Book Review: “Bethlehem Road”

I love the Old Testament book of Ruth. The more I read and study the Bible, the more I find myself drawn to this grand narrative. I also like reading about the book of Ruth, so that I can focus again on the amazing account nestled between the books of Judges and 1 Samuel.

So, when Michael Whitworth wrote a guide to Ruth, I was eager to get it and read it. Simply put, I was not disappointed. As with Whitworth’s other “guides,” Bethlehem Road is a great blend of scholarship and readability that helps the Bible student get the meat of the Word.

Using the death of his own father as the backdrop, this is Whitworth’s most personal volume to date. In the introduction, this tragic story serves to draw the reader in, and then helps transition to the tragic opening of the book of Ruth.

The reader will find that Bethlehem Road helps them gain valuable insight into several customs as well as matters of geography and history that add a great deal of depth to their study. Whitworth, as always, has done his homework and has found several gems that lay under the surface of this great book. One of the major takeaways of this book is the overwhelming sense of God’s providence. The book of Ruth centers on that, and Whitworth makes sure the reader does not miss it.

Divided into four chapter (to coincide with the four chapters of Ruth), the book is a quick read. But do not let the relative brevity of the book keep you away. If you like to study Ruth, the Old Testament in general, or the providence of God, you will find this book to be not only helpful, but delightful.

Pick up a copy here. Read it, and thank me later!