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NIV Application Commentary, Old Testament #6
Judges, Ruth
The concept of judgment is at odds with today’s culture, which considers it a sin to suggest there is such a thing as sin. Perhaps that is partly because we have seen all too clearly the fallibility of those who judge. What many of us long for is not judgment but righteousness and deliverance from oppression. That is why the books of Judges and Ruth are so relevant today: Judges, because it reveals a God who employs very human deliverers but refuses to gloss over their sins and the consequences of those sins; and Ruth, because it demonstrates the far-reaching impact of a righteous character.
Exploring the links between the Bible and our own times, Dr. K. Lawson Younger Jr. shares literary perspectives on the books of Judges and Ruth that reveal ageless truths for our twenty-first-century lives.
Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from our world to the world of the Bible. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. They focus on the original meaning of the passage but don’t discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable--but the job is only half done!
The NIV Application Commentary Series helps bring both halves of the interpretive task together. This unique, award-winning series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into our postmodern context. It explains not only what the Bible meant but also how it speaks powerfully today.
Exploring the links between the Bible and our own times, Dr. K. Lawson Younger Jr. shares literary perspectives on the books of Judges and Ruth that reveal ageless truths for our twenty-first-century lives.
Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from our world to the world of the Bible. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. They focus on the original meaning of the passage but don’t discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable--but the job is only half done!
The NIV Application Commentary Series helps bring both halves of the interpretive task together. This unique, award-winning series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into our postmodern context. It explains not only what the Bible meant but also how it speaks powerfully today.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 26, 2017
One of the hardest books to preach through is the Book of Judges. For many of the scene in the Book of Judges run contrary to that of our own current cultural trends. It is therefore extremely helpful that Zondervan Publications has put out a commentary on the Book of Judges and Ruth in the NIV application Commentary series. This commentary is well-known and respected in both popular and scholarly circles. For the NIV application Commentary series truly helps the exegete understand the original context of the text as well as its contemporary significance.
This commentary is written by K Lawson younger Jr who is a professor of Semitic languages in the ancient near East at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. This background and his deep understanding of the historical books of the Old Testament hair to make a phenomenal work on the books of judges and Ruth.
It is confusing that more often than not The Book of Ruth is paired with the Book of Esther even though they are nowhere near the same historical context. It was there for explaining room refreshing to have the Book of Ruth paired with the Book of Judges do to them happening at the same chronological time.
With regard to the introductory section to both of the books inside this work I found the introductory section on the Book of Judges comparable to most mid-level commentaries diving into both composition purpose as well as a few biblical theological components. On the other hand the introduction to the Book of Ruth was little more than a few pages and did not die deeply into authorship or structure. Yet the introduction did Shine when dealing with background issues such as the kinsman-redeemer and Levirate marriage. This study into both of these Concepts are deeply important and necessary when it comes to understanding and applying the Book of Ruth.
In dealing with the commentary proper in both judges and Ruth, the textual commentary is written in pericope sections rather than dealing with a verse by verse exegetical study. This is the form at which the NIV application study commentary, is exclusivity written init was therefore not a surprise, but it is something that a reader should expect. This does not negate in any way this commentaries usefulness rather it enhances a preacher’s focus on seeing the forest through the trees. I therefore recommend this commentary wholeheartedly as a useful tool to both the preacher, teacher, uneducated laymen, and Sunday school teacher. I do suggest though that this commentary be paired with a more solid one that deals exegetically with each verse.
These books was provided to me free of charge from Zondervan Press in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
This commentary is written by K Lawson younger Jr who is a professor of Semitic languages in the ancient near East at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. This background and his deep understanding of the historical books of the Old Testament hair to make a phenomenal work on the books of judges and Ruth.
It is confusing that more often than not The Book of Ruth is paired with the Book of Esther even though they are nowhere near the same historical context. It was there for explaining room refreshing to have the Book of Ruth paired with the Book of Judges do to them happening at the same chronological time.
With regard to the introductory section to both of the books inside this work I found the introductory section on the Book of Judges comparable to most mid-level commentaries diving into both composition purpose as well as a few biblical theological components. On the other hand the introduction to the Book of Ruth was little more than a few pages and did not die deeply into authorship or structure. Yet the introduction did Shine when dealing with background issues such as the kinsman-redeemer and Levirate marriage. This study into both of these Concepts are deeply important and necessary when it comes to understanding and applying the Book of Ruth.
