Be Committed (Ruth & Esther): Doing God's Will Whatever the Cost

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe

One was a foreigner and a peasant. The other, a reluctant queen to a man she hardly knew. But their stories have one thing in A remarkable faith committed to doing God's will. For both Ruth and Esther, God used stressful circumstances to bring about his eternal purposes. Ruth's commitment to the God of Naomi affected every generation to come, as she became an ancestor of King David and more importantly, Jesus Christ. Esther's obedience led to the preservation of her people at a moment in history when all seemed lost. The stories of Ruth and Esther will make you Would I trust God enough to do what they did? Go chapter by chapter through the books of Ruth and Esther to see how the lives of these two remarkable women epitomize the type of faith that glorifies God. As you read, ask How does God want to use my faithful commitment? Will he use your life to affect the generations to come, or will he use your life to impact the current generation? Either way, author Warren Wiersbe helps you to be prepared and be committed to God's will no matter what the cost.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Reference, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1992

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this commentary as part of my small group Bible study of Ruth and Esther. We did a chapter per week. The commentary was a helpful supplement, with some nice suggestions for personal application. What I liked most about it was the context it supplied about Persian court life, history and customs, and where in Jewish history these books took place. If it had just stuck to supplying historical context, as well as application suggestions, it may have gotten a higher rating. It was easy and quick to read. However I did roll my eyes some whenever the author started "novelizing" the stories, speculating on thoughts and emotions of the central and secondary characters. I understand he was trying to get his readers to relate and get invested, but it seemed a little bit of a reach. Especially since he was presenting these speculations as fact and basing some of his conclusions on what he believed were their thoughts. A savvy reader can ignore it and still get a lot out of the commentary, but I think an immature reader could get confused about what is Biblical fact versus author speculations.

[Amanda Tero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a blessing to read! In a way, I’m sorry it took me so long to read it... but then in a way, I’m glad I read through it slowly. Every time I opened it, I found the encouragement and edification I needed.

Reading through the lives of Ruth and Esther and seeing solid pictures of God’s hand on the pulse of a nation and how He used people during difficult times was much-needed.

This was equally a convicting book as it dealt on matters of faithfulness and prayer. It wasn’t always an easy read, but always a good read.

I absolutely love how many Scriptures were in this book. I’m personally a KJV user, and he uses several different versions, but that didn’t subtract from the depth of the messages. So many times a statement was backed up by two or three Scriptures. There were a few times when Wiersbe admitted something was just his opinion on the matter, which I also appreciated.

I highly recommend reading this in 2020 and whatever the future holds. Because it will point your heart to the God Whose hand is over all and the One Who is still at work even in times of trial and hardship.

[Lyvita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther was a part of my Bible study and I didn’t want the book everyone else was using in the class. I am familiar with other commentaries by Warren Wiersbe in which I learned a lot. This study was no exceptions. After studying Esther with my Bible class I then went through the book of Ruth. I was not only encouraged but inspired to be more committed to doing what God called me to do. Page 183 has the best line about being so committed to our faith that we pass it on to our children and grand because if we don’t “The church is one generation away from extinction.” As the ladies of these chapters’ lives “scream” - Don’t Be Afraid, Be Committed” to keeping the true of Christ Jesus alive.

Take time to study with a willing heart ❤️ to be transformed.

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot that I had never heard before! Very good group Bible study

[Seretha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a commentary so I wasn't sure what to expect. I will say that it makes me want to read these books of the Bible again but I didn't agree with some of his interpretations of events. Some are backed with research and were really interesting like realizing that Esther didn't participate in a beauty pageant but that the risks were much more extreme when she was taken to the palace. In other places I felt like he was reaching for a romantic angle, especially when it came to Ruth and Boaz. The commentary definitely felt colored to make the interactions more intense than I perceived them to be. Again, this is my first commentary so I could be taking it wrong but throughout reading this I was just thankful that I had my own knowledge when it comes to the Bible. I really hope others who read these commentaries make sure to read the Word alongside to make sure that things align and don't be afraid to question the author.

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, this review is only over the Esther portion of this book.

I have enjoyed several of Wiersbe's insightful commentaries on Bible books (Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Genesis), but this one broke one of the main rules of inductive Bible study. "Don't read anything into the text that is not clearly there." More than once, Wiersbe surmisess with "perhaps" or "It is possible that..." I was annoyed that he describes motives of various participants in the story that are pure speculation. ("The more I ponder the character of Haman, the more convinced I am that he wanted the throne for himself." p. 152)

In spite of my irritation with these conjectures, I could not fail to appreciate how Wiersbe placed Esther within the context of the whole Bible. He is well-versed in the Scriptures and adds many additional Bible reference to the text to enlarge understanding. I enjoy his little witticisms, his insights, and literary quotes.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously refreshing, this book isn't loaded with theory or subjective teaching. It's words are encouraging because they are based entirely on scripture. If you need encouragement to trust God because you have become weary and don't see a way out of your current situation - this book is for you. If you simply need to be reminded that God is faithful and that evil will not prevail in the end, then this book will lift your spirits. If you are looking for a warm narrative that shows how God uses simple and everyday people through the ordinary to accomplish great things, well then, I'd say you need this book.

