The content essay assignment provides you with the opportunity to take a “deep dive” into the content of a particular interpretive issue within an Old Testament book. The ability to engage with the historical, literary and theological elements of interpretation is an essential skill to develop in biblical studies.
Developing these skills through research and writing is a time-tested means toward becoming a more competent reader and interpreter of Scripture. The content essay assignment probes challenging issues by answering the interpretive questions that rise from the text of Scripture.
INSTRUCTIONS
You will write a content essay on the book of Ruth.
Content Essay: Ruth Assignment
In an essay, answer the following questions pertaining to Ruth:
1. What significance is there to Ruth being a Moabite (Ruth 1:4; 4:10)? How does this relate to the theology of the book of Ruth?
2. What is the significance of the narrative conclusion and the genealogy in Ruth 4:13-22? How does this relate to the message of the book and its relationship to the rest of the Old Testament?
3. Is there any prophetic or typological significance to Boaz’s role as a “kinsman-redeemer”? If so, explain how, and if not, then explain why not.
The essay must be 1000 words and follow the current Turabian format. At least three (3) academic sources (beyond course textbooks) must be cited. Preferred source material includes academic commentaries, journal articles, and academic monographs. Avoid popular sources, including non-peer-reviewed websites and blogs.