In dealing with the commentary proper in both judges and Ruth, the textual commentary is written in pericope sections rather than dealing with a verse by verse exegetical study. This is the form at which the NIV application study commentary, is exclusivity written init was therefore not a surprise, but it is something that a reader should expect. This does not negate in any way this commentaries usefulness rather it enhances a preacher’s focus on seeing the forest through the trees. I therefore recommend this commentary wholeheartedly as a useful tool to both the preacher, teacher, uneducated laymen, and Sunday school teacher. I do suggest though that this commentary be paired with a more solid one that deals exegetically with each verse.
These books was provided to me free of charge from Zondervan Press in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
March 1, 2018
Lawson Younger, Jr., has turned out a fine volume on Judges and Ruth in the pastor-friendly NIVAC series. He did a fine job in pulling out the type of scholarly information that is most beneficial to pastors while also aiding pastors to connect with modern audiences when presenting the text.
In his Introduction to Judges, he begins with a brief discussion of the title of the book and role of the judges in Israel. Since the Book of Judges is anonymous, he spends little time on authorship other than stating that fact. In explaining the purpose of the book, he agrees with Daniel Block that it has to do with “the Canaanization of Israel”. He also discusses chronology, the role of the tribes in Israel, and the concept of “herem” found in Judges. I felt he excelled in his discussion of the structure of the book. In fact, he was more succinct than I have seen in larger works. He describes the double introduction and double conclusion found in the book. He also describes the cycles section and relates how the book differentiates between the major and minor judges. That section was full of insights. Next, he discussed bridging contexts by looking at interpretive issues. His analysis seemed well on the mark.
He does a fine job in his Introduction to Ruth as well. He explains that the author is unknown, and the date of composition can’t really be arrived at by some of the overly subjective ways that some scholars do. He has more to say about canonical status and position. He debunks some scholarly attempts to disprove the unity of Ruth. As we would expect, he well explains the concept of “hesed”. He gave one of the better, brief explanations that I’ve seen. He briefly discusses genre and purpose, as well as the structure of the book. Since it is central to the story he does discuss a few other background issues: the “goel”, the levirate marriage, and genealogy. For both books he provides an outline and a bibliography.
The commentary is ideal for what this series aims for. For each text, he discusses original meaning, how to bridge contexts, and contemporary significance. This is one of the more successful volumes in the NIVAC series. I plan to use it myself when I’m in Ruth and Judges, and warmly recommended to you!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In his Introduction to Judges, he begins with a brief discussion of the title of the book and role of the judges in Israel. Since the Book of Judges is anonymous, he spends little time on authorship other than stating that fact. In explaining the purpose of the book, he agrees with Daniel Block that it has to do with “the Canaanization of Israel”. He also discusses chronology, the role of the tribes in Israel, and the concept of “herem” found in Judges. I felt he excelled in his discussion of the structure of the book. In fact, he was more succinct than I have seen in larger works. He describes the double introduction and double conclusion found in the book. He also describes the cycles section and relates how the book differentiates between the major and minor judges. That section was full of insights. Next, he discussed bridging contexts by looking at interpretive issues. His analysis seemed well on the mark.
He does a fine job in his Introduction to Ruth as well. He explains that the author is unknown, and the date of composition can’t really be arrived at by some of the overly subjective ways that some scholars do. He has more to say about canonical status and position. He debunks some scholarly attempts to disprove the unity of Ruth. As we would expect, he well explains the concept of “hesed”. He gave one of the better, brief explanations that I’ve seen. He briefly discusses genre and purpose, as well as the structure of the book. Since it is central to the story he does discuss a few other background issues: the “goel”, the levirate marriage, and genealogy. For both books he provides an outline and a bibliography.
The commentary is ideal for what this series aims for. For each text, he discusses original meaning, how to bridge contexts, and contemporary significance. This is one of the more successful volumes in the NIVAC series. I plan to use it myself when I’m in Ruth and Judges, and warmly recommended to you!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 6, 2015
Commentaries provide the lens through which most people understand scripture either through personal study or the preaching that they are exposed to. This makes them important to our faith. When I am not teaching, I read commentaries devotionally.
