Does righteousness come from following the Law? Luke 1:6 says that Zecharias and Elizabeth were righteous because they followed all of God’s commandments, but Galatians 2:21 indicates that righteousness does not come from the Law. Is there a contradiction?
In the midst of what is commonly referred to as the sermon on the mount, Jesus gave His disciples an example of prayer. He began,
…Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven… (Matthew 6:9-10)
It is worth noting that we cannot include the words “Your kingdom come” in our prayers today. The Lord’s kingdom has come (Mark 9:1; Colossians 1:13; 4:11; Revelation 1:9). Those who mindlessly recite “the Lord’s prayer” sadly deny that Christ is reigning in His kingdom today. He is King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16) and presently rules in the midst of His enemies (Psalm 110:2).
Which Jehoram began to reign first? 2 Kings 8:16 says Jehoram of Judah began to reign in the 5th year of Joram, king of Israel. 2 Kings 1:17 says Jehoram of Israel began to reign in the 2nd year of Jehoram, king of Judah. Is there a contradiction?
Naomi told Ruth that Boaz would give his attention to her request right away. That very day, Boaz had the close relative sit down with him and the elders of the city at the gate. He spoke of Naomi’s return from Moab, and need for the land belonging to Eli-melech to be redeemed. He was interested, until Boaz said,
On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also buy it from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance. (Ruth 4:5)
Has there ever been a righteous person? Some texts say no (Job 15:14; Isaiah 41:26; 64:6; Romans 3:10), but others say yes (Genesis 7:1; 2 Samuel 22:25; Job 2:3; Psalm 1:5-6; Ecclesiastes 9:1; Ezekiel 14:14-20; Matthew 5:20; 13:17; 23:35, 46; Luke 1:6; Hebrews 11:4; James 5?18; 2 Peter 2:5, 7-8). Is there a contradiction?
Ruth had provided for her mother-in-law by working in the fields, gleaning the barley and wheat which the reapers left behind. In response to this kindness, Naomi wanted to provide security for Ruth. She was a stranger in a foreign land, having no husband or family to care for her.
God says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30; Deuteronomy 32:35), but David sought evil to come upon his enemies wives and children (Psalm 109:6-14). Is there a contradiction?
Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem at the time of the barley harvest. Needing food, Ruth requested Naomi’s permission to find a field where she could glean behind the reapers. The head servant in the field of Boaz, a relative of her father-in-law, granted her permission to glean.
Is weaith a sign of righteousness (Psalm 37:25; 112:1, 3; Proverbs 15:6) or wickedness (Matthew 19:23-24; Luke 6:24; James 5:1)? Is there a contradiction?
With famine ravaging the land of Judah, Elimelech and Naomi left Bethlehem for the greener pastures of Moab. The famine did not affect them, but other trials did. Elimelech died, leaving Naomi a widow. Still seeking good in this foreign land, Naomi’s son took wives for themselves from the Moabites, Orpah and Ruth. After ten years, both sons were childless. Bad turned to worse, as both sons died. A search for a better life seemingly brought nothing but trouble and heartache.
