Week 18 Reading Guide
God’s Faithfulness in Every Season
Ruth 1-4; 1 Samuel 1-10
Big Idea: In Ruth and the early chapters of 1 Samuel, we see God’s faithfulness in the lives of ordinary people. Ruth’s story of redemption through Boaz points to the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus, who welcomes outsiders and restores what is broken. As Israel longs for a king, God raises up Samuel to anoint Saul. Yet even Saul’s failure reminds us that no earthly king can satisfy. Only Jesus, the perfect King, brings true peace and lasting redemption.
Reading Plan
Monday: Ruth 1-2 (Ruth’s Loyalty and God’s Providence)
Tuesday: Ruth 3-4 (Redemption Through Boaz)
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 1-3 (Hannah’s Prayer and Samuel’s Calling)
Thursday: 1 Samuel 4-6 (The Ark of God Captured and Returned)
Friday: 1 Samuel 7-8 (Samuel Leads and Israel Demands a King)
Saturday: 1 Samuel 9-10 (Saul Anointed as King)
Weekly DNA Questions
Discover
What do the stories of Ruth and Samuel teach us about God’s providence and His ability to raise leaders at the right time?
Nurture
How do you respond to seasons where God seems to work behind the scenes rather than directly?
Act
Where can you demonstrate faithfulness and trust in God’s plan this week, even when the path forward is unclear?
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 3:9
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.
Reflection for the Week
How does Boaz’s role as a redeemer in Ruth’s story point to the greater redemption we have in Jesus? In what ways does Israel’s desire for a king reveal the human tendency to seek security apart from God? Reflect on how Jesus, as both your Redeemer and King, meets your deepest needs. How can you trust Him more fully with the uncertainties of your life?
Bible Project Resources
Guide to Ruth: This short story is a brilliant work of theological art that invites us to reflect on the question of how God is involved in the day-to-day joys and hardships of our lives.
Loyal Love: The Hebrew word “khesed” is one of the most common descriptions of God in the Hebrew Bible, and it’s almost impossible to translate into any other language! This word combines the ideas of love, loyalty, and generosity. Meditating on the meaning of this word can shape our understanding of God’s character.
Guide to Samuel: Despite Saul and David’s evil, God has been at work, carrying out his purposes. The hope for a future messiah reaches beyond David, who will bring God’s Kingdom and blessing to all nations.
Hannah’s Horn: In the climactic conclusion of Psalm 148, we see that Israel should praise God because he has raised a horn of salvation for them.
Praise the name of Yahweh,
for he has lifted up the horn of his people.
But what’s the deal with this horn? And why is God lifting it up?