Bristol Bay Church Reading Plan

The lineage of Jesus through his earthly father is, in many ways, beautifully messy—and Ruth is an essential part of that story. Her account begins with her father-in-law, Elimelech, who led his family from Bethlehem to Moab during a severe famine. This move may have seemed reasonable in the sight of God, especially since the Moabites were distant relatives of the Israelites, descended from Lot. Moreover, Israel had been explicitly instructed not to harass or provoke Moab (Deuteronomy 2:9), allowing for a measure of peaceful coexistence between the two peoples.

However, what begins as a story of migration quickly becomes one of loss. After the deaths of her husband and father-in-law, Ruth makes a remarkable decision: she chooses to remain loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and to Naomi’s God. When Ruth follows Naomi back to Bethlehem, her commitment is not merely familial—it is deeply spiritual. The story of Ruth supports Christians by showing how her attitude follows and reflects a similar devotion to our God. Her declaration reveals a heart marked by obedience, devotion, and covenantal faithfulness:

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried…” (Ruth 1:16–17).

In this way, Ruth becomes a powerful model of faith, reflecting the kind of devotion believers are called to embody toward God.

As the narrative unfolds, Ruth encounters Boaz, a relative of Naomi. Boaz is immediately struck by Ruth’s heart towards God, her dedication to Naomi, her hard work, and her kindness. Her character—her loyalty, diligence, and kindness—stands out. Recognizing her virtue, he extends protection and favor toward her. Naomi tells Ruth to approach him to be her “kinsman redeemer,” or as the NLT Chronological Bible states, “family” redeemer. To redeem means to pay. A kinsman redeemer pays for family land and property. At Naomi’s instruction, Ruth approaches Boaz to act as a kinsman-redeemer—a family guardian who, according to Levitical law, could restore land and preserve a family’s inheritance (Leviticus 25:48).

This concept of redemption is central to the story and points forward to a greater reality. Boaz’s role as redeemer foreshadows Christ, who ultimately fulfills this role on behalf of humanity. As Titus 2:14 declares, Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own.” Just as Boaz redeems Ruth and Naomi’s family line, Christ redeems believers, securing their inheritance through his sacrifice.

In fulfilling his duty, Boaz purchases the family land and marries Ruth, ensuring that the lineage of her deceased husband continues. This union carries profound theological significance. Ruth, a Moabite—a Gentile—is grafted into the lineage of Jesus. Consequently, her inclusion anticipates the gospel's global scope. When Jesus later commands his disciples, “Go into all the world” (Mark 16:15), his own genealogy already testifies to God’s intention to include the nations.

Yet Ruth is not the only unexpected figure in this lineage. Before her stands Tamar, whose story in Genesis 38 is marked by both injustice and scandal. After being denied her rightful place within Judah’s family, Tamar takes bold and controversial action to secure her future. Though her methods are troubling, Judah ultimately acknowledges her righteousness. Tamar gives birth to Perez, who becomes part of the messianic line.

Similarly, Rahab—another unlikely figure—is included in Jesus’ genealogy. A prostitute in Jericho, Rahab demonstrates extraordinary faith by protecting Israelite spies. In doing so, she aligns herself with the God of Israel and is ultimately incorporated into the covenant community. She later marries Salmon and becomes the mother of Boaz (Matthew 1:5).

These women—Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth—represent stories of brokenness, courage, and redemption. By societal standards, each carried a past that might have excluded them. Yet God, in his sovereignty, not only includes them but weaves their lives into the very fabric of the Messiah’s lineage.

Boaz, having witnessed the transforming power of faith in his own mother, recognizes that God values the heart over social status or ethnic background. Thus, his acceptance of Ruth reflects a deeper theological truth: God’s grace extends beyond human boundaries.

Ultimately, this “beautifully messy” genealogy reveals the heart of the gospel. It reminds us that God works through imperfect people and unexpected circumstances to accomplish his redemptive purposes. Just as Ruth’s inheritance was secured through her redeemer, so too are believers assured of their inheritance through Christ. As Hebrews 9:15 affirms, Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, granting an eternal inheritance to those who are called.

In this way, the lineage of Christ is not merely a record of ancestry—it is a testimony of grace. It declares that all who come to God in faith, no matter their past, are welcomed into his redemptive story.--Val Burgess

I am praying for your time as you read and study his Word. I like to use two sites when I study the Bible: Bible Gateway and Blue-Letter Bible. I may refer to these sites occasionally. Enjoy your Bible Reading with a cup of tea or coffee. I am having a Diet Pepsi on this warm Alaskan Day (feels like 26 degrees). Well, warm in my house.

