23

Judges 13–21; Ruth

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Judges 13–16. Samson Failed to Fulfill His Divine Calling Because of His Unrighteous Life Manoah’s wife bore a son whom an angel had told her would be sent to deliver Israel from the Philistines (see Judges 13). Samson married a Philistine woman, propounded a riddle, and slew thirty Philistines to pay a lost wager (see Judges 14). To avenge the death of his wife and his father-in-law, Samson slaughtered a multitude of Philistines (see Judges 15). Delilah enticed Samson into revealing the secret of his strength (see Judges 16:1–20). After being imprisoned and enslaved, Samson killed himself and three thousand Philistines (see Judges 16:21–31).	Religion 301 student manual, 23-1 through 23-11; 23-21. Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1. Besides the commandment to marry within the covenant, what commandment did Samson ignore when he married the Philistine woman from Timnath? D&C 3:4. Though a man may be given “power to do many mighty works,” what will result if he “sets at naught the counsels of God”? Alma 2:28–31; 14:26. Examples are given of individuals who, when infused with God’s spirit, experienced a significant increase in physical strength.
Judges 17–21. The Danites Migrated, and Fraternal Strife Occurred among Degenerate Israelites Micah set up an idolatrous house of worship (see Judges 17). Migrating Danites took Micah’s priest and stole his images, which they set up in the city of Dan (see Judges 18). An abominable act caused massive bloodshed and the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin (see Judges 19–21).	Religion 301 student manual, 23-12 through 23-13; 23-21. Exodus 20:4, 23; Leviticus 19:4. Micah’s mother was making a graven image to please the Lord. What does this action indicate about the state of Israelite religion during this era? Deuteronomy 12:8; Proverbs 16:2. What did the Lord say about every man doing that which was right in his own eyes? (see Judges 17:6; 21:25). Isaiah 13:11. Though the wicked often bring pain and sorrow to others, what can we all be assured of? (see also 1 Nephi 10:20).
Ruth 1–4. Ruth Chose to Follow Israel’s God and Became an Ancestor of the Savior Elimelech, Naomi, and their sons went to Moab because of a famine (see Ruth 1:1–2). Elimelech died, as did his two sons after they married Moabite women (see Ruth 1:3–5). When Naomi returned to Judah, one daughter-in-law, Ruth, chose to go with her (see Ruth 1:6–22). Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s field and won his favor and protection (see Ruth 2). Ruth appealed to Boaz to fulfill the levirate law in her behalf as the next of kin of her deceased husband (see Ruth 3). Ruth and Boaz were married and became the parents of a noble lineage (see Ruth 4).	Religion 301 student manual, 23-14 through 23-20; 23-21. Deuteronomy 24:19. Why was Ruth confident that Boaz would allow her, a complete stranger, to glean in his fields? 2 Nephi 26:33. Though Ruth was a Moabite and not of Israel, she became a part of the royal line of Israel. What does that fact demonstrate? (see also Alma 19:36). Matthew 1:1–16 (see especially vv. 1, 5–6, 16). Who were Ruth and Boaz ancestors of? Bible dictionary, s.v. “Moab.” Who were the Moabites?

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

Samson Failed in His Calling (Section A)

Ask students if some individuals bring with them from the premortal life a greater than ordinary capacity to lead others. Ask them how they would rank Samson in native ability. Ask how many individuals have had their birth announced by an angelic messenger, or were consecrated to the Lord, or were endowed with prodigious strength.

Review the following scriptures that deal with Samson’s deeds. Note the underlying motivation for each deed. Discuss what his deeds teach about the character of Samson. Teach the principle that when Lord blesses individuals with special abilities or opportunities, he expects them to use their talents to bless others rather than for selfish purposes. Relate the concept that “there are many called, but few are chosen” (D&C 121:34). Teach that being called or foreordained is not enough. We must do what the Lord has called us to do and has given us the ability to do.

	What	Why
Judges 14:1–3	Married a woman outside the covenant.	She pleased him.
Judges 14:19; see also Judges 14: 12–13	Killed thirty men.	To pay a debt he owed on a wager he had made.
Judges 15:4–5; Judges 15:1–2	Burned crops.	As revenge for giving his wife to a companion.
Judges 15:7–8; see also Judges 15:6	Killed more Philistines.	To avenge the killing of his former wife and her father.
Judges 15:14–15	Killed one thousand men with a jawbone of an ass (see Religion 301 student manual, E-1 through E-8).	No reason is given.
Judges 16:1–3	Became involved with a harlot and then carried away the city gate.	No reason is given.
Judges 16:4–20	Became involved with Delilah.	He loved her.
Judges 16:23–30	Destroyed the house of Dagon.	To avenge himself and get even with the Philistines.

Can We Remain Righteous Although Surrounded by Iniquity? (Section C)

Ask students if there were any Israelites during the period of the judges who, amid depraved people and practices, remained righteous. Who were some of them? Point out that this is one of the striking themes of the book of Ruth. Although Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz lived during the time of the judges, a time when the practice of true religion was at low ebb, they manifested strong faith and found security in adhering to God’s laws. Similarly, we too, though living in a world of vice and corruption, can control our lives and keep the commandments. Ruth, a convert, followed Naomi to live among the Lord’s covenant people. Discuss with students the wisdom of following spiritual leaders. Encourage them to be willing to say to the prophet as Ruth said to Naomi, “Whither thou goest I will go” (Ruth 1:16).

One great lesson to the house of Israel was that God could choose a person outside the chosen lineage to accomplish his purposes. Israel had a feeling of exclusiveness that God would work only through his chosen people. The story of Ruth illustrates that the royal line of the Son of God came through one who, though born outside the covenant, came into the covenant and embraced the worship of the true God. Whether we have been born into the Church or come into the Church as converts, we may, like Ruth, receive all the blessings the Lord has promised the faithful.

Samson and Ruth (Sections A, C)

The striking contrast between Ruth and Samson could be used to illustrate that what we do with our lives is more important than what talents we have or what environment we are raised in. Use the accompanying chart to show the contrast between Samson and Ruth and teach this principle.

Samson	Ruth
Judges 13:3. Birth announced by an angel Judges 13:5, 7. Dedicated to God Judges 13:5. Given a special mission Judges 13:24–25. Greatly blessed by God Judges 14:1–3. Married out of covenant, contrary to parents’ counsel Judges 14:19; 15:7–8; 16:28. Used strength for selfish purposes Judges 16:1. Committed an immoral act Judges 16:1–21. Lost strength through unrighteousness	Ruth 1:4. Born and raised outside of covenant lineage Ruth 1:5. Lost her husband Ruth 1:6–18; 2:11. Followed and supported ideals of her mother-in-law Ruth 2:2–3. Was willing to work Ruth 2:10. Was humble Ruth 4:13. Married in covenant lineage Ruth 4:13–22. Became mother of chosen lineage Matthew 1:5, 16. Was a progenitor of Jesus Christ