulting in Israel's initial defeat at the city of Ai until the sin was identified and dealt with. The story emphasizes themes of corporate responsibility within the Israelite community.

The Book of Judges concludes with the phrase, 'every man did that which was right in his own eyes.'

This closing statement appears in Judges 21:25 and reflects the broader theme of moral and political chaos throughout the period before Israel had a king. It sets the stage narratively for the establishment of the monarchy in the following books of Samuel.

Jephthah made a rash vow that tragically resulted in the loss of his daughter.

His vow, recorded in Judges 11:30-31, promised to sacrifice whatever came out of his house first if he was granted victory in battle, a promise fulfilled tragically when his daughter greeted him upon his return (Judges 11:34-39). This story is often discussed regarding the dangers of hasty vows.

The sun is described as standing still at Joshua's request during a battle against the Amorites.

This unusual event is recorded in Joshua 10:12-13, allowing the Israelites additional daylight to complete their victory. It remains one of the more debated and discussed miraculous accounts in the Old Testament.

The Israelites made a covenant renewal at Shechem near the end of Joshua's leadership.

In this speech, recorded in Joshua 24:14-15, Joshua challenges the people to 'choose you this day whom ye will serve,' famously declaring, 'as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.' This renewal reaffirmed Israel's covenant commitment as they settled into the Promised Land.

Othniel is named as the first judge of Israel in the Book of Judges.

His brief account appears in Judges 3:9-11, describing how he delivered Israel from oppression under a foreign king. His account is notably shorter than those of later, more prominent judges like Gideon and Samson.

Ehud, a left-handed judge, assassinated a Moabite king who had oppressed Israel.

This account is recorded in Judges 3:15-23, describing how Ehud concealed a weapon and gained a private audience with the king before killing him. His left-handedness is specifically noted as relevant to how he concealed and used his weapon.

The Book of Ruth is set 'in the days when the judges ruled,' providing a smaller, personal story amid a broader turbulent era.

This time setting is noted in Ruth 1:1, contrasting the intimate, hopeful family narrative of Ruth with the often violent and chaotic events described throughout the Book of Judges. This contrast highlights individual faithfulness even during periods of national instability.