Insight and Understanding

Episode 026 | 05.23.24

When I was growing up, people talked about “redeeming” coupons for their groceries, but I had no idea how that connected with redemption in the Bible. Redemption is not an easy word to define, but in this final episode of our 5-part series on the book of Ruth, we’ll see what timely sacrificial redemption looks like—in Ruth’s life and in yours.

Read Ruth 4

Listen to Ruth 4

Video overview of the Book of Ruth

Photos from Ruth 4

Theme Music: “Front Porch” by Mason Perkins, Mason Perkins Music

Resources:
If you haven’t yet accepted God’s offer of love to you, click here for more information or email me with questions.

Please visit my online home at: insightandunderstanding.com.

Sources: (In order of appearance)
NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. 2016. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan. (Study notes on Ruth 4)

The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. (Study notes on Ruth 4)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. (Study notes from Ruth 4; Ruth 4:14, I John 3:16)

Original word sources:
Biblehub.com, using Interlinear Tool

Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer, and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of The Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 2004. 

Mounce, William D. Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2006.

Vine, W. E., Unger, Merrill F, White, William. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. Nashville: Nelson Books, 1985.

There have been times in my life where I had a choice to do what I considered the safest or most logical thing OR to follow the crazy thing God was asking me to do. This is exactly what happens to Ruth in chapter 3. She has a choice to make. Stick around and see what happens next in our series on the book of Ruth.

Read Ruth 3Listen to Ruth 3Video overview of the Book of RuthPhotos from Ruth 3Photo of Winnowing Theme Music: “Front Porch” by Mason Perkins, Mason Perkins Music

Resources: If you haven’t yet accepted God’s offer of love to you, click here for more information or email me with questions. Please visit my online home at: insightandunderstanding.com.

Sources: (In order of appearance) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. (Study notes from Ruth 3)

Gill’s Exposition

Benson Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

That the World May Know Vol. 13

Original word sources: Biblehub.com, using Interlinear Tool Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer, and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of The Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 2004.  Mounce, William D. Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2006. Vine, W. E., Unger, Merrill F, White, William. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. Nashville: Nelson Books, 1985.

You know that saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me.” I don’t believe that’s true. Words do hurt, and they can make us feel like we aren’t good enough, don’t belong, and don’t deserve God’s favor. As we continue our series on Ruth, we’ll see that we aren’t alone.

Read Ruth 2

Listen to Ruth 2

Video overview of the Book of Ruth

Photos from Ruth 2

Photos of Grain Harvest

Video of Threshing Sledge

Photo of Winnowing

Theme Music: “Front Porch” by Mason Perkins, Mason Perkins Music

Resources:
If you haven’t yet accepted God’s offer of love to you, click here for more information or email me with questions.

Please visit my online home at: insightandunderstanding.com.

Sources: (In order of appearance)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. (Ruth 1)


Original word sources:
Biblehub.com, using Interlinear Tool

Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer, and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of The Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 2004. 

Mounce, William D. Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2006.

Vine, W. E., Unger, Merrill F, White, William. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. Nashville: Nelson Books, 1985.

When we are in what feels like a wilderness, facing a crisis that challenges our strength and even our faith, it is easy to lose sight of God. Ruth chapter 1 tells us that Naomi was facing the same challenges. But if we look carefully, we can see God’s faithful, intentional provision—even in the messy middle of her life crisis.

Read Ruth 1

Listen to Ruth 1

Video overview of the Book of Ruth

Photos from Ruth 1

Photos of Grain Harvest

Video of Threshing Sledge

Photo of Winnowing

Theme Music: “Front Porch” by Mason Perkins, Mason Perkins Music

Resources:
If you haven’t yet accepted God’s offer of love to you, click here for more information or email me with questions.

Please visit my online home at: insightandunderstanding.com.

Sources: (In order of appearance)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. (Ruth 1)

Naomi and Ruth’s Journey to Bethlehem from Experiencing the Land of the Book

Grain Offering

Harvest in Ancient Israel

Laws Regarding Gleaning


Original word sources:
Biblehub.com, using Interlinear Tool

Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer, and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of The Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 2004. 

Mounce, William D. Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2006.

Vine, W. E., Unger, Merrill F, White, William. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. Nashville: Nelson Books, 1985.

You’ve probably known friends and family members who have selflessly loved and cared for relatives as they battled dementia or some other debilitating illness. But what kind of person would be loyal to love someone who wasn’t even a blood relative? We’ll find out in Part 1 of our series on Ruth.

Read Ruth 1

Listen to Ruth 1

Video overview of the Book of Ruth

Photos from Ruth 1

Theme Music: “Front Porch” by Mason Perkins, Mason Perkins Music

Resources:
If you haven’t yet accepted God’s offer of love to you, click here for more information or email me with questions.

Please visit my online home at: insightandunderstanding.com.

Sources: (In order of appearance)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. (Ruth 1)

“Who Were the Ephrathites?” n.d. GotQuestions.org. Accessed April 9, 2024. https://www.gotquestions.org/Ephrathites.html.

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Original word sources:
Biblehub.com, using Interlinear Tool

Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer, and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of The Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 2004. 

Mounce, William D. Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2006.

Vine, W. E., Unger, Merrill F, White, William. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. Nashville: Nelson Books, 1985.

When I was taught about Jesus’ death on the cross, I understood that his blood set me free from my sin. Nearly all of my understanding of Jesus’ once-and-for-all sacrifice centered around restoring relationship with God in a future heaven, which is true. But a recent study of Ephesians 1 opened my eyes to more of what Jesus’ death and resurrection means to those who have chosen to be His followers.

