Old Testament Trivia Questions Quiz!

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Old Testament Trivia Questions Quiz! - Quiz

The Old Testament includes all the books written before the coming of Jesus. The first book in this group and the Bible is Genesis, which tells the story of creation. One of the major covenants made in the Old Testament was between God and Abraham's generation, who is the father of many nations. Take the quiz and see how well you know the stories in the books of the Old Testament.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    What do Christians call the first five books of the Bible?

    • A.

      The Pentateuch.

    • B.

      The Old Testament.

    • C.

      The Gospels.

    • D.

      The New Testament.

    Correct Answer
    A. The Pentateuch.
    Explanation
    Christians call the first five books of the Bible the Pentateuch. The term "Pentateuch" comes from the Greek words "penta," meaning "five," and "teuchos," meaning "scroll" or "book." These five books, also known as the Torah in Judaism, are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. They are considered foundational texts in both Christianity and Judaism, containing important narratives, laws, and teachings that shape religious beliefs and practices.

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  • 2. 

    What is the first book of the Bible?

    • A.

      Exodus.

    • B.

      Matthew.

    • C.

      Psalms.

    • D.

      Genesis.

    Correct Answer
    D. Genesis.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Genesis because it is widely accepted as the first book of the Bible. Genesis is the opening book of both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It narrates the creation of the world, the origin of humanity, and the stories of the patriarchs, including Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. It sets the foundation for the rest of the Bible and provides important historical and theological context for understanding the subsequent books.

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  • 3. 

    What is a covenant?

    • A.

      A place where nuns live.

    • B.

      An agreement or promise.

    • C.

      A biblical book.

    • D.

      A cup used to hold the blood of Jesus at Mass.

    Correct Answer
    B. An agreement or promise.
    Explanation
    A covenant refers to an agreement or promise between two or more parties. It is a binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions that each party must adhere to. This term is commonly used in legal, religious, and contractual contexts to signify a formal agreement that is meant to be upheld by all involved parties.

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  • 4. 

    The Covenant that is central to the Old Testament is a covenant between 

    • A.

      Adam and Eve.

    • B.

      Abraham and Sarah.

    • C.

      Cain and Abel.

    • D.

      God and the Israelites. 

    Correct Answer
    D. God and the Israelites. 
    Explanation
    The correct answer is God and the Israelites. In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with the Israelites, specifically with Moses as their leader. This covenant, known as the Mosaic Covenant, established the relationship between God and the Israelites, outlining the laws and commandments they were to follow. It included promises of blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. This covenant played a central role in the religious and cultural identity of the Israelites and shaped their history and relationship with God.

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  • 5. 

    What is the second book of the Bible?

    • A.

      Genesis.

    • B.

      Exodus.

    • C.

      Mark.

    • D.

      Matthew.

    Correct Answer
    B. Exodus.
    Explanation
    The second book of the Bible is Exodus. It follows the book of Genesis and tells the story of the Israelites' journey out of slavery in Egypt, led by Moses. The book of Exodus contains important events such as the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the giving of the Ten Commandments.

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  • 6. 

    Catholicism teaches that the Bible contains no errors regarding what? 

    • A.

      Anything.

    • B.

      Science.

    • C.

      What we need to know for our salvation.

    • D.

      History.

    Correct Answer
    C. What we need to know for our salvation.
    Explanation
    Catholics do NOT read the Bible as if everything in it is literally or historically or scientifically true. Catholics read the Bible for RELIGIOUS, spiritual, ethical, existential truths.

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  • 7. 

    In the first biblical creation story, what did God create on the first day?

    • A.

      Human beings.

    • B.

      Light.

    • C.

      The sun, moon, and stars.

    • D.

      The sky.

    Correct Answer
    B. Light.
    Explanation
    In the first biblical creation story, God created light on the first day. This is mentioned in the book of Genesis, where it states that God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. The creation of light was the first act of God in bringing order and life to the world. It symbolizes the separation of light from darkness and the beginning of God's work of creation.

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  • 8. 

    In the first biblical creation story, what did God do on the seventh day of creation?

    • A.

      Rested and blessed the day.

    • B.

      Created human beings.

    • C.

      Created light.

    • D.

      Created the first woman from the rib of the first man.

