Ruth and Esther: A 12-Week Study

Knowing the Bible

by Kathleen Buswell Nielson, J.I. Packer (Editor)

The books of Ruth and Esther recount two of the most memorable stories in all of Ruth, a displaced widow in search of a new home and loving husband, and Esther, a courageous queen intent on saving her people from imminent destruction.

Plumbing the theological depths, this guide explains the biblical text with clarity and passion—leading us on a journey to discover the God who hears the cries of his people and remains faithful to his promises.

Over the course of 12 weeks, each study in this series explores a book of the Bible

Asks thoughtful questions to spur discussion

Shows how each passage unveils the gospel

Ties the text in with the whole story of Scripture

Illuminates the doctrines taught in each passage

Invites you to discover practical implications

Helps you better understand and apply God’s Word

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2014

About the author

see also: Kathleen B. Nielson

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Kathleen Nielson holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in literature from Vanderbilt University and a B.A. from Wheaton College (Illinois). She has taught in the English departments at Vanderbilt University, Bethel College (Minnesota), and Wheaton College. She is the author of numerous Bible studies, and the book Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word, as well as various articles and poems. Kathleen has directed and taught women s Bible studies at several churches and speaks extensively at conferences and retreats. She serves as director of women s initiatives for The Gospel Coalition and on the board of directors of The Charles Simeon Trust. Kathleen and her husband Niel (president of Covenant College 2002 2012, now leading an enterprise in global Christian education) have three sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and a growing number of grandchildren!

Reviews

[Ryanne Molinari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used for a women’s study and it was excellent.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

We used this book while participating in a city wide bible study. Many, in our small group, would agree it just wasn't that enjoyable. Our leaders also stated that they struggled during leader meetings as well.

I feel the author forgot that not everyone is an expert on the Bible, so cross referencing or tying scriptures together was more ASSUMED than taught, and this was frustrating when trying to answer questions.

In fairness, I did learn a lot about both of these fascinating women, and this book was certainly a guide - but had it not been for small group discussion with leaders, I would have put this book down by week 2 and not picked it back up.

In summary, I (personally) would NOT recommend this book for private study unless your scripture knowledge is advanced.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource! I have been studying Ruth and Esther with a friend, using this and some commentaries. The study questions gave us something to spark discussion, and the commentary/cross references were enlightening and helpful. I will be using more of these “knowing the Bible” books as I continue to study the Bible!

[Kris Lodwig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent as far as Bible studies go. First half was on Ruth, second on Esther, and the last chapter tied them together which was interesting, but by the end I was ready to be done and move into the next study.

[Raegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the studying of the actual scripture, but sometimes found the questions redundant.

[Wilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time studying Bible books with Kathleen Nielson. I liked the format of her weekly lesson plans. I will definitely do a study by her again.

[Kalina · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF, probably will never finish. Some pretty gendered stuff, but I guess you can’t expect more from a mainstream Bible study

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great study in Crossway's "Knowing the Bible" series. It brings a fresh understanding to the grand story line of the Bible and God's sovereignty and redemption. Kathleen Nielson emphasizes that Ruth and Esther are not moralistic stories about good women who do great things but rather the focus is on God and how he redeems his people and judges his enemies.