The Book of Judges famously reads: In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6 ESV). Not coincidentally, the postmodern period is characterized by its highest value—equality. Tension between different groups in society over the rights of individuals and the rights of the community highlight, in part, change in the values held most dearly [1]. The role of individual initiative in the Book of Judges clearly speaks to the moral challenges in our own times [2]. The Book of Ruth, by contrast, paints a picture of God’s providence in the midst of otherwise chaotic and desperate lives.
Younger describes the purpose of the Book of Judges as: the consequences of disobedience to God with the resultant moral degeneration that characterized the history of this period (23). A judge was more of a tribal leader, not a government official in charge of deciding legal matters (22). Leadership was less formal, more charismatic. The book ends on the period of the judges were the death of Joshua and the coronation of King Saul—a period of no more than 400 years (24). Ruth, being the great grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:17), also lived during this period.
The structure of the Book of Judges aids in observing the moral degeneration of both the judges and the people. Younger notes the following cycle being repeated throughout the accounts:
1. Israel does evil in the eyes of Yahweh;
2. Yahweh gives/sells them into the hands of oppressors;
3. Israel serves the oppressor for X years;
4. Israel cries out to Yahweh;
5. Yahweh raises up a deliverer (i.e. judge);
6. The spirit of Yahweh is upon the deliverer;
7. The oppressor is subdues;
8. The land has “rest” for X years (35).
In reviewing the particular judges, Younger notes that the judges are increasingly ignorant of God and his covenant, and increasingly prone to idolatry. The two most famous judges, Samson and Gideon, therefore show serious personal flaws which speak not of their suitability as role models, but of God’s forbearance and love.
Perhaps of most interest to a contemporary audience are the roles of Deborah and Jael, both women. In a male dominated society, both women assume roles normally reserved for men, in part, to highlight the degeneration of the men, in this case, Barak and Sisera (138-146). Younger makes the point that rather than setting Deborah and Jael up as role models, the author of Judges uses them as a foil to highlight the degeneration of the men. Elevation of the women does fill the gap created by responsibility-avoiding men.
Much more could be said about the Book of Judges—especially in view of contrary opinions. However, in a short review it is more interesting to turn to the Book of Ruth. Younger’s interpretation of Ruth places the book in stark contrast to the dismal picture of the period painted in the Book of Judges.
The key verse in the Book of Ruth highlights the transformative power of faith:
But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return 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. (Ruth 1:16 ESV)
Through faith and fidelity to God’s law, even an immigrant woman from Moab in Israel finds protection under God’s providential care and God acts through her faithfulness to bring about both the Kingship of David and the redemption of Jesus himself. The Book of Ruth accordingly displays the faithful remnant in Israel transforming the nation itself during a general period of decline and degeneracy, as outlined in the Book of Judges.
It is hard to write a useful review of a commentary in a blog post. Still, the themes outlined in the Younger study deserve more attention. The usual treatment of the judges and of the characters in Ruth as heroes of the faith fails to capture the subtly of the actual stories. Younger paints a more realistic picture.
[1] Most professionals, for example, are trained to value objectivity most dearly—the dominant value held in the modern period. In the feudal period loyalty was the highest value. At any given point, the priority placed on these values may differ among social groups.
[2] The NIV Application Commentary has been my default commentary over the past decade because the series takes the narrative of scripture seriously. Once I am acquainted with an orthodox interpretation, I can judge a book from other dimensions. I have taught from the series the Books of Romans, Luke, Genesis, Revelations, John, Matthew, Galatians, and 1 & 2 Corinthians (I may have forgotten some books). The series takes seriously John Stott's division of the homiletical task into 3 things: the author's context (original meaning), the reader's context (contemporary significance), and the need to bridge the two (bridging contexts).
References
John Stott. 1982. Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
The Book of Judges famously reads: In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6 ESV). Not coincidentally, the postmodern period is characterized by its highest value—equality. Tension between different groups in society over the rights of individuals and the rights of the community highlight, in part, change in the values held most dearly [1]. The role of individual initiative in the Book of Judges clearly speaks to the moral challenges in our own times [2]. The Book of Ruth, by contrast, paints a picture of God’s providence in the midst of otherwise chaotic and desperate lives.
