June 1-7: Ruth; 1 Samuel 1-7

Written By Center for Latter-day Saint Arts

"My Heart Rejoiceth in the Lord"

Brandon Gunn (American, born 1979)

With Nowhere to Go (2011)

Etching, drypoint, spitbite, aquatint, mezzotint, 21.75 x 24.5 inches

Collection of the artist

Used with permission of the artist

A famine drives Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons from Bethlehem to Moab, where the sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After Elimelech and the sons die, Naomi is left widowed with her daughters-in-law and decides to return to Bethlehem upon hearing that the famine has ended. Orpah tearfully returns to her people, but Ruth pledges unwavering loyalty to Naomi, declaring that Naomi’s people and God will be her own. In the Book of Samuel, Hannah prays fervently for a son and promises to dedicate him to the Lord; God grants her request, and Samuel is born and later serves under Eli the priest. God calls Samuel as a prophet, and he delivers judgment against Eli’s corrupt sons. The Israelites lose the ark of the covenant to the Philistines, but God afflicts the Philistines until they return it; Samuel then leads Israel in repentance and victory over their enemies.

The themes in these chapters center on faithfulness, divine sovereignty, and covenant loyalty. Ruth exemplifies a steadfast love through her commitment to Naomi. While Hannah models persistence and trust even in deep distress. The Lord takes an active role in guiding his people through the successful and difficult moments in life. He oversees personal tragedies, raises up leaders like Samuel, and demonstrates power even when Israel is unfaithful. Together, these passages emphasize that God turns tragedy to triumph.

Brandon Gunn is a masterprintmaker in America, a designation reserved for only a few. His artwork With Nowhere to Go is a highly complex work from a technical standpoint. It includes etching, drypoint, spitbite, aquatine, and mezzotint printing. Each of these processes creates specific effects. Our lives and the stories of the people studied this week are complex, too. They include the universal experiences of loss, displacement, longing, and the search for hope.

Gospel Questions

1. How does Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi challenge modern ideas about independence, personal freedom, and commitment in relationships?

2. Hannah's persistent prayer eventually leads to the Birth of Samuel. in times of seemingly unanswered prayers, does your faith lead you to persistence or toward acceptance? Why?

3. How does Samuel’s willingness to listen to God influence how you lead?

For Children and Youth

Hi. Ruth chooses to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and trust God, even when life is very hard. Hannah prays for a baby and God gives her Samuel, who grows up to listen to God and help lead His people..

1. When have your prayers been answered?

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Center for Latter-day Saint Arts
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June 8-14: 1 Samuel 8-10; 13; 15-16
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May 25-31: Judges 2-4; 6-8; 13-16