    Correct Answer
    A. Rested and blessed the day.
    Explanation
    God created land animals and humans on the SIXTH day. Creating the first woman from the rib of the first man is in the OTHER creation story. (There are two distinct creation stories in the Bible: the "days of creation" story and the "Adam and Eve" story.)

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  • 9. 

    According to the Bible, what was the fruit that Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat?

    • A.

      An apple.

    • B.

      A fig.

    • C.

      The fruit of the tree of life.

    • D.

      The fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

    Correct Answer
    D. The fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
    Explanation
    The Bible doesn't say the fruit was an apple. (The Latin words for "evil" and "apple" are very similar, which may explain the tradition of thinking of the fruit as an apple.) Yes, Adam and Eve did use fig leaves as clothing, so there were apparently fig trees in the Garden of Eden, but the Bible doesn't say the fruit was a fig. It's just the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God kicked Adam and Eve out of the garden before they could eat from the tree of life and become immortal.

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  • 10. 

    In Genesis, Cain kills his brother, whose name is . . .

    • A.

      Isaac.

    • B.

      Ishmael.

    • C.

      Aaron.

    • D.

      Abel.

    Correct Answer
    D. Abel.
    Explanation
    In the book of Genesis, Cain kills his brother, whose name is Abel. This event is recorded in Genesis 4:8, where Cain becomes jealous of Abel's offering to God and murders him out of anger. The story of Cain and Abel is one of the earliest accounts of sibling rivalry and the consequences of jealousy and anger.

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  • 11. 

    What was the sign of God's covenant with Noah, that God would never again destroy the earth by flood?

    • A.

      The rainbow.

    • B.

      The ark.

    • C.

      A dove.

    • D.

      The Tower of Babel.

    Correct Answer
    A. The rainbow.
    Explanation
    The rainbow is the sign of God's covenant with Noah because after the flood, God placed a rainbow in the sky as a promise that He would never again destroy the earth by flood. This colorful phenomenon serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His commitment to His creation. The ark, the dove, and the Tower of Babel are not associated with this specific covenant.

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  • 12. 

    What was Abraham's name before God changed it to Abraham?

    • A.

      Sarai.

    • B.

      Aaron.

    • C.

      Abram.

    • D.

      Jacob.

    Correct Answer
    C. Abram.
    Explanation
    Before God changed his name to Abraham, Abraham's name was Abram.

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  • 13. 

    What was the name of Ishmael's biological mother?

    • A.

      Rachel.

    • B.

      Eve.

    • C.

      Hagar.

    • D.

      Hagrid.

    Correct Answer
    C. Hagar.
    Explanation
    Hagar is the correct answer because according to the biblical account, Hagar was the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to bear a child, and Hagar became the mother of Ishmael. Therefore, Hagar is Ishmael's biological mother.

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  • 14. 

    How did God create Adam?

    • A.

      By forming him from the dust of the earth and breathing into his nostrils. 

    • B.

      By sewing fig leaves together.

    • C.

      By simply speaking him into being.

    • D.

      With a 3-D printer.

    Correct Answer
    A. By forming him from the dust of the earth and breathing into his nostrils. 
    Explanation
    God created Adam by forming him from the dust of the earth and breathing into his nostrils. This explanation is based on the biblical account of creation in the book of Genesis. According to this account, God formed Adam's body from the dust of the ground and then breathed life into him, giving him a living soul. This explanation highlights the belief that God directly created Adam and emphasizes the divine nature of his creation.

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  • 15. 

    What was Sarah's name before God renamed her?

    • A.

      Eve.

    • B.

      Rachel.

    • C.

      Leah.

    • D.

      Sarai.

    Correct Answer
    D. Sarai.
    Explanation
    Sarah's name before God renamed her was Sarai.

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  • 16. 

    Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?

    • A.

      Because Isaac had killed his brother.

    • B.

      To test Abraham's faith. 

    • C.

      Because Isaac ate forbidden fruit. 

    • D.

      Because Isaac wore a Marist sweatshirt in class. 

    Correct Answer
    B. To test Abraham's faith. 
    Explanation
    God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac to test his faith. This test was meant to determine if Abraham truly trusted and obeyed God, even when faced with a difficult and morally challenging task. By asking Abraham to sacrifice his own son, God wanted to see if Abraham would be willing to give up something so precious and dear to him in order to demonstrate his unwavering faith and devotion. This test ultimately showcased Abraham's complete obedience and trust in God's commands.