It helps get the attention off of yourself and onto the promises of God and how He moved (and still moves) in the lives of those who trust and obey Him.

I'm tickled that I purchased my copy via my e-reader, because now I can always carry this book with me!

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth and Esther are two of my favorite books and characters in the Bible. I appreciated having the commentaries on both in the same book with one theme. Both women were totally committed to doing God's will, and both were important to the arrival of the Messiah. Ruth was an ancestor of Jesus, and Esther's actions to save the Jews meant God's people was still there for the Messiah to be born.

Although I've done several Bible studies on Ruth and read both books many times, I learned some things from this commentary. However, in a few places I felt the author went off on a tangent--such as a lengthy discussion of the evils of drinking. I'm not convinced of every point the author made, but the book kept me completely engrossed and made me vow to be as committed to God as these two women of the Bible were.

[Susie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only read the section on Esther. This was a very strange mash-up of commentary, speculation, sermon and devotional. I really did not enjoy the author's moralizing "applications" - like the suggestion that the point of Esther 1 is to warn of the dangers of drinking.
Also, there were so many opinions stated as fact - such Mordecai missed Esther's meaning. What she meant was.... As if the author knows more about Esther's intentions than the man who raised her.
There were some interesting and helpful cultural insights, but overall, reading this just made me want to argue.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I could hardly wait untill I finished my chores, (working at school) so I could get to this book. Wiersebe brought up ideas I had not thought of, i.e., Esther and Mordecai's failure to be obervant Jews was used by God to save the jews from extention. In Ruth and Esther God used apparent disaster for His purpose and for goo.

[Jan Jonaitis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow

Not what I would expect from Wiersbe. Full of personal opinions and totally off the wall remarks. As an example (in Esther) he goes off on a discussion about the evils of drinking. Then he determines what he thinks to be the Lord's teaching about drinking. In Ruth he makes determinations that in my opinion needed more thought and cultural research.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study guide for the books of Ruth and Esther. Helped me to think of these scriptures and the persons represented (Ruth, Boaz, Naomi, Esther, and Mordacai) in a new light...one focused on Christ.

[Patricia C Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

God knows your Name

This is an excellent Bible study for women. We were not always treated as equals. We often did not have the same rights as men. But God was able to use several women to show us that we too are valued by Him.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this study. Lots of good insight. Some of his points made me think.

[Emil Bredahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an informative book that really has helped me a lot to know more about the book of Ruth and the book of Esther.
Great great great book

[Frans Kempe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good study about Ruth and Esther. It focused more on the story and how it is relevant today. Not so much focus on the historical side.

[Joanne Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think of this man's books as classics and I need to start reading them again!

[glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and easy to understand commentary. A nice read!

[Jolyn]

I am using this commentary as part of a group Bible study on the book of Ruth that has just begun.

[Mike Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so helpful to have clear and concise description of the historical context of these devoted women, and of the implications for faith and Jewish history.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the Esther section and will be starting the Ruth section next. Here are my notes for Esther only:

This was another fantastic commentary from Dr. Wiersbe. Hands down, still the best commentator I've ever read. Wonderful information, a beautiful grasp on application, historical context, and the original languages, and it is written so easily that anyone could understand. Absolutely brilliant.

Esther also just happens to be one of the simplest books in the Bible. I read it because it is my 10 year-old's favorite book. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what is going on or the importance of what Esther did. The most interesting stuff is the history behind the story, and the fact that God is never mentioned. Beyond that . . . it is a simple story, written like a drama that anyone can enjoy.

I struggled with exactly two comments Wiersbe made at the very beginning that I wish he would have elaborated upon.

First, he mentions that the church has a long way to go in how it treats women . . . I didn't know what he meant. Historically, Christianity is the best thing to have ever happened to women. Hands-down, the best thing to have ever happened to women. Women have also dominated the church since the 1200's, the church struggles to reach men. Women have largely taken over every aspect of the church, not even the pulpit is considered sacred anymore, so I'm not sure what he meant. There are individual churches that have issues, but that seems like a strawman, or at best missing the forest for the trees. Dr. Wiersbe was a Biblical Genius, so I would have liked more from him on this topic.

Second, he goes on a bit of tirade against drinking. The Bible unequivocally condemns drunkenness. No place for drunkenness within God's people. But Wiersbe goes much further and really condemns any drinking. I understand why he makes his argument. The best way to avoid drunkenness, and the pitfalls therein, is to never take the first drink. But the Bible does not condemn drinking, and Wiersbe borderline made the comment that if you drink you are not a Christian. This was the closest to legalism I've seen Wiersbe get, and it was frustrating to say the least. I'm all for obedience, duty, responsibility, the Christian does have moral standards to obey (don't get me wrong), but I thought it was . . . the closest I've come to disagreeing, and I wouldn't consider alcohol to be what I struggle with.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books of Ruth and Esther are the only ones in the Bible named for women. The two women lived in different times and came from very different backgrounds. So why did Warren Wiersbe group them together in his commentary, Be Committed (Ruth and Esther): Doing God’s Will Whatever the Cost? He says:

Why do we bring these two women together in this study? Because, in spite of their different backgrounds and experiences, both Ruth and Esther were committed to do the will of God. Ruth’s reply to Naomi (Ruth 1: 16–17) is one of the great confessions of faith found in Scripture, and Esther’s reply to Mordecai (Est. 4: 16) reveals a woman willing to lay down her life to save her people. Ruth and Esther both summon Christians today to be committed to Jesus Christ and to do His will at any cost (pp. 15-16).

