Current Sunday School Study
Esther and Ruth.
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The writer of Esther wrote his book to explain the origin of the celebration of Purim, to establish Purim as a festival celebrated by each new generation of Jews, and to regulate its observance (9:20–32). He also conveyed the message that it was possible for Jews to work within the governmental structures of a heathen empire in such a way that the antagonism of their enemies could, with divine assistance, be thwarted. Moreover, he conveyed that God is able to deliver and protect His people through the providential ordering of circumstances, not just through dramatic miracles.
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 733.
The story [of Ruth] takes place during a time of famine in the land (1:1). Agricultural adversity struck the people of Israel in the Land of Promise. In the Old Testament, famine is often understood as a sign of God’s displeasure with an unfaithful Israel (Lev. 26:18–20). This reflects the period of the judges, a time of disobedience and unfaithfulness. This was also a time of moral collapse, great apostasy, and physical hardship. The looming question at the outset of the book is, how will the people of Israel respond to such adversity?
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 389.