Younger describes the purpose of the Book of Judges as: the consequences of disobedience to God with the resultant moral degeneration that characterized the history of this period (23). A judge was more of a tribal leader, not a government official in charge of deciding legal matters (22). Leadership was less formal, more charismatic. The book ends on the period of the judges were the death of Joshua and the coronation of King Saul—a period of no more than 400 years (24). Ruth, being the great grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:17), also lived during this period.
The structure of the Book of Judges aids in observing the moral degeneration of both the judges and the people. Younger notes the following cycle being repeated throughout the accounts:
1. Israel does evil in the eyes of Yahweh;
2. Yahweh gives/sells them into the hands of oppressors;
3. Israel serves the oppressor for X years;
4. Israel cries out to Yahweh;
5. Yahweh raises up a deliverer (i.e. judge);
6. The spirit of Yahweh is upon the deliverer;
7. The oppressor is subdues;
8. The land has “rest” for X years (35).
In reviewing the particular judges, Younger notes that the judges are increasingly ignorant of God and his covenant, and increasingly prone to idolatry. The two most famous judges, Samson and Gideon, therefore show serious personal flaws which speak not of their suitability as role models, but of God’s forbearance and love.
Perhaps of most interest to a contemporary audience are the roles of Deborah and Jael, both women. In a male dominated society, both women assume roles normally reserved for men, in part, to highlight the degeneration of the men, in this case, Barak and Sisera (138-146). Younger makes the point that rather than setting Deborah and Jael up as role models, the author of Judges uses them as a foil to highlight the degeneration of the men. Elevation of the women does fill the gap created by responsibility-avoiding men.
Much more could be said about the Book of Judges—especially in view of contrary opinions. However, in a short review it is more interesting to turn to the Book of Ruth. Younger’s interpretation of Ruth places the book in stark contrast to the dismal picture of the period painted in the Book of Judges.
The key verse in the Book of Ruth highlights the transformative power of faith:
But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return 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. (Ruth 1:16 ESV)
Through faith and fidelity to God’s law, even an immigrant woman from Moab in Israel finds protection under God’s providential care and God acts through her faithfulness to bring about both the Kingship of David and the redemption of Jesus himself. The Book of Ruth accordingly displays the faithful remnant in Israel transforming the nation itself during a general period of decline and degeneracy, as outlined in the Book of Judges.
It is hard to write a useful review of a commentary in a blog post. Still, the themes outlined in the Younger study deserve more attention. The usual treatment of the judges and of the characters in Ruth as heroes of the faith fails to capture the subtly of the actual stories. Younger paints a more realistic picture.
[1] Most professionals, for example, are trained to value objectivity most dearly—the dominant value held in the modern period. In the feudal period loyalty was the highest value. At any given point, the priority placed on these values may differ among social groups.
[2] The NIV Application Commentary has been my default commentary over the past decade because the series takes the narrative of scripture seriously. Once I am acquainted with an orthodox interpretation, I can judge a book from other dimensions. I have taught from the series the Books of Romans, Luke, Genesis, Revelations, John, Matthew, Galatians, and 1 & 2 Corinthians (I may have forgotten some books). The series takes seriously John Stott's division of the homiletical task into 3 things: the author's context (original meaning), the reader's context (contemporary significance), and the need to bridge the two (bridging contexts).
References
John Stott. 1982. Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
October 14, 2018
Ruth
The reading of Ruth and the commentary has been very rich. It has provided a deeper understanding of the love God has for those who know him. It has also provided a deeper understanding of the sovereign love of God in our lives.
The reading of Ruth and the commentary has been very rich. It has provided a deeper understanding of the love God has for those who know him. It has also provided a deeper understanding of the sovereign love of God in our lives.
January 6, 2018
One of the hardest books to preach through is the Book of Judges. For many of the scene in the Book of Judges run contrary to that of our own current cultural trends. It is therefore extremely helpful that Zondervan Publications has put out a commentary on the Book of Judges and Ruth in the NIV application Commentary series. This commentary is well-known and respected in both popular and scholarly circles. For the NIV application Commentary series truly helps the exegete understand the original context of the text as well as its contemporary significance.
This commentary is written by K Lawson younger Jr who is a professor of Semitic languages in the ancient near East at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. This background and his deep understanding of the historical books of the Old Testament hair to make a phenomenal work on the books of judges and Ruth.
It is confusing that more often than not The Book of Ruth is paired with the Book of Esther even though they are nowhere near the same historical context. It was there for explaining room refreshing to have the Book of Ruth paired with the Book of Judges do to them happening at the same chronological time.
With regard to the introductory section to both of the books inside this work I found the introductory section on the Book of Judges comparable to most mid-level commentaries diving into both composition purpose as well as a few biblical theological components. On the other hand the introduction to the Book of Ruth was little more than a few pages and did not die deeply into authorship or structure. Yet the introduction did Shine when dealing with background issues such as the kinsman-redeemer and Levirate marriage. This study into both of these Concepts are deeply important and necessary when it comes to understanding and applying the Book of Ruth.
In dealing with the commentary proper in both judges and Ruth, the textual commentary is written in pericope sections rather than dealing with a verse by verse exegetical study. This is the form at which the NIV application study commentary, is exclusivity written init was therefore not a surprise, but it is something that a reader should expect. This does not negate in any way this commentaries usefulness rather it enhances a preacher’s focus on seeing the forest through the trees. I therefore recommend this commentary wholeheartedly as a useful tool to both the preacher, teacher, uneducated laymen, and Sunday school teacher. I do suggest though that this commentary be paired with a more solid one that deals exegetically with each verse.
These books was provided to me free of charge from Zondervan Press in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
This commentary is written by K Lawson younger Jr who is a professor of Semitic languages in the ancient near East at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. This background and his deep understanding of the historical books of the Old Testament hair to make a phenomenal work on the books of judges and Ruth.
It is confusing that more often than not The Book of Ruth is paired with the Book of Esther even though they are nowhere near the same historical context. It was there for explaining room refreshing to have the Book of Ruth paired with the Book of Judges do to them happening at the same chronological time.
With regard to the introductory section to both of the books inside this work I found the introductory section on the Book of Judges comparable to most mid-level commentaries diving into both composition purpose as well as a few biblical theological components. On the other hand the introduction to the Book of Ruth was little more than a few pages and did not die deeply into authorship or structure. Yet the introduction did Shine when dealing with background issues such as the kinsman-redeemer and Levirate marriage. This study into both of these Concepts are deeply important and necessary when it comes to understanding and applying the Book of Ruth.
In dealing with the commentary proper in both judges and Ruth, the textual commentary is written in pericope sections rather than dealing with a verse by verse exegetical study. This is the form at which the NIV application study commentary, is exclusivity written init was therefore not a surprise, but it is something that a reader should expect. This does not negate in any way this commentaries usefulness rather it enhances a preacher’s focus on seeing the forest through the trees. I therefore recommend this commentary wholeheartedly as a useful tool to both the preacher, teacher, uneducated laymen, and Sunday school teacher. I do suggest though that this commentary be paired with a more solid one that deals exegetically with each verse.
These books was provided to me free of charge from Zondervan Press in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
August 27, 2015
There's a lunch-room, peer-pressure thing going on in Biblical scholarship. It took me getting into the academic writings to see it, but it's there. What I mean is, there were some smart, influential liberal thinkers, such as Rudolf Bultmann, who challenged many conventions of regligious thought. The outcome has been a couple genrations of believers who are embarrassed by their own positions.
Not so with Younger. This is a scholarly yet accessible, unapologetically evangelical exposition of Judges and Ruth. Any person of faith could benefit from reading it.
Not so with Younger. This is a scholarly yet accessible, unapologetically evangelical exposition of Judges and Ruth. Any person of faith could benefit from reading it.
August 1, 2011
Really solid commentary - loved it!
June 23, 2022
Solid commentary in terms of text work.
For expository preaching, just skip the "applications" sections though. Younger is not terribly helpful there.
For expository preaching, just skip the "applications" sections though. Younger is not terribly helpful there.
February 24, 2024
Excellent exegesis. Actually readable. Biblically faithful. Academic and devotional.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews