Ruth: From Bitter To Sweet

by John D. Currid

The book of Ruth has been called an ancient 'biblical Cinderella story' in which Ruth finds her a rags-to-riches fairy tale. It is a wonderful short story. Many people throughout the ages have been touched by the sweetness and kindness so evident in the episode. Yet, as Peter Barnes observes, though the author does not push too much Boaz as a type of Christ, there is much of Christ in the commentary. John Currid looks at key themes within the the cost of obedience, the sovereignty of God, faithful living and redemption. The background is laid out - in the time of the Judges - as a time of degeneracy in the history of Israel. The focus then moves to one family within Israel, their move to Moab, the sadnesses there, the return home and God's wonderful working to turn bitterness into joy. The author uses his great knowledge of Hebrew to enhance the reader's understanding of the book.

Genres: Old Testament

141 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2012

About the author

Dr. Currid has been part of the RTS Faculty for 20 years, serving as both Chair of the Biblical Studies Division in Jackson and Professor of Old Testament in Charlotte. Prior to coming to RTS, he served as Associate Professor of Religion at Grove City College. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Currid serves as Project Director of the Bethsaida Excavations Project in Israel (1995-present). He lectures and preaches in many countries including Russia, Ukraine, Great Britain, Australia, and Brazil.

Reviews

[Clint Letterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. John D. Currid is Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has a PhD in archaeology and has authored several commentaries (e.g. The Pentateuch, Habakkuk). In his introduction, Dr. Currid breaks up the book of Ruth into five sections: Part one—Setting the scene (1:1-5), Part two—Naomi and her Moabite daughter-in-laws (1:6-22), Part three—In the fields of Bethlehem (2:1-23), Part four—The scene at the Threshing Floor (3:1-18) and Part five—Redemption (4:1-22). These sections encompass the majority of the commentaries’ brief 136 pages. Also, the introduction contains the author’s valuable thesis statement, “Thus the book is serving a greater purpose than merely being a moral story of human goodness: it points to the future reality of the coming King”.

I would label Professor Currid’s commentary somewhere between an exegetical commentary and a devotional one. To be clear, both elements are beautifully integrated throughout. The exegetical component is not only seen in the author’s commitment to the literary / historical context but also in his detailed explanation of key words and phrases of each verse. As to the devotional feature, Currid incorporates in each chapter the orthopraxical Points to Ponder, which helps the reader be not just ‘a hearer of the Word, but also a doer’ (James 1:22).

For those readers who love Reformation history, you are in for a treat. Every chapter is woven with either Puritan anecdotes or quotes from the spiritual giants of previous times. Admittedly, Dr. Currid’s affection for the past may not connect the young or modern reader, but what else would you expect from a professor who received his doctorate in archeology, the study of old stuff?

One of the most important concepts of the book of Ruth is the goel (Heb.) which means literally, kinsman-redeemer. Here Dr. Currid is at his literary best. His clear, engaging exegesis of this Israelite societal provision is eye-opening. In just three pages, the author describes the four duties of the goel, which all revolve around the concept of redemption. Though most readers will automatically perceive the link to the coming Messiah, Currid leaves no room for blindness and states, “Jesus claims (in Luke 4) to be the one who will bring release and liberty to His people; He is the goel for the believer” (p. 92).

Criticism

If you were to ask any pastor or scholar, “What is the most provocative part of Ruth?”, the answer is always, “The scene of the threshing floor, of course!” This scene is the apex, the crescendo of the story. Ruth, by the advice of Naomi (her mother-in-law), dolls herself up and sneaks into the bed of Boaz and lies down at his feet. Provocative, indeed!

Dr. Currid argues strongly that not only was this act culturally appropriate, but there was no sexual activity between Ruth and Boaz. He does admit that the term “uncover” is often used to describe sexual activity in the OT, but the connection to Boaz’s feet speaks to redemption, not sexual conduct. He states on page 104, Ruth ‘is asking that Boaz would be willing to take her under his redemptive wings to protect her……the placing of the blanket over her is symbolic of that protection and security’. Though I agree with the author’s conclusion, I think this issue required direct interaction with those views critical of his, of which he did not do.

Finally, I continue to be unsettled with the need for Ruth’s nightly encounter with Boaz. Dr. Currid gives no cultural precedence for such an interaction and his application of Ezekiel 16, though original to this reviewer, is not convincing. I am left wondering if Naomi’s advice reveals impatience, rather than godly discretion.

Conclusion

In my opinion, this resource is a wonderful addition to the short list of Ruthian commentaries. Currid’s work is brief, readable and from the reformed tradition (though it doesn’t feel that way). If you are just starting to build your library, I would start with this work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Cross Focused Reviews as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Harold Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The book of Ruth is a wonderful short story. Many people throughout the ages have been touched by the sweetness and kindness so evident in the episode. People have been drawn to the book because it is a most beautiful love story. The book of Ruth has even been called an ancient ‘biblical Cinderella story’ in which Ruth finds her true prince by the close of the tale. It is thus viewed almost as a rags-to-riches fairy tale.” (From the EP Books Website)

About the Author: Dr John D. Currid is Carl McMurray Professor of Old Testament at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He received his Ph. D. degree in archaeology from the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago. He has several books in print, including the Study Commentaries on Genesis and Exodus in the same series.

My Thoughts About the Book: If you enjoy reading love stories with happy endings then you will enjoy reading the story of Ruth in the Word of God. And to help you better understand the story of Ruth, the book “Ruth From Bitter to Sweet,” written by Dr. John Currid is a Biblically and theologically sound, helpful, insightful, and edifying book to read.

I realized from the moment I began reading the introduction that Dr. Currid’s book was going to be rich in truth and be an encouragement to my soul. And it was. And just a hint to help you on your journey through the book – read it with your Bible open to the book of Ruth and read the passages of Scripture as Dr. Currid shares the story of Ruth Chapter by Chapter. As you read the book and your Bible stop along the way and take some time to ponder what you are reading and consider the numerous spiritual truths that God wants us to learn from Ruth’s story. Throughout his book Dr. Currid provides us as his reader with some important “Points To Ponder” which you can consider along with your own.

In his book Dr. Currid leads us along through the book of Ruth chronologically from its beginning to end unfolding the story for us revealing the Biblical truths, the history as well as the spiritual and cultural significance of the events that we are reading about. You can almost feel what the people are feeling as you read Dr. Currid’s book as it is so realistically and factually written. It is not difficult to enter into the story and get caught up with it as you read it, if you read it with your eyes, mind and your heart wide open. And Ruth is one of those books in the Bible where we really should feel what is happening in the book because the story of Ruth is so encouraging and beautiful.

Dr. Currie does more than just tell the story of Ruth in his book. As I stated previously he does reveal the historical, spiritual and cultural aspects of life in the time of Ruth to help us gain a better understanding of the book but he also informs us of some the vitally important spiritual truths we need to learn from it. Citing various appropriate Scripture verses, comparing Scripture with Scripture as well as the writings of some of the most noted leaders in the history of the church – men like Jonathan Edwards, A. W. Pink, David Brainerd, John Calvin and others – Dr. Currid encourages us with such core truths of our faith as the Sovereignty of God, Redemption, experiencing and dealing with loss and suffering, that there is a cost for serving God, and what real love looks like. Dr. Currid’s book though rather small in its size is packed with content…content that is solidly Biblical as well as spiritually encouraging and edifying.

If you would like to read the book of Ruth again and see it as you have never seen it before I encourage you to get a copy of Dr. Currid’s most notable book on the story of Ruth. Read it along with the Scriptural account. I can assure you that you will not only learn much about Ruth and the times she lived in and the people in her life who play a part in her story, but you will also learn important transformative truths about God and how he moves and works in and through the lives of his obedient people. I can truly state it will do your soul good to read Dr. Currid’s book along with the book of Ruth. And for the purpose I highly recommend the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from EP Books for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a good prequel? It is fun to hear the back story of characters you care about and their family history (please note: Star Wars Episodes 1-3 do not qualify as a ‘good’ prequel). In the Old Testament, the book of Ruth is something of a prequel. It is set during the time of the Judges (Ruth 1:1-bad times) and it tells the story of the great grandparents of Israel’s greatest King, David. David’s great great grandmother, Naomi, was widowed in the land of Moab and her sons also died in that land. She returns to Israel with Ruth (her Moabite daughter-in-law). Ruth had left her culture, her family, her foreign gods and swears loyalty to Naomi, her people and her God, Yahweh. Through God’s providence, Ruth ends up gleaning from a field belonging to Boaz, Naomi’s near relative. Under Israel’s law, Boaz is a possible Kinsman-Redeemer for Ruth and for Naomi’s land (securing the land for later descendants). After Ruth approaches Boaz according to Naomi’s plan(at night on the threshing floor), Boaz acts swiftly to make sure that Ruth and Naomi are cared for and to insure that another (closer) relative lays down his claim on Ruth and the land. Ruth and Boaz marry and they have s son named Obed and through his line comes David and eventually Jesus.


Ruth: From Bitter to Sweet by John Currid
John Currid, professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, has written an insightful commentary on Ruth for the Welwyn Commentary Series (Gordon Keddie wrote an earlier volume which explored Judges and Ruth, but this is the first stand alone treatment of Ruth for this series). He is also a pastor at a Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church. This commentary is both accessible and full of scholarly insight.

Currid looks at Ruth in five acts: Act I. 1:1-5, setting the scene; Act II. 1:6-22, Naomi and her Moabite daughter-in-law; Act III, in fields of Bethlehem; Act IV, The scene at the threshing floor; and Act V, redemption. In looking attentively at the arc of the Ruth narrative, Currid offers ‘points to ponder’ which explore the themes of the cost of disobedience, God’s sovereignty, faithful living, and redemption.

I enjoyed this short commentary. Currid is attentive to the story and presents it in a way that is sensitive to the cultural, Literary and narrative context. He notes narrative inclusios and reputations and the meaning of Hebrew terms, but manages to write in a way which is understandable for the lay person. His theological lens is strongly informed by his Reformed Evangelical heritage, but a focus on God’s sovereignty seems appropriate for the Ruth story. I appreciated how his opening chapter, made the bitter struggle and hardship on Naomi relevant to our context. His ‘points to ponder’ which close each chapter helped underscore the significance of this story. But he doesn’t overdraw his conclusions. For example. Boaz is not pictured by Currid as Christ figure (even though he sees some Christlike aspects). Currid is judicious in his theological inferences.

I didn’t agree with Currid on every point. He insists that the encounter between Ruth and Boaz on the threshing room floor was wholly non-sexual. I think the narrative is intentionally ambiguous at this point, but I agree that in light of the wider narrative is unlikely that Ruth and Boaz ‘had sex’ that night. I just think that the story is told with delibrate undertones and ambiguities (i.e. what all did Ruth uncover? And even if it was just the feet. . .).

But my disagreements are small and I appreciative Currid’s insights and accessible presentation. I came away from this commentary with some new insights into the text. Anyone could read this commentary with profit. Small group leaders doing a Bible study on Ruth or Sunday School teachers could make use of this resource. It is also a great resource for personal devotional reading (which is how I read it).

Ruth is a prequel but it is also a love story. There is the mutual love of Ruth and Boaz, but at the center there is also the relentless love of God for his people and his daughter Naomi, whom he would not allow to be called Mara (bitter) for long. Naomi tasted the sweetness of God’s plan for her and her people.

Thank you to Crossfocused Reviews and Evangelical Press Books for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Timothy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warmly readable guide to the Book of Ruth! This has to be one of the best of the Welwyn Commentary Series that I have read. I did indeed read it right through as an accompaniment to personal, daily Bible readings—not something I have done with many of the series. Being more expository and devotional than a traditional commentary, it lends itself to being used as an aid in daily Bible reading. Although written by a seminary professor, it has a warm, pastoral touch to it.

When the Welwyn Commentary Series began to appear in the late 1970s, it filled a gap in what was available in conservative evangelical Bible commentaries. The similarly sized and priced Tyndale Commentaries, which began appearing in the 1950s, were aimed at the Bible student and concentrated on exegesis (explaining the meaning of the text). The authors were widely respected evangelical scholars. The books appeared slowly, and by the 1990s the series was still incomplete.

The Welwyn Commentaries, on the other hand, are aimed more at the ordinary, serious Christian Bible reader and appeared more quickly. Most are written by practising pastors rather than scholars and are expository (drawing out the teaching of the text) and make some application. Being written by practising pastors, the early volumes in particular gave a strong impression of being based on sermon series. Perhaps this is why they were able to appear relatively quickly. The authors all hold to a clearly reformed (or Calvinist) understanding of God’s sovereignty and of salvation.

If you want to resolve an exegetical problem or to clarify the precise meaning of a verse or phrase, the Welwyn Commentaries are not the place to go. (Sometimes it’s hard in a Welwyn Commentary to find where the writer has got to in the Bible text.) I would turn to a Welwyn Commentary at a later stage of preparing a sermon. I know, from seeing pastors’ bookshelves, that I am not the only one who has found them a useful source of ideas for expositing and applying a Bible passage. (The lack of the Bible book's name on original spines suggests the publishers did not expect this!)

This Welwyn Commentary on Ruth replaced the original that appeared in 1985. It was a mere 17 pages in a volume that covered both Judges and Ruth in 126 pages. From Bitter to Sweet gives more than that to Ruth alone. It divides the text into 13 passages, giving a chapter to each (on average only 7 verses a chapter). This means that it many places it does amount to a verse-by-verse commentary.

Each chapter begins with an engaging anecdote or illustration that leads the reader into the theme or message of the passage. The text is then worked through with topical headings and clear bold Bible references to show where we are in the book. For example, the theme of trusting God in adversity in the opening chapter is led into by reference to John Wesley. He was convicted of his lack of real Christian experience by seeing the simple faith of Moravian Christians and how their trust in God enabled them to be calm in the face of great danger.

Each chapter ends with a section entitled ‘Points to Ponder’, where the writer makes suggestions for applying the teaching of the passage. The writer pointedly rebuts the idea that there was anything improper in the way Ruth approached Boaz at the threshing floor. He also rejects the notion that Boaz should be considered a type of Christ. Nevertheless, he allows that Boaz shows Christ-like characteristics as a redeemer. Throughout the book he encourages us to see how the engaging and heart-warming story of Ruth points us forward through history to her descendant, ‘great David’s greater son’. Cold must be the heart that does not respond!

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you like a really suggestive commentary on the Book of Ruth? Then you simply must pick up “Ruth: From Bitter To Sweet” by John Currid and published by EP Books in the helpful Welwyn Commentary Series. I had heard good things on his Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, but somehow had never gotten around to picking them up. So I was excited to get this volume on Ruth. I wasn’t disappointed.

The book is especially helpful for the pastor or Bible teacher though it is written in an accessible manner that could benefit anyone. The 4 chapters of Ruth are covered in 12 chapters here that would pretty much be divided along the lines one might want to preach.

It is not as much a typological commentary as many of the popular volumes on Ruth are, and though I personally do see real typology in Ruth myself, this volume is a worthy aid in working through Ruth. He still writes much of Christ and gives much help on the narrative itself. He works out details, gives exceptionally good help on word meanings without being overly technical, and has nice illustrations from Scripture and history that really brings the text alive.

I have all the well-known volumes on Ruth and am glad to let this book take a prominent place beside. I think I need to get those other volumes by Mr. Currid too.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Pastoralmusings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. John D. Currid, Professor of OT at RTS Charlotte, has written a very good exposition of the book of Ruth.

Currid's pastoral interests and concerns shine throughout this book. Though he is obviously a scholar, this book is not written to sift through critical issues. Dr. Currid writes for the church. His concern is that people see what God has to tell us in His Word. Thus we find a well written book that seeks to direct us to the meaning of the text and the application of it.

The book is written with amazing simplicity. The reader of this review should not be misled, however, because the simplicity does not discount the profundity that this volume contains. Dr. Currid writes profoundly and simply. This bodes well for the reader, because the text is easily accessible and the depths are made available to the common man.

It's not often that a person is able to pick up a commentary of this quality. Combing through the historical and religious context, and staying true to the message of God's Word, Dr. Currid has served us well by giving us a deep yet easily read commentary on the book of Ruth.

This review copy was provided by Cross Focused Reviews with no demand of a positive review.

[Gavin Breeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise and very helpful commentary on the book of Ruth. Currid pulls lots of gems out of the original Hebrew text, but for the most part he leaves his work off the page so no Hebrew required. Highly recommended.