The reading I picked for this week was the book of Ruth. The reason why I picked this reading is because it shows an example on how staying loyal and being grateful can give someone purpose. A quote that stood out to me from the passage is "Where you go I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" this shows Ruth's loyalty and love, choosing to stay with Naomi despite the struggle they think is ahead. It’s a powerful act of devotion and faith. This document shows a time focused on family and farming, where kindness and loyalty mattered, and outsiders like Ruth were welcomed for their respect and faith. I would like to know more about stories like Ruth. 

The reading I picked was the book of Esther. The particular detail that jumped out at me as I read it was where Haman wanted the king to issue a decree which would lead to exterminating the Jews residing within the empire. What I think the author was trying to communicate was showing how Esther used her power as the King’s wife not only to save her cousin Mordecai but the Jews as well. In my opinion what I think this document tells us about the time and place is supporting how the wrong people within leadership can lead to destruction and chaos due to the greed of power at hand. Haman plotting to make not only Mordecai but all Jews suffer  out of spite was to prove that he had the power to make that happen and have the innocent people die over it. 

i chose the book of esther. the passage that stood out was "But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you,'" was the most noteworthy passage. I'll follow you wherever you go, and I'll remain where you are. Your God will be my God, and your people will be my people. I shall die where you die, and I will be buried there. Even if death separates us, may the Lord treat me with the utmost severity."Because it demonstrates Ruth's incredible commitment, altruism, and faith, this moment is remarkable. Deep themes of love, loyalty, and faith in divine providence are highlighted by her readiness to forsake her hometown, cultural identity, and security in order to care for Naomi and embrace her faith. This deed establishes the tone for the entire narrative and shows how unwavering devotion and generosity can result in blessing and salvation.The Book of Ruth's author conveys the ability of love, devotion, and trust in God's providence to bring about hope and salvation even in the face of adversity. The story emphasizes that faithfulness and loving-kindness result in blessing and restoration by showcasing Ruth's commitment, Boaz's generosity, and God's inclusion of a Moabite in His plan.In ancient Israel, society, family, and land were essential to identity and survival. This is reflected in the Book of Ruth. It emphasizes the value of familial responsibilities, including the kinsman-redeemer position, and the dependence on farming methods, such as gleaning, to help the underprivileged. Because Ruth, a Moabite, is accepted into Israel's community and lineage despite cultural and ethnic barriers, the story also portrays a culture struggling with inclusion and borders. This suggests a time when, despite social difficulties, ethical behavior and covenant devotion to God were prized.By emphasizing themes like kinship duties, loving-kindness, and concern for the poor, the Book of Ruth enhances other passages and complies with the regulations found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. By highlighting Ruth's inclusion in Israel via her faith and allegiance, it contrasts with harsher exclusionary regulations, such those against the Moabites in Deuteronomy, and highlights a more universal and individual understanding of God's covenant.like to know more about the reception and interpretation of the Book of Ruth in its historical setting, especially as it relates to Israel's attitudes toward foreigners and covenantal ties.

For this week response I chose “The Book of Ruth”.  I chose this reading because it showed the type of woman Ruth was; from sticking beside her mother in law Naomi , to working in a field in a new place.  When Ruth said “Do not urge me to leave you—to turn back from after you; for to where you go I go, and where you lodge I lodge; your people [is] my people, and your God my God…” that passage was a monologue of what Ruth said to Naomi. That passage proves my point of what I mentioned earlier of Ruth sticking beside Naomi. After reading this story I felt like the author tried to show how being loyal could lead to life rewarding you. When I say rewarding it’s because after Ruth husband died she had no reason to still stay and follow her mother in law to a new country but she did, which lead to her meeting her new husband. I would like to learn if there were more people like Ruth who no longer had a responsibility towards a family but chose to be loyal still. 

For this week’s response I have chosen to analyze the reading entitled “The Book of Ruth” due to the titular character Ruth. I found the character Ruth to be intriguing specifically in her dedication to her mother-in-law and the family that she married into. In the story “The Book of Ruth” Ruth expresses her unwavering loyalty to her mother in law despite the circumstances. As an outsider and a widow Ruth had ample opportunities to return to her own home but she refused. Ruth even begins to work to support her and her mother-in-law, further displaying her loyalty to her mother-in-law. I found the familial relationships and themes of loyalty to stand out the most in the story. I also found it interesting how Ruth's loyalty to her new family ended up being a blessing for both her and her mother-in-law as it saw the continuation of the family line.

the two of them go until their coming to Beth-Lehem; and it comes to pass at their coming to Beth-Lehem, that all the city is moved at them, and they say, “Is this Naomi?” 20 And she says to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly to me, 21 I went out full, and YHWH has brought me back empty, why do you call me Naomi, and YHWH has testified against me, and the Almighty has done evil to me?”   

