Why the Old Testament?

Before we consider the question, "why the book of Ruth?", I believe we must ask ourselves the same question about the Old Testament. The Old Testament differs from the New Testament in many ways. In the Old Testament, we see creation, we see the introduction of sin, we see God sovereignly choosing a people for Himself, and we see how He brought those people through thick and thin to a land He had prepared for them. We see the law for the very first time and read of the righteous requirements found in it. We see the tabernacle, and the institution of the priesthood. We see sacrifices and offerings. As we continue on through the Old Testament, we learn of the establishment of the kings. Finally, as the books are ordered today, we read through books of prophecy, some which have already come to pass, and others that yet lay ahead.

Without the inclusion of the Old Testament, the New Testament would be very confusing. One would commence reading in Matthew, only to find a list of people he has never heard of before. To make matters worse, the New Testament continually references the Old, so these quotes would be meaningless.

No, the Old Testament is indeed very important. The dry passages of Leviticus are no less God's word than the theology-ridden pages of the Book of Romans. The endless lists of names in Numbers and Chronicles are no less Divinely-inspired than the doctrine-filled paragraphs of 1 John. Consider what Paul wrote to Timothy, "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim 3:16-17)

Next time, we will look at the testimony of the Old and New Testament writers as they discuss the meaning and significance of the Old Testament. I believe that as we study these things, they will enable us to gain a new perspective as to "why the book of Ruth?".