I have started a new format for study questions. You can choose from Explore, Word Study, or Questions. You can complete one section or more. Many relate to each other.

April 1

Judges 4-6

April 2

Judges 7:1-9:21

April 3

Judges 9:22- 11:28

April 4

Judges 11:29-15:20

April 5

Judges 16-18

April 6

Judges 19-21

April 7

Ruth 1-4

April 1

Read Judges 4-6.

Explore

“Evil in the sight of the Lord (Judges 4:1, KJV)” is a phrase repeated throughout the Bible. Explore the result of doing “evil in the sight of the Lord” throughout Judges. Read the verses and consider this and other sights. Topical Bible: Evil in the Sight of the LORD

Word

In Judges 6:25, the KJV speaks of cutting down “the grove H842 .” The NLT calls it “the Asherah pole.” The NIV also calls it an “Asherah pole.” Study this word and it’s meaning.

Questions

Judges 4 and 5 mention the heroics of two women. Who were they, and what did they do?

According to Judges 5:6-8, what was life like in Israel before Deborah arose?

In Judges 5: 13-18, what tribes are listed as helping Deborah in war?

April 2

Read Judges 7:1-9:21.

Explore

Explore who Phurah was in Judges 7:10-11. Would you consider him an armor-bearer? What is an armor-bearer?

Word Study

In Judges 9:4, what kind of men followed Abimelech? The Bible calls them “vain H7386 and light H6348.” Compare these words to other Bible versions for the type of men.

Questions

In Judges 7:2 (NIV), why does God ask Gideon to reduce the number of people to fight the Midianites?

Describe how God delivers Israel from the Midianites.

In Judges 8:22-23, what does Gidon refuse and why?

April 3

Read Judges 9:22- 11:28.

Explore

Identifying Tola as a “man of Issachar” adds a new dimension of understanding. Read I Chronicles 12:32 to discover a little more about the men of Issachar.

Word Study

Why is the same Hebrew word used for “dispossessed H3423” and possess H3423 in Judges 11:23? Or is it the same word?

Questions

Read Judges 10:6-7. Can you tell the scope of the abandonment of God by the Israelites in Judges 10:6 and why God might be “hot” as described in Judges 10:7 (KJV)?

Jephthah had a hard life. What happened in Judges 11:2, and how did he respond?

Why did Israel look for Jephthah?

April 4

Read Judges 11:29-15:20.

Explore

What does it mean to be a Nazarite? Judges 13 describes a child who is to be raised a Nazarite. What is the Nazirite/Nazarite vow? | GotQuestions.org

Word Study

Judges 11:29 speaks of the “Spirit H7307.” What can you learn about this word and it’s use throughout the Bible?

Questions

What was the name of the child born in Judges 13?

Tell one story you remember about this child. Is there a story that helps you in a significant way?

April 5

Read Judges 16-18.

Explore

The books of Judges and Joshua often refer to Gaza. How does this compare to current Gaza? Explore maps and see what you find out.

Word Study

How were the Philistines treating Samson in Judges 16:25? The KJV says “make us sport. H7832” What are some of the words used to describe this action in other Bible versions?

Questions

Why was Delilah able to trick Samson according to Judges 16:16?

How is Samson avenged after Delilah’s trick?

April 6

Read Judges 19-21.

Explore

Recall the tribes of Israel. Why were the people distressed in today’s reading?

Word Study

Judges 20:18 describes the Israelites going to battle as the “And the children H1121 of Israel H3478 .” How do the other Bible versions describe them? Why did the KJV use the term “children?” Who are the children of Israel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Questions

How many of the house of Benjamin escaped death (Judges 20:47)? What do the other Israelite tribes do for these men in chapter 21?

April 7

Read Ruth 1-4.

Explore

What is the meaning of Ruth’s son’s name?

Word Study

What does the word “Bethlehem” mean? How does this seem ironic with the occurrences of the time? H1035 - bêṯ leḥem - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)

Questions

What statement does Ruth 1:1 make for the time of this book? Is there any other way to narrow down the time? Compare to Judges 6:3-6.

What is the issue that comes up in Ruth 3:12? How does Boaz handle it?

What important matter happens in Ruth 4:16-22? Why is it important?

