The Book of Ruth and 1 Samuel 1-15

On today's episode...

We welcome a guest on the podcast, the Rev. Thomas Szczerba, associate rector at St. David’s. He joins us for the portion of the episode where we discuss the Book of Ruth.

Ruth might feel like a bit of a relief after the violence of Judges, but we talk about why it might not have been perceived that way when it was written.

We discuss how the book of Ruth is positioned differently in Christian Bibles than Jewish ones.

We discuss how Ruth is a book of relationships and review each of them.

Then we say goodbye to the Rev. Thomas Szczerba and get into the first section of 1 Samuel. We talk about how 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel are really the same text, having been divided only because the scrolls had a size limitation.

We discuss the birth of Samuel, a figure akin in many ways to Moses, and the importance of Hannah’s song.

We get into how this book is another transition, taking us from the time of Judges finally into the time of Kings in Israel.

Samuel and God are not in favor of a King for Israel, and yet they heed the people’s wishes, appointing Saul. However, this does not go well, as God has Samuel tells the people in advance.

We stop short of introducing Israel’s greatest King, David, leaving that for next week’s episode.

If you want to understand the Hebrew scriptures better, especially the concept of harem as we discuss again today, Elliot recommends “This Strange and Sacred Scripture: Wrestling with the Old Testament and Its Oddities” by Matthew Richard Schlimm. You can find a copy of this book, or any book, through https://stdavidschurch.org/bookshop

Cross Connections is a ministry of ⁠⁠St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, PA⁠⁠. Season two, Cover to Cover is hosted by the Rev. Rick Morley, Elliot VanHoy, and Natalee Hill.

A full copy list of readings for 2025 may be found on our website at ⁠⁠https://stdavidschurch.org/crossconnections⁠⁠

If you have questions for us, you can call us at 484.588.5656 and leave a voicemail with your name, where you’re from, and your question or comment. Please note, we may use your recorded voice in an upcoming episode of Cross Connections. You can also email us at [e-mail].

Logo graphic design and podcast production by Natalee Hill. Stock Media Music provided by Marscott and MoodMode / ⁠⁠Pond5⁠⁠.

You are welcome to learn more about all of St. David’s worship offerings and ministries at ⁠⁠⁠stdavidschurch.org⁠⁠⁠.