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  • 17. 

    What does the Catholic Church teach about the theory of evolution?

    • A.

      It is compatible with Catholic faith.

    • B.

      It must be wrong, since the Bible contradicts it.

    • C.

      Catholic schools shouldn't teach evolution.

    • D.

      A good Catholic may not believe in evolution.

    Correct Answer
    A. It is compatible with Catholic faith.
    Explanation
    The Catholic Church teaches that the theory of evolution is compatible with Catholic faith. This means that Catholics are allowed to believe in the theory of evolution without contradicting their religious beliefs. The Church recognizes that scientific theories, including evolution, can help to explain the natural world, while faith provides a deeper understanding of the purpose and meaning of life. Therefore, Catholics are free to accept the theory of evolution as a valid scientific explanation for the development of life on Earth.

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  • 18. 

    According to the Catholic Church, should the biblical creation stories be considered factual?

    • A.

      Yes.

    • B.

      No. 

    • C.

      Only the part about how a serpent talked to the first two humans. 

    • D.

      Only the part about how the sky is a dome with water above it.

    Correct Answer
    B. No. 
    Explanation
    The Catholic Church does not consider the biblical creation stories to be factual. While they hold that the stories contain important religious truths and teachings, they do not view them as literal historical accounts. The Church recognizes that the creation stories use symbolic language and imagery to convey theological and spiritual messages rather than providing scientific or historical accuracy.

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  • 19. 

    Who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up being a powerful man in Egypt?

    • A.

      Moses.

    • B.

      Abel. 

    • C.

      Abraham.

    • D.

      Joseph. 

    Correct Answer
    D. JosepH. 
    Explanation
    Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up becoming a powerful man in Egypt. This story is found in the book of Genesis in the Bible. Joseph's brothers were jealous of him and sold him to a group of traders who took him to Egypt. In Egypt, Joseph was eventually sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Through a series of events, Joseph rose to a position of power and became second in command in all of Egypt. He was able to use his position to save his family and the people of Egypt from a severe famine.

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  • 20. 

    Which Jewish patriarch had twelve sons and one daughter?

    • A.

      Jacob.

    • B.

      Abraham.

    • C.

      Isaac.

    • D.

      Noah.

    Correct Answer
    A. Jacob.
    Explanation
    Jacob is the correct answer because he is the Jewish patriarch who had twelve sons and one daughter. In the Bible, Jacob, also known as Israel, had twelve sons who became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. His daughter, Dinah, is also mentioned in the Bible. Abraham, Isaac, and Noah are not the correct answers as they did not have twelve sons and one daughter.

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  • 21. 

    Moses's mother put baby Moses in a basket and put the basket where?

    • A.

      In the Red Sea.

    • B.

      In the reeds by the Nile River.

    • C.

      Under a bush that was burning but not consumed.

    • D.

      In the Sinai Desert.

    Correct Answer
    B. In the reeds by the Nile River.
    Explanation
    Even though the movies and picture books always show baby Moses floating down the Nile, the Bible just says he was put in the reeds by the bank of the Nile, and it sounds like he was found later by Pharaoh's daughter in the same place. (In the popular animated movie "Prince of Egypt," it's Pharaoh's _wife_ who finds baby Moses, but in the Bible, it's Pharaoh's _daughter_.)

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  • 22. 

    Who received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai?

    • A.

      Adam.

    • B.

      Abraham.

    • C.

      Jesus.

    • D.

      Moses.

    Correct Answer
    D. Moses.
    Explanation
    Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. This event is described in the biblical book of Exodus, where Moses is depicted as the leader of the Israelites who received the commandments directly from God. The commandments were given to guide and instruct the Israelites in their moral and religious practices. Moses is revered as a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam for his role in receiving and delivering the commandments to the people.

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  • 23. 

    Why did Moses flee from Egypt?

    • A.

      God asked him to sacrifice his son.

    • B.

      He'd killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, so Pharaoh wanted him dead.

    • C.

      His adoptive Egyptian mother was mistreating him.

    • D.

      The talking serpent from Eden was chasing him.

    Correct Answer
    B. He'd killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, so pHaraoh wanted him dead.
    Explanation
    Moses fled from Egypt because he had killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. As a result, Pharaoh wanted him dead, so Moses had to escape to save his own life.

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  • 24. 

    From a burning bush, God told Moses to do what?

    • A.

      Free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

    • B.

      Eat from any tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

    • C.

      Be fruitful and multiply.

    • D.

      Sacrifice his son.

    Correct Answer
    A. Free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
    Explanation
    According to the Bible, God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and commanded him to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This event is described in the book of Exodus, where Moses is chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and towards the Promised Land.

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  • 25. 

    Who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt?

    • A.

      Noah.

    • B.

      Moses.

    • C.

      Jacob.

    • D.

      Abraham.

    Correct Answer
    B. Moses.
    Explanation
    Moses is known as the leader who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. According to the biblical account, Moses confronted the Pharaoh and demanded the release of the Israelites. With the help of divine miracles, Moses led the Israelites through the Red Sea, escaping the pursuing Egyptian army. He then guided them through the wilderness for forty years before they reached the Promised Land. Moses is considered a significant figure in Judaism and is revered as a prophet and lawgiver.

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  • 26. 

    Where in the Bible are the Ten Commandments found?

    • A.

      Exodus and Deuteronomy.

    • B.

      They're not in the Bible.

    • C.

      Revelation.

    • D.

      Genesis.

    Correct Answer
    A. Exodus and Deuteronomy.
    Explanation
    The Ten Commandments are found in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy in the Bible. In Exodus, they are given to Moses on Mount Sinai by God, and in Deuteronomy, they are repeated and emphasized to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. These commandments outline moral and ethical principles that are fundamental to the Jewish and Christian faiths.

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  • 27. 

    Which of the following is included in the Ten Commandments?

    • A.

      Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

    • B.

      Honor your sister and brother. 

    • C.

      Love your neighbor as yourself.

    • D.

      You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

    Correct Answer
    D. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." This commandment is one of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. It emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and honesty, specifically in the context of not spreading false information or lying about others. This commandment promotes integrity and respect for others by discouraging gossip, slander, and false accusations.

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  • 28. 

    According to the Ten Commandments, which of the following should one NOT do?

    • A.

      Make idols.

    • B.

      Drink alcohol.

    • C.

      Get tattoos.

    • D.

      Chew gum at school.

    Correct Answer
    A. Make idols.
    Explanation
    According to the Ten Commandments, one should not make idols. The Ten Commandments are a set of moral and religious principles that are considered sacred in Judaism and Christianity. The second commandment specifically prohibits the worship of idols or any form of idolatry. This commandment emphasizes the importance of worshiping and honoring God alone, without the use of physical representations or idols. Therefore, making idols goes against the teachings of the Ten Commandments.

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  • 29. 

    In the Catholic numbering, what is the fifth commandment?

    • A.

      You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 

    • B.

      You shall not steal.

    • C.

      You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. 

    • D.

      You shall not murder.

    Correct Answer
    D. You shall not murder.
    Explanation
    There are several different ways of numbering the Ten Commandments, which are not numbered in the Bible. In the numbering of Judaism, Orthodox Christianity, and most forms of Protestant Christianity, "You shall not murder" is the 6th Commandment, but in Catholic Christianity, it's the 5th.

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  • 30. 

    Who led the Israelites to conquer the city of Jericho?

    • A.

      Joshua.

    • B.

      Moses.

    • C.

      Abraham.

    • D.

      David.

    Correct Answer
    A. Joshua.
    Explanation
    Joshua is the correct answer because he was the leader who led the Israelites to conquer the city of Jericho. According to the biblical account, Joshua was chosen by God to succeed Moses as the leader of the Israelites. Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites successfully conquered Jericho by following God's instructions to march around the city for six days and then on the seventh day, blow trumpets and shout, causing the walls of Jericho to collapse. Moses, Abraham, and David were all important figures in Israelite history, but they were not the ones specifically credited with leading the conquest of Jericho.

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  • 31. 

    Which judge of Israel was known for strength and long hair?

    • A.

      David.

    • B.

      Samson.

    • C.

      Deborah.

    • D.

      Moses.

    Correct Answer
    B. Samson.
    Explanation
    Samson is the correct answer because he is well-known for his incredible strength and his long hair, which was a symbol of his