March 24

Read Joshua 7-9 and I Chronicles 2:7.

Explore:

Explore the crossing of the Jordan and the crossing of the Red Sea. What started with crossing the Red Sea, and what ended with crossing the Jordan? Is there often a starting point and an ending point in the things of God? Explore this concept by putting your ideas into pictures. Perhaps it's a comic book idea.

The Israelites started their journey to the Promised Land when God parted the Red Sea, and they walked across to freedom. Joshua and the Ark of the Covenant led them into the Promised Land when God parted the Jordan River. Most people who entered the Promised Land had not seen the Red Sea part. The parting of the Jordan was a significant moment in the History of these younger Israelites.

Word Study:

I Chronicles 2:7 mentions a person by name in Joshua 7 and I Chronicles 2:7 as “the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed (KJV).” Write down a few facts about this person and what he did that cursed the Israelites. What does his name mean? What is his purpose in these passages? Achan, who brought disaster on Israel by taking plunder that had been set apart for the LORD. His name literally means "to trouble, to disturb, to bring calamity."

Questions

1) What is the difference between the attack of Ai in Joshua 7 and Joshua 8? One was done with God's blessing and one without.

2) What does the Bible say about war? Read article on War in the previous issue.

March 25

Read Joshua 10:1-12:6

Explore

Explore a map of Joshua’s conquests. Find Gibeon. (See an online map)

Word Study

In Joshua 11:6, God tells Joshua not to be afraid. Consider the word “afraid” used here. Strong refers to the following lexicon code: “Be not afraid H3372” When examining the transliterated word afraid in Hebrew yārē', which of the following could be a definition:

a) To fear

b) To stand in awe, reverence

c) To make terrified

d) All of the above (correct answer D)

Questions

1) Joshua 10:1 mentions that the Israelites made peace with the Gibeonites. How did this happen? Read Joshua 9 for an answer. The Gibeonites deceived Joshua causing Joshua to grant them safety. Joshua kept his promise and made peace with the Gibeonites.

2) What miracle happened in Joshua 10:13? The moon and the sun stood still.

March 26

Read Joshua 12:7-15:19

Explore

Read Joshua 13:33. What was the inheritance of the tribe of Levi? Explore the tribe of Levi and their role in Israel. God was the inheritance of the Levites who became the priests for the Israelite nation.

Word Study

Caleb mentions the place Kadesh-Barnea during his discussion with Joshua and Caleb’s request for land. What does this refer to? The Hebrew transliteration is qāḏēš barnēa, which means holy. How would you describe Kadesh Barnea after reading the referenced verses in Blue Letter Bible at H6947 - qāḏēš barnēaʿ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)? You can also read more information here: What is the significance of Kadesh Barnea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Joshua 14:7-The place the spies were sent out from and returned to with the news of the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 2:14 The Israelites wandered another 38 years because they believed the spies' bad report. The distance between Kadesh-barnea and the brook Zered was approximately 50 miles,

Numbers 20:1 Miriam, Moses' sister died in Kadesh-barnea

Questions

1) According to Joshua 14:14, why did Caleb receive Hebron as a piece of land for his

family? Because God promised him a piece of land for bringing the good report.

2) What is happening in Joshua Chapter 15? Can you name one significant event and why it would be significant? The Promised Land was divided among the Israelites. Caleb was given a special piece of land for his work as the Spy.

March 27

Read Joshua 15:20-17:18

Explore

Explore the significance of a Wadi, as mentioned in Joshua 15:47, the “Wadi of Egypt (NIV).” The NLT calls it a “Brook of Egypt.” The KJV calls it the “River of Egypt.” Use Bible Hub to explore this geographical feature. Topical Bible: Wadi A wadi is a river that only has water in the rainy season. Look at the information on a wadi and how it applies to our lives in the above article.

Word Study

The firstborn is a specific classification for legal action in Israelite culture, made law through the birthright. What are the rights of the firstborn?

Deuteronomy 21:15-17 double portion of the inheritance.

2 Chronicles 21:3 rights to kingship.

Questions

1) In Joshua 17:4, a group of people had to come before Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and the Israelites' leaders to ask for a track of land. Why were they unique and had to ask? A group of three women. Because they were women they did not have a right to the land. But Joshua granted them land.