Theme Music: “Front Porch” by Mason Perkins, Mason Perkins Music

Resources:
If you haven’t yet accepted God’s offer of love to you, click here for more information or email me with questions.

Please visit my online home at: insightandunderstanding.com.

Video overview of the book of Ephesians

Sources: (In order of appearance)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. (Ephesians 1:1-13)

Original word sources:
Biblehub.com, using Interlinear Tool

Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer, and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of The Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 2004. 

Mounce, William D. Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2006.

Vine, W. E., Unger, Merrill F, White, William. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. Nashville: Nelson Books, 1985.

When I became a Christian, I memorized John 3:16. I knew God loved me, but my teenaged-self saw God more like a harsh judge with his Son Jesus was waiting in the wings to punish me for everything I did wrong. Decades later, I discovered how wrong I was about God and Jesus as I read John 3:17, one of my favorite verses in the Bible.

Episode 18: Great Leaders Still Have Questions — John 3 Part 1
Episode 19: God’s Extravagant Love Is for Everyone — John 3 Part 2

Theme Music: “Front Porch” by Mason Perkins, Mason Perkins Music

Resources:
If you haven’t yet accepted God’s offer of love to you, click here for more information or email me with questions.

Please visit my online home at: insightandunderstanding.com.

Video Overview of the Book of John

Sources: (In order of appearance)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. (John 3:16-21; I John 3:16a)

New American Standard Bible, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation

The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers (Study notes from John 3:17; John 3:21 ).

Original word sources:
Biblehub.com, using Interlinear Tool

Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer, and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of The Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 2004. 

Mounce, William D. Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2006.

Vine, W. E., Unger, Merrill F, White, William. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. Nashville: Nelson Books, 1985.

When we see or hear something over and over, our brains can start to ignore it as old information, something we already know and don’t need to pay attention to. John 3:16 can easily fall into that category, but I believe this episode will awaken your soul to embrace it in a new way.  

Part 1: Episode 18

Theme Music: “Front Porch” by Mason Perkins, Mason Perkins Music

Resources:
If you haven’t yet accepted God’s offer of love to you, click here for more information or email me with questions.

Please visit my online home at: insightandunderstanding.com.

Scriptures referenced:
John 3:14-16
Numbers 21:8-9
Genesis 22:2
Galatians 3:16
Genesis 2 and 3

Video Overview of the Book of John

Video and transcript about Hesed, the Hebrew Word for Love

Sources: (In order of appearance)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. (John 3:14-15, notes on John 3:16)

The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. (John 3:16)

GotQuestions.org. 2015. “What Is Agape Love? | GotQuestions.org.” GotQuestions.org. October 10, 2015. https://www.gotquestions.org/agape-love.html.

The Discovery Bible New American Standard New Testament Copyright @1987 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved. (John 3:16, agapé)

Original word sources:

Biblehub.com, using Interlinear Tool

HELPS Word Studies, using Biblehub.com

Mounce, William D. Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2006.

Vine, W. E., Unger, Merrill F, White, William. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. Nashville: Nelson Books, 1985.

In John 3, Jesus enters Jerusalem and he isn’t even trying to stay under the radar! Nicodemus, one of the most educated and influential Jewish leaders of the first century, is aware of the miraculous signs Jesus is doing in Jerusalem. He may have even witnessed them first hand. But Nicodemus has questions that his experience and education couldn’t answer.

Theme Music: “Front Porch” by Mason Perkins, Mason Perkins Music

Resources:
If you haven’t yet accepted God’s offer of love to you, click here for more information or email me with questions.

Please visit my online home at: insightandunderstanding.com.

Bible Project: Gospel of John

The gospels include many characters and groups of people that the original readers and listeners would’ve recognized, but these characters may not be familiar to us. Meet the powerful political and Jewish influencers of first-century Jerusalem to better understand Jesus’ interactions with them.

Theme Music: “Front Porch” by Mason Perkins, Mason Perkins Music

Resources:
If you haven’t yet accepted God’s offer of love to you, click here for more information or email me with questions.

Please visit my online home at: insightandunderstanding.com.

The Pilate Stone

Dead Sea Scrolls

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Sources: (In order of appearance)

Brisco, Thomas V. 1998. The Holman Bible Atlas : A Complete Guide to the Expansive Geography of Biblical History. Nashville, Tn: Broadman & Holman Publishers. (p. 207-215

“Pontius Pilate | Biography, Facts, & Death | Britannica.” 2019. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pontius-Pilate.

Nylund, J. (2016). Court of the Gentiles. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, & W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary Lexham Press/Logos.‌

Jr, Walter C, Duane Garrett, and Zondervan. 2006. NIV, Archaeological Study Bible : An Illustrated Walk through Biblical History and Culture. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

“Who Were the Sadducees?” n.d. GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/Sadducees.html.

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“Cap Explains the Political, Religious, and Legal Currents That Jesus Navigated.” n.d. Www.blackwelljournaltribune.net. Accessed February 28, 2024. https://blackwelljournaltribune.net/articles/11027/view.

GotQuestions.org. 2018. “Who Were the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org.” GotQuestions.org. April 11, 2018. https://www.gotquestions.org/Pharisees.html.

“The Sanhedrin.” n.d. Www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-sanhedrin.

“What Was the Sanhedrin?” n.d. GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/Sanhedrin.html.

“What Are the Different Sects of Judaism?” n.d. GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/sects-of-Judaism.html.

“Who Were the Zealots in the Bible?” n.d. GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/Zealots-Bible.html.