And then Dr. Wiersbe says something he has repeated in many of his commentaries: “Faith is not believing in spite of evidence but obeying in spite of consequence” (p. 16).

Both of these books show God’s guiding hand in the lives of His people, individually and as a nation. One encouragement to me was that God did this despite and even through a pagan king and an enemy to His people.

Finally, there is a powerful personal message in the book of Esther; for Esther, like Ruth, is a beautiful example of a woman committed to God. Ruth’s “Whither thou goest, I will go” (Ruth 1: 16 KJV) is paralleled by Esther’s “And if I perish, I perish” (Est. 4: 16 KJV). Both women yielded themselves to the Lord and were used by God to accomplish great things. Ruth became a part of God’s wonderful plan for Israel to bring the Savior into the world, and Esther helped save the nation of Israel so that the Savior could be born (p. 79).

We must never think that the days of great opportunities are all past. Today, God gives to His people many exciting opportunities to “make up the hedge, and stand in the gap” (Ezek. 22: 30 KJV), if only we will commit ourselves to Him. Not only in your church, but also in your home, your neighborhood, your place of employment, your school, even your sickroom, God can use you to influence others and accomplish His purposes, if only you are fully committed to Him (p. 80).

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read with beautiful insights on the story of Ruth's redemption. Wiersbe outlines the lessons, struggles and blessings of Naomi, Ruth, Boaz and Obed.

For Naomi, Wiersbe discusses her poor choice in going to Moab, her lack of relationship with God since she didn't inquire of Him before making her choice, and how God dealt with her and gave her a daughter in law to bless her and bring her back to Israel. Naomi heard about God's blessings and returned to Israel for food, but also found restoration, a new family and God's grace.

For Ruth, Wiersbe showed how she new God and was willing to leave all she had to go to Israel. Her commitment to Naomi was a blessing and brought Naomi hope. Boaz saw her commitment and rewarded her for it (2:11) by telling all who could hear him. Ruth is an example of humility before the Lord of the harvest, submission to the redeemer, being satisfied by God's gifts, and being redeemed from poverty and sin. God changed her life through Boaz.

For Boaz, Wiersbe compared Boaz to Yeshua as a redeemer. He took the initiative, he protected and provided for Ruth, he did the work necessary for redemption, he made it official, to and he was able to pay the price for redemption.

Wiersbe presented so much more than this. This book will bless you for sure

[Matthew Darby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warren Wiersbe provides excellent commentary from two OId Testament books. How he structures the passages of scripture and the illustrations that help to illuminate God's wisdom are well done. As part of the BE series commentaries, Wiersbe continues his exemplary commentary of the work of Christ. He draws out how Christ connects to both the story of Ruth and Esther.

Wiersbe also does a great job pointing out historical facts about the cultures depicted. Knowing the historical information aids the reader in understanding scripture with the original author's proper context. While no commentary should take the place of an appropriate understanding of the Scripture by the reader, the books help address potential misunderstanding areas concerning contextual information that readers of the author's day would have understood.

I recommend the Be series for anyone looking for a collection of commentaries that are both informative and easy to read.

[Cayla Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman that partakes in numerous small groups, there got to be a point where I read Ruth and Esther an almost cliche amount of times. I knew God had something deeper for me to understand in these chapters and He never disappoints. Wiersbe’s commentary on Ruth and Esther were deep and thought provoking. It left me with so much more historical context and understanding of these incredible chapters. I’ll never eye-roll an opportunity to be in these chapters again. Great study!

[Keshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boyfriend and I decided to do Bible studies together and chose this as our first one. Ruth and Esther are two of my favorite Bible books. I enjoyed the length and pacing of the chapters. I liked the study questions that asked you to apply or discuss concepts. I wasn’t a fan of the questions that just wanted to you summarize parts of the chapter.

[Rachel Mellema · Rating 5 out of 5]

A commentary on the narratives of Ruth and Esther, extracting invaluable lessons on commitment, faith, and courage. Through compelling storytelling and insightful commentary, Wiersbe reveals the remarkable journeys of these women and their unwavering dedication to fulfilling God's purposes despite adversity.

[Ian Minielly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Wiersbe. I think this is one of his better commentaries. It has all the joy of a Wiersbe teaching, but it also has some excellent insight. I feel significantly better regarding Ruth and Esther than I was before picking this up. I recommend this commentary to anyone reading these two books in the OT.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/50 of be series. i read alphabetically.
my comment in this book was like my other. comments on the series. i wish that this two books could be explained separately for the message in these two books are rich.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep insights

This book helps the reader to develop a deeper desire to serve God at any cost. Seeing how God used these two women encourages the reader to develop the relationship with God to a deeper level.