2) As in the original Bible, there are no chapter numbers and verses; here, it would be good to read Joshua 16 and 17 together. What do you notice about the tribe of Manasseh and his inheritance in relationship to his being the firstborn? Also Read Joshua 13:29-31. Consider commentary on https://biblehub.com/commentaries/joshua/17.htm and Firstborn - Nave's Topical Bible

Manassah was the first born of Joseph so his family received a double portion of land.

March 28

Read Joshua 18:1-19:51

Explore

Research the land given to Joshua as an inheritance, according to Joshua 19:49-50: Timnath-serah. What do you find interesting or significant about the land or the choice of land given to Joshua? He did not ask for the land, they offered it to him. It was on a mountain which made it easier to protect. It had no cities so he had to build from scratch.

Word Study

Joshua 19:51 says, “So they made an end H3615 of dividing the country.” When looking at the word used for “end” in Hebrew kālâ, what other significant endings in the Bible were represented by this word?

Genesis 2:1-2 God ended his work on the 7th day.

Genesis 49:33 Jacob gave his last words.

Deuteronomy 32:45 Moses last reading of the Law.

I Kings 9:1 Solomon finished building the temple.

Questions

1) Who was Eleazar? Eleazar (Eleazer) - Nave's Topical Bible A high priest over Israel

2) Why was the high priest involved in the disbursement of land? Because God said Joshua and Eleazar would be in charge of the distribution.

(Hint: Read Numbers 34:17)

March 29

Read Joshua 20-21:45

Explore

In Joshua 20, the idea of a city of refuge is mentioned. God orders six cities of refuge to be built. Explore the concept of the city of refuge in the Bible.

Word Study

Joshua 20:3 uses the word “avenger H1350” to describe a specific role in Israelite culture. Using a variety of sources, consider the meaning of this word. Answer the following questions.

1. Have you heard of the “avenger of blood?” If not read this for an explanation. What is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org The brother who avenges the family member who is killed by seeking out the murderer.

2. How is the avenger similar to Boaz in the book of Ruth? Consider the Strong’s link “avenger H1350” and the following https://www.gotquestions.org/kinsman-redeemer.html The avenger is the kinsman redeemer,

3. What else does a kinsman redeemer do? Marry the brother's wife when the brother dies.

Questions

1) Part of the land assigned to the Levites included the “suburbs (KJV).” What did this mean? See NLT’s wording or the Strong explanation “suburbs, H4054.” The Levites were given land in certain cities and the pasturelands.

2) How many cities and their suburbs were the Levites allowed to live in? 48 cities, including six sanctuary cities.

March 30

Read Joshua 22-24.

Explore

Compare Joshua and Jesus. How would Joshua’s life foreshadow that of Jesus? Where do the likenesses end? Joshua and Jesus: Resemblance and Contrast

Word Study

In Joshua 24:15, the word “serve” is repeated four times. Joshua tells the people in finality, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

This “serve” is ʿāḇaḏ, a Hebrew word, meaning the following:

a) To labour or work

b) To serve God (b is the best answer)

c) To serve as a subject

Explain if one of the above is best in this passage or if all work.

Questions

1) Summarize Joshua’s final words to Israel in Joshua 23. How do these relate to us? Look through Bible Hub Joshua 23 Study Bible. Joshua repeatedly reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness and calls them to obedience.

2) Consider Joshua 24:14-15. What is the conflict of Joshua and the people in these verses? What words is Joshua encouraging them with? Joshua tells the people that they have to choose who they will serve. He encourages them to choose to serve God as his house will serve God.

March 31

Read Judges 1:1-3:31

Explore

Explore the period of the Judges.

Word Study

In Joshua 24:15, the word “serve” is repeated four times. Joshua tells the people in finality, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” In Judges 3:8 it says, “and the children of Israel served H5647 Chushanrishathaim eight years.”

This is the same “serve” as before in Joshua. It is ʿāḇaḏ, a Hebrew word, meaning the following:

a) To labour or work

b) To serve God

c) To serve as a subject (The second serve means to be subjected or a servant to)

Explain which meaning above best fits this passage in Judges.

Questions

1) Judges 2:7-8 deals with the death of Joshua. Joshua encouraged the Israelites to choose whom they should serve. How did the people react according to these verses? They served God until the elders who had witnessed the miracles passed.

2) Who was Othniel, and why did God choose him? Othniel was the first judge of Israel. He was raised up to be a deliverer.

Questions? Call Pastor Val at 907-952-3317 or email pastorval@bristolbay.church

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