Kindle
$9.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$19.95
Paperback
$12.99
Kindle Price: $9.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $6.08

Save: $0.59 (10%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Michael Whitworth
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Bethlehem Road: A Guide to Ruth (Guides to God's Word Book 8) Kindle Edition

by Michael Whitworth (Author), Paul O’Rear (Foreword) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 51 ratings
See all formats and editions

Sometimes blaming God for our problems only blinds us to his providence.

Out of the immense moral darkness of the Judges period comes a story of romance, redemption, and hope. The tale of Ruth has inspired countless generations. But Ruth isn’t the star in this romantic drama; center stage belongs to God and his providence. Naomi and Ruth traveled the Bethlehem Road—one of famine, abandonment, grief, and loss—unaware that the Lord had gone before them to redeem their heartache.

If you’ve been living with a broken heart—if bitterness and disappointment have been your travel companions on life’s road, then Ruth’s story will inspire and strengthen you for the journey ahead. More than that, it will bring you to your knees in worship of your Redeemer and King.

Previous page
  1. Book 2 of 10
    Guides to God's Word
  2. Print length
    182 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    July 31, 2014
  6. File size
    2512 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
All 8 available for you in this series See full series
See included books
Total Price: $63.92
By clicking on above button, you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As in his other books, Michael's thorough research and keen insights are most rewarding to the reader. The Talking Points at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking, and the lasting lessons of permanent value he draws from the biblical text are long to be remembered by those who read and profit from this book." —Dr. Jay Lockhart, Author of The Glory of Preaching

"This book can renew your hope and restore your zeal for the Almighty. If you are presently on your own 'Bethlehem Road,' read this book with a towel nearby--you'll need it to absorb your tears of joy and discovery." —Dale Jenkins, The Jenkins Institute

"In Bethlehem Road, Michael Whitworth masterfully weaves together the spiritual and pragmatic implications of the story of Ruth and Naomi. He takes us behind the curtain to see the historical and cultural context in which this age-old story unfolds. He brings together a wide array of scholarship and adds his own unique insights as he explores the story's various details. Most important, he makes sure we don't miss the connection between this ancient story and our modern lives." —Paul O'Rear, Author of Living With a Broken Heart

About the Author

Michael Whitworth is the owner of Start2Finish Books and preaches in Bowie, Texas. He is the author of several works, including two award-winning books, The Epic of God and The Derision of Heaven. He is an avid landscape photographer and blogs regularly at Start2Finish Blog, a reflection of his daily struggle to become more like Jesus. He considers M&Ms his brain food is fond of large Mason jars. He's a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Alabama Crimson Tide. In his spare time, Michael loves reading and drinking coffee, watching sports, and spending time with his family and furry golden retriever.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00LZ7HM2G
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Start2Finish Books; 1st edition (July 31, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 31, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2512 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 182 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 51 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Michael Whitworth

