JUN 7

Ruth 1:14
Memorise Ruth 1:14
“…Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.”

HOW DO I OUTLINE THIS PASSAGE?

Having an outline can be very useful in studying the Bible. Coming up with an outline means that we must first have a good understanding of the main points of the passage and an idea of how the thoughts flow in the passage. An outline also provides a good overview of the main ideas of a passage, so that a reader can know at a glance what the main points are.

After the introduction (verses 1-5), the passage can be split into three main portions. Verses 6-7 give us Naomi’s decision to return home. Verses 8-18 then give us Orpah’s and Ruth’s responses to Naomi’s decision – Orpah’s reasons for remaining “home” in Moab are found in verses 8-13, while verses 14-18 give us Ruth’s resolve for returning “home” to Israel:

1. Naomi’s decision (6-7)

2. Orpah’s response: stay (8-13)

3. Ruth’s response: go (14-18)

The next step would then be to rephrase these main points so that they are in line with the main point of the passage. If you recall, it is about making godly choices that are not just good choices but the best choice. So the outline could be something like this:

1. A choice to make (6-7)

2. A good choice: material blessings (8-13)

3. The best choice: spiritual blessings (14-18)

Having such a outline would help us have the right frame of mind as we read through and study this passage, for it would not only easily segment the thoughts, but it would also guide us in finding the applications and lessons that we can draw from it. With the right amount of effort, patience and prayer, we would be able to do likewise for any narrative that we read in the Bible. This would enable our study of the Bible to be so much more fruitful and enjoyable.

Thought: There is logic and sequence to every passage in the Bible.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word which is so clear!