Ruth & Esther: Women of Faith, Bravery, and Hope

MacArthur Bible Studies

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

These study guides, part of a 16-volume set from noted Bible scholar John MacArthur, take readers on a journey through biblical texts to discover what lies beneath the surface, focusing on meaning and context, and then reflecting on the explored passage or concept. With probing questions that guide the reader toward application, as well as ample space for journaling, The MacArthur Bible Studies are an invaluable tool for Bible Students of all ages.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

122 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2000

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Dorine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good study about two brave and resourceful women in history. It took us six months of Sundays to get through this because it generated a lot of discussion among ourselves. We always get our money's worth out of our bible study guides. We're a mixture of men and women forty-years-old and up who enjoy digging into a subject.

I've studied Esther before, but I still find her fascinating. This study helped clarify her life a bit more.

MacArthur makes you think, engage, and become better for it.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like MacArthur's workbooks because they include the passages in them, along with the kind of textual notes you'd find in a study Bible. Super portable and a nice way to dig in without toting lots of resources. He also does a nice, brief historical introduction at the beginning of each passage. But generally books like this leave me wanting more. It's a fine start for an overview, but a lot of the study questions answer themselves, leaving me wondering how I'm supposed to fill four blank lines with, "Yes, he does" or something like that.

We finished a study of Ruth in our Bible study last fall and we're moving on to Esther in the spring. My favorite resources for Ruth were "The New International Commentary: Ruth," "The Wings of Refuge: The Message of Ruth" and "God Behind the Seen: Expositions of the Books of Ruth and Esther." I'm looking forward to finding sources to dig deeper into Esther as well.

[pianogal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn't quite what I was looking for. It was more of a workbook - with lots of fill in the blank questions. Some good insights, but I didn't love it overall. Also, I only read the Ruth part b/c that's what I'm studying right now. Esther can wait until later.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I expected. MacArthur can go deep, but this book isn't intended to be that kind of book.

[Lennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful study, I learned quite a bit.

[Irinsami]

Good