Ruth's pledge to Naomi has parallels in the Book of Mormon. Like Nephi, she swears an oath referencing both God and her own life. Like Alma's people, she accepts a new relationship with God and with a covenant community. Like King Benjamin's people, she commits to it for the rest of her life.
My Heart Rejoiceth in the Lord
From the chaos described at the end of the book of Judges emerged two extraordinary women: Ruth and Hannah. Although one was a Moabitess and the other an Israelite, they both inherited Abraham's covenant in the same way: by choosing to embrace it.
In His Own Eyes
The book of Judges describes a period of time in which "every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Similarly, the Book of Mormon describes a group of young people who "became for themselves." Extreme individualism leads to poor decisions.
Samson
Samson squandered his gifts with brash and vindictive decisions. Even his final, God-given burst of strength was destructive. The Book of Mormon provides similar stories with alternate endings: Alma and Amulek emerging from a wrecked prison, Nephi and Lehi converting their captors. Samson's tragedy comes into sharper relief when we see what might have been.
Jephthah
Jephthah and Amalickiah both made rash promises, and both paid a tragic price. Jephthah lost his daughter; Amalickiah lost his life. No wonder the Savior would later counsel His disciples on both continents, "Swear not at all; ... but let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay, for whatsoever cometh of more than these is evil."
Two Gideons: The Sword of the Lord
Two men, both named Gideon, fought with swords but trusted God to lead them to victory. Both implemented creative strategies to lead their people out of captivity, despite being outnumbered. We can move forward with confidence when we remember that God will fight our battles.
Up
How do you motivate someone who is well-intentioned but too passive? For Deborah, the answer was a single monosyllabic word: Up. Captain Moroni used a similar expression to convey his urgency: "up and doing." In both cases, their words were brief and direct, modeling the decisive action they were calling for.
Judges and the Pride Cycle
The Book of Mormon, like Judges, shows us many occurrences of the Pride Cycle. Unlike Judges, it also provides the answer. Prosperity need not lead to pride. With intentional effort, we can remain humble even when the Lord has blessed us abundantly.
The Lord Raised Up a Deliverer
Like the Book of Mormon, the book of Judges relates events which illustrate the pride cycle. Many of Mormon's observations explain what Judges leaves unsaid. Both books also have heroes, some deeply flawed. Even so, they are blessings from God, sent in response to the people's heartfelt prayers.
As for Me and My House…
When the Young Women theme was revised in 2019, strengthening home and family was rephrased as something to do now instead of something to prepare to do. A footnote referenced Joshua's pledge, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Regardless of our role in our family, we can strengthen one another.