In part one, we learn of the societal structure of ancient Israel and how the Book of Ruth's epic story challenged people of the time to care for the widow, orphan, and immigrant.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do the biblical laws of caring for the widow and the orphan inform us of God's intentions for our relationship with the marginalized?

2. If you were an Israelite farmer, how would you have felt about leaving a portion of your hard-won harvest in the field for the widow, orphan, and resident alien of your community?

For my bible nerds out there:

Isaiah 1:17

James 1:27

Rev 21:1

Gen 24

Gen 31

Job 24:6-10

Job 31:16-22

Deut 25:5-10

Gen 38

Ruth 1:5

Ruth 1:8

Ruth 1:11-13

Ruth 1:16-18

Ruth 4:16-22; Mt 1:1

Ruth 2:1, 3:11, 4:11

Deut 24:19-22; Lev 19:9; 23:22

1 Sam 8:14; 1 Kings 5:11 NIV [1 Kings 5:25 NASB]; Hos 12:12; 1 Chron 27-28