The Old Testament Made Easier Part 2

by David J. Ridges

In this study guide, noted teacher and gospel scholar David J. Ridges brings the books of Exodus through Ruth to life with his well-known teaching skills. In addition, he provides some direction and helps for understanding 1 Samuel through Proverbs. In-the-verse notes provide a highly effective, unique teaching tool. Notes between the verses provide additional insights and teach principles and doctrines. Join the tens of thousands of readers who have experienced spiritual growth from reading and pondering the books in this series.

A Powerful Study Guide
• Quickly gain a basic understanding of this portion of the Old Testament with the help of brief notes within and between the verses, accompanied by bolding for teaching emphasis.
Ruth 2:8
8  Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? [In other words, are you listening?] Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence [don’t go anywhere else], but abide [stay] here fast by [close by] my maidens [my servant girls]:
• Transfer these brief notes into your own scriptures to increase your understanding now as well as in the future.
A Quick Reference
• Quickly get help for specific verses or chapters.
• Review for a lesson, talk, or family night discussion."

Genres: Lds, Nonfiction, Religion, Reference

591 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2014

About the author

David J. Ridges taught for the Church Educational System for thirty-five years. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University and taught adult religion and Know Your Religion classes for BYU Continuing Education and spoke at BYU Campus Education Week for many years.

Ridges has served as a curriculum writer for Sunday School, seminary, and institute of religion manuals. His callings in the Church include Gospel Doctrine teacher, bishop, stake president, and patriarch. He and his wife, Janette, have served two full-time Church Educational System missions. They are the parents of six children and are enjoying a growing number of grandchildren. They reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Classic reverie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading David J. Ridges' The Old Testament Made Easier and then following it up with The Bible. I truly have found this reading tool very helpful and though it does not follow all the chapters, it does enough to help. It ends with 2 Samuel, 12, so after I finish 2 Samuel, I will start Part 3 of this series. I do have to come back to Ruth, for I skipped that section because my Jewish Bible has it listed later and I am reading in The Bible's order. It has taken me quite a long time to read but reading a little each day has been helpful for absorption in my mind.

[Deanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

The insights were sometimes interesting. And as I've read through part one and into part two, I've become increasingly uncomfortable. Finally, this BYU professor justifies the 100-year denial of the priesthood to blacks by saying that only the Levites could hold the priesthood in ancient Israel (for the Lord's purposes), so we should stop complaining about what the church has now acknowledged openly was nothing but racism in the 19th and early 20th century LDS church. I am an active and practicing member of this faith, but that doesn't mean I think all the people in church leadership are in any way perfect. Neither am I. But I do not excuse discrimination EVER in ANY form, and I am ashamed of my church's denial of priesthood to an entire race of people for 100 years, keeping them from their eternal blessings, refusing to send missionaries to Africa, etc. That this man attempts to excuse racism of the present with the policies of the 7000 year-old past (which included buying selling slaves and women, and many other horrors), is just finally more than I can take. I won't be finishing this series. I'll get my Old Testament insights somewhere else.

[MykeWeber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume has been quite bewildering. Almost as if Ridges got bored with the project. He thoroughly covers most chapters, but then mysteriously skips other with no explanation. He skipped 1 Samuel Chapter 25 for example, a chapter that to my mind is wonderful! In it Abigail is symbolic of Christ as she takes upon herself Nabal’s sins and then pleads with David to forgive her, just as Christ takes upon himself the sins of those who trespass us and begs us to forgive. This was far more doctrinally rich than many a chapter full of intrigue, battle and carnage. I just don’t get it.

[Karen Hiatt Brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by David J. Ridges

As always David J. Ridges gives commentary that helps the reader understand these sacred scriptures better. He draws his information from z wide variety of reputable sources. I for one am grateful for his work. I would love to meet him someday and thank him in person. I have encouraged several people to study the scriptures with the help of his books. I highly recommend The Old Testament Made Easier book two.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are helping me so much to read and understand the Old Testament. Lots of explanations and great sources to further my knowledge of the culture and practices of the time, which helps me appreciate more the people and stories.

[Keith Argyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This and all of David's books are amazing books for church members to read.

Read read read. Amazing books for all church members to read. If you are a Latterday Saint, these books are a must o read.