Michael Whitworth

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Michael Whitworth is the owner of Start2Finish. He is the author of several books and commentaries. He considers M&Ms his brain food is fond of large Mason jars. He's a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Alabama Crimson Tide. In his spare time, Michael loves reading, drinking coffee, and watching sports. He preaches for the Newport Ave Church of Christ in Bend, Oregon.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
51 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Carol Brewster
5.0 out of 5 stars Blessing Others Through Our Grief
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2016
Verified Purchase
I had been studying the book of Ruth for a Bible Bowl.. but never really thought of it the way Michael Whitworth did in this book... Even though we know Naomi lost her husband and two sons.. that is not really the focus of the book.. but looking at it the way Mr. Whitworth did and how God, who does not cause any bad thing to happen... was indeed watching out for Naomi and Ruth as they dealt with their grief and held on to each other. We had lost a grandchild in 2012... and now, knowing had he lived, some of the amazing things that have happened to my son and his wife over the last 3 years, would not have happened. It does not mean our grandson would have been a burden, but his needs would have indeed out weighed everything else... and my son and his wife would have happily done what needed to be done. He is a minister of the Lord's church and he and his family have been blessed, and a lot of people he has come in contact with, that he would not have opportunity to otherwise, have been blessed. It is hard to look at and think of it this way.. but it is the only way we are able to move forward. And because our son has experienced this tremendous loss, and his faith did not waver, he has been able to reach out to others with more compassion and understanding than he may have been able to before. And we know our Sweet Baby James is healed and living with our Lord and Savior in Paradise waiting for his family to come home one day and be with him again. I also know that Mr. Whitworth has lost a young son since he wrote this book..And our prayers are with him that he is able to re read his book and apply it to his grief and loss and "press on" and continue to be the good example he has been for the Lord's church.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
scott
5.0 out of 5 stars Revealing in-depth story of Ruth
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2015
Verified Purchase
This book once again shows how Michael Whitworth is good at pointing out things or it noticed or thought of then backs up his points. Our congregation had a family lose their 21 year old son and this book was given to them based on the hopes of comfort coming from the words.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
The Proverbs31 Mama
4.0 out of 5 stars Mr. Whitmore does a great job of weaving his own stories into this Bible study of Ruth.
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2015
Verified Purchase
"God's redemption. That's what this story is really all about. Sure, there are the very human elements of struggle, sacrifice, love, friendship, and faithfulness. Yes, the romantic component is epic, inspiring the music of countless weddings. It's undeniable that tragedy and heartache play major roles in the story's develpoment and the direction of the main characters' lives.
But at the final curtain call, it is God's faithfulness that takes the bow. Only God is big enough to restore hope in the midst of utter despair. Only he can redeem the mourner's grief and grow something beautiful out of the dark soil of emotional and spiritual destitution. Only God can work all things together - even the bad things, even the darkest of days - to produce something good (Rom 8:28)." - Paul O'Rear (from the Forward to Bethlehem Road)

I don't usually start my book reviews with a quote from the book. I want to make sure my readers know that I am actually reading these books and reviewing them - not just grabbing a quote and moving on to the next title. But in this case, I thought this quote did an amazing job of describing this particular book. I've always been intrigued by the story of Ruth. After all, its on of only 2 biblical books named after a female. And the story is very compelling. Two women, scarred by tragic loss and heartache, bound together by devotion. There's also the love story element - a kind, wealthy man swoops in and marries Ruth, saving her AND Naomi! Its like a Jane Austen novel! But more than anything, the book of Ruth is the story of God's provision, His faithfulness to those who seek Him, and His ability to take the worst tragedies in our lives and turn them into beautiful portraits of His grace and glory. Michael Whitworth does a wonderful job of pointing this out in Bethlehem Road.
I almost didn't order this book because the description made it seem as if it were meant as a study for people in hardship. - And the book is most definitely helpful in that way! But this was a great study for anyone! Mr. Whitmore does a great job of weaving his own stories into this Bible study of Ruth. He also does a great job of explaining historical and biblical context to make some passages easier to understand. I finished this book feeling like I had a better understanding of this little book of the Bible, and a better understanding of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. I would definitely Recommend Bethlehem Road!

I received a copy of this book, free of charge, from BookCrash, in exchange for my honest review.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I used this in our Ladies Bible Study...
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2018
Verified Purchase
A very good book on grieving used along with the Book of Ruth in Bible.
Helpful
 Report
Jeremy Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars Good overview and insights to the book of Ruth
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2015
Verified Purchase
Good overview and insights to the book of Ruth. All of Whitworth's books to this point are great resources to help me study the Bible.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Liz
3.0 out of 5 stars book review
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2014
Bethlehem Road: A Guide to Ruth targets those wanting to learn more about the Biblical book of Ruth and how it relates to us today. It starts out with a shattering question: “What do you do when your dreams are shattered?” Thie book uses the English Standard Version of the Bible, the HCS, NASU, NCV, NIV, and NLT are also referenced. There were times when I was reading it that I lost interest and had to re-read some parts of it to get the writers explanation. This was a adaptation or the writers versions of this book. Just keep that in mind when reading this. It reaches out to scholars and someone into biblical novels.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Patricia Mashburn
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
Loved this book, I have read the book of Ruth many times, it is amazing the insight you gain from another perspective!
Helpful
 Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report