As a Jewish woman in the ancient world, Naomi would have been largely defined by her role as a dutiful wife and ability to provide male heirs. At this point in the story Ruth’s husband and two sons have died and she returns to their homeland. Many women in the ancient world are also expected to grieve in extravagant ways for the deceased. Naomi’s name meant pleasantness, but now she wants to be known as Mara, for bitterness, because that is how she feels God has treated her. Her husband and sons are dead, and her grief is consuming her. Naomi feels too old to be able to be wife or mother again and the meaning has left her life. Wife and mother were the main ways a woman defined herself in the ancient world without being able to fill either of those roles Naomi is lost. Ruth decided to return to her husband’s homeland and remain loyal to her mother-in-law and her husband. Loyalty was a trait highly valued in a wife and Ruth remains loyal to her husband and his family even after he dies. I also think it is interesting to draw a parallel to the gods of the ancient Greeks. Naomi sees God as an orchestrator of the pain and sorrow in her life. The ancient Greeks expected their gods to make their lives harder, and to bring bitterness to the lives of mortals. I feel like the God of the Old Testament, is a wrathful, vengeful God, who is frightening to mortal people.  

I chose the reading, The Book of Ruth. I enjoyed this story because it was so wholesome. It was a cute little read that reminded me of my mom and I a bit. When the husbands died, the fact that Ruth decided to stay and follow Naomi back to Bethlehem. This shows Ruth’s loyalty and commitment to Naomi. Compared to the other wife, Orpah, who ultimately left to go back to Moab. I think the author was trying to tell the readers how through Ruth’s commitment to Naomi, the reading stresses the power of love, loyalty, and devotion. Ruth’s famous phrase, "Your people will be my people and your God my God", demonstrates deep personal dedication and a choice to embrace a new life with Naomi in Bethlehem. Despite living in a patriarchal society, Naomi conspires the plan to secure Ruth’s future, and Ruth boldly approaches Boaz. This suggests that, while restrained, women are still able to influence their circumstances. Since the Moabites were viewed negatively, Ruth’s inclusion in the Israelite community and her role as an ancestor of King David challenges this stigma. This document suggests faithfulness and devotion outweigh ethnic origins. 

For this week's response, I have chosen the "Book of Ruth." I have selected this reading as I have found Ruth's unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, even after her (Ruth's) husband (Mahlon) passed away. I bring Ruth's loyalty into discussion due to the fact that Ruth isn't even Jewish and is considered an outsider by the people of her new home of Bethlehem. After being asked by Naomi to return to her family in the city of Moab, Ruth responds, "Do not urge me to leave you—to turn back from after you; for to where you go I go, and where you lodge I lodge; your people [is] my people, and your God my God. Where you die I die, and there I am buried; thus does YHWH to me, and thus He adds—for death itself parts between me and you.” Even more noteworthy is that Ruth takes up work to be able to support herself and Naomi. Her loyalty is noticed by a man named Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband. Ruth eventually marries and has a child with Boaz, to whom Naomi becomes a surrogate grandmother/wet nurse. This child is revealed to be Obed, grandfather of the legendary warrior-king David.

I selected the Book of Ruth because it points out themes of loyalty, providence, and redemption, which can provide insightful perspectives on ancient Israel's social and cultural dynamics. One key passage that jumped out at me was Ruth’s declaration to Naomi in Chapter 1:16-17: "Do not urge me to leave you, to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God." This expression of loyalty and commitment is Insightful, particularly because Ruth is a Moabite and has no legal obligation to Naomi after the death of her husband. Ruth’s choice to stay with Naomi and adopt her God and people highlights the personal agency and moral choices within the story's context. The author is trying to emphasize themes of loyalty, the importance of familial relationships, and the idea of redemption. Ruth’s story is not only about survival. But about making choices that align with righteousness, regardless of the difficulties or the foreign status of the individual. By showcasing Ruth’s faithfulness, the text communicates a divine reward for her virtue, as her loyalty leads to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David, symbolizing God’s blessing. The Book of Ruth provides insight into the social structure of ancient Israel, especially concerning the role of women, family responsibilities, and customs like the "kinsman redeemer" system. It highlights the vulnerability of widows and the importance of male relatives stepping in to preserve family inheritance and provide for women left without husbands. I’d be curious to explore the kinsman redeemer law further, as it reflects a unique social custom that seems to blend legal and familial duties.

I chose the “Book of Esther” because of its unique position in the biblical canon: it is one of only two books named after women (the other being Ruth) and is a powerful narrative of survival, courage, and divine providence. What makes Esther intriguing is that it’s set in a foreign empire (Persia), and despite being in a marginalized position as a woman and a Jew, Esther rises to prominence and uses her position of power to save her people.I was particularly drawn to the themes of identity, power, and the hidden nature of God in the story. The fact that God is never explicitly mentioned in the book makes it stand out among other biblical texts, yet God’s presence is strongly implied through the unfolding of events. This tension between God's hidden action and Esther’s courage made the story resonate as a reflection on how faith works in the "background" of everyday life.

The passage that stood out most to me was “Esther 4:14”, when Mordecai says to Esther:

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

This line feels like the turning point of the entire story. It’s a profound moment of self-realization for Esther, where she grasps the magnitude of the role she might be called to play. It's a reminder of the idea that people may be placed in certain positions or situations for a purpose—one that might not always be clear at first, but becomes more evident in times of crisis.Another detail that stood out is how the book repeatedly stresses “the reversal of fortunes”. Haman, who plans to exterminate the Jews, ends up being hanged on the very gallows he built for Mordecai. This dramatic irony serves as both a moral lesson and a theological statement about justice and divine intervention. It ties into the broader biblical theme of God's justice prevailing over evil, even when the circumstances seem hopeless.

I think the author was trying to communicate that “faith, courage, and divine providence” can work in unexpected ways. While God is not explicitly mentioned, the author emphasizes that things are not always what they seem on the surface. The story encourages trust in God’s unseen guidance, even in times of uncertainty or adversity.The author also seems to be emphasizing “the importance of individual action” in the face of injustice. Esther’s courage in stepping forward and risking her life to speak on behalf of her people is central to the story. It speaks to the power of standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult or dangerous.Finally, the story highlights “identity and survival”. Esther must navigate her Jewish identity in a foreign, often hostile, environment, and ultimately, embracing who she is becomes key to her success. The book communicates that in times of crisis, remaining true to one’s roots, beliefs, and heritage can be a source of strength.

The Book of Esther reflects a “Jewish community living in exile” under the rule of a foreign empire (Persia). The story is set in a time when Jews were living in a diaspora, far from their homeland, and the environment was often hostile. It paints a picture of a society where Jews had to navigate complex dynamics between maintaining their cultural and religious identity and assimilating into a dominant, often indifferent, culture.

The book also sheds light on “the role of women” in the Persian Empire. Esther’s rise to power as queen and her courage in confronting the king is exceptional, highlighting the possibilities for women to hold influence, even in patriarchal societies. However, her position also reflects the limitations women faced, as she could only act within the confines of her roles as wife and queen.

Politically, it offers insight into the “Persian imperial system”, where royal decrees were absolute but could also be altered through clever political maneuvering. The narrative also highlights how the “royal court” functioned, and how royal favor or disfavour could dictate the lives of individuals.

The Book of Esther connects with other texts from the “exilic and post-exilic period”, particularly those in which Jews find themselves under the dominion of foreign empires (such as Babylon and Persia). Like books such as “Daniel” and “Nehemiah”, Esther deals with questions of “Jewish identity” and “survival” in a foreign land. The “theme of divine providence”, which is central to Esther, can also be found in the “Book of Daniel”, where God intervenes to protect the faithful in foreign courts. However, what makes Esther unique is its “absence of direct references to God”, which contrasts with books like Daniel where God’s presence is more overt. This can be seen as supporting a broader theme in Jewish thought that God is present even when His actions are not immediately visible.Esther’s position as a “Jewish woman in a Persian royal court” also aligns with the complex realities faced by Jewish exiles, as seen in the”Book of Ezra” or the “Book of Nehemiah”, where Persian rulers are portrayed as both oppressive and at times favorable to the Jews, depending on their interests.In terms of gender roles, Esther also complements and contrasts with other texts. While women’s roles in much of ancient Jewish society were restricted, Esther’s rise to power is an exception, suggesting a message about the potential for women to influence history—an idea that resonates with the prominence of women in Jewish tradition (such as in the case of Deborah in Judges).

I'd like to explore the historical and cultural context in more depth, especially regarding the role of women in the Persian Empire and in Jewish society at the time. How typical was it for a Jewish woman to rise to a position of such power in a foreign court? I’d also be interested in learning more about the “historical accuracy” of the events described in Esther, particularly the nature of Persian court life and the specifics of royal decrees and laws.Another area of interest is the cultural interplay between Jews and Persians during this period. How did Jewish identity evolve under Persian rule, and how did Jewish practices change or adapt in response to living in the Persian Empire? What were the interactions between Jews and the broader Persian culture, especially in terms of religion, politics, and daily life? Finally, I’d like to explore the theological implicationsof the book’s subtle treatment of divine intervention. How does the hidden nature of God in this story reflect the Jewish understanding of God’s relationship with His people during periods of exile and oppression? The Book of Esther is an extraordinary narrative that offers deep insights into the Jewish experience in exile, questions of identity, courage, and providence, and the role of women in shaping history. It invites readers to reflect on the unseen but ever-present hand of divine guidance in difficult times.

Which reading did you pick? If there’s a reason it interested you, what was it? I chose the Book of Esther from the Bible. I found it fascinating because it highlights the journey of a Jewish woman who becomes queen in Persia and leverages her role to protect her people from genocide. The themes of bravery, identity, and justice within a foreign court are intriguing, especially since Esther’s story unfolds in a foreign empire, focusing on diplomacy and courage without explicit divine intervention.

What passage or detail in particular jumped out at you as you read through it? The most striking moment is when Esther approaches King Ahasuerus without an invitation, knowing it could cost her life. Her words, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16), reflect her courage and commitment to her people, underscoring her willingness to face personal risk to act on her beliefs.

What do you think the author was trying to communicate? The author appears to be emphasizing themes of courage, faith, and the importance of individuals standing up for their community, even within a foreign culture. Esther’s story conveys that people can make significant choices for justice, even when divine presence isn’t explicitly acknowledged, embodying faith and moral integrity.

In your opinion, what is this document telling us about the time and place it comes from? The Book of Esther sheds light on the Jewish diaspora experience in the Persian Empire, portraying both the opportunities and dangers of minority life in a foreign land. The depiction of court customs—such as the risk of approaching the king uninvited—illustrates the rigid, hierarchical nature of Persian authority, while also showing how Jews maintained their identity and values within a foreign society.

What about this document seems to relate to, support, or even contradict our other readings about this time and place? Esther’s story aligns with other accounts of the Persian Empire as a vast, multicultural society with diverse minority groups. However, it may contradict the perception of Persian rulers as universally tolerant, as it shows that Jews remained vulnerable to biases and court intrigue. King Ahasuerus’s decree to kill the Jews under Haman’s influence suggests that power could be easily manipulated, challenging any idea of consistent benevolence within the empire.

What would you like to find out more about? I’d like to investigate the historical relationship between the Jewish community and Persian rulers, as well as any non-biblical evidence for this story. Additionally, understanding more about the Persian court’s structure and legal systems, and exploring possible historical bases for Esther’s story, could offer insights into how closely the narrative aligns with known Persian history.

The reading I picked was The Book of Esther. This was because it focused on purium, which is a Jewish celebration that is celebrated with parades and costume parties to commemorate the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to exterminate them in the ancient Persian Empire 2,500 years ago, which plays relevance in this story. One of my favorite foods, which is hamentashen, is eaten during it. A detail that jumped out to me was the king granting Esther the ability to write laws to protect the Jewish citizens. Due to the fact that there was already a law made, you couldn't remove it, so it was an awkward amount of law-breaking, which I find is appeasing to the story. I believe the author was trying to communicate what Jewish life was like during this time period and the struggles they faced. The challenges they overcame after, how they were made to face these challenges, and what their life was after. This document seems to relate to a time where the Jews were oppressed, similar to other time periods and what their life is like. This is relevant as we are going to look into the lives of women and the Kingdom of Israel and how women likely impacted the world in this time era. What I'd like to know more about is why Jewish people have faced so much discrimination; this is not the only example of them being forced into areas they did not want to inhabit or being hurt.

The Book of Ruth is a biblical narrative that emphasizes loyalty, resilience, and cross-cultural connection. Its simplicity and depth make it a standout, focusing on personal relationships rather than dramatic events. Ruth's pledge to Naomi in chapter 1 demonstrates her unwavering commitment, transcending her own heritage and future. The story emphasizes the importance of loyalty, especially within family and community, and the power of kindness across cultural lines. Ruth's actions reflect values of devotion and faithfulness, which are more significant than lineage or national origin. The story also provides insight into the challenges of the period, such as famine, displacement, and survival within a patriarchal society. Ruth's story contrasts with other biblical narratives that emphasize family loyalty through shared bloodlines. The Book of Ruth suggests an openness to outsiders who show dedication to the community, contrasting with the more exclusionary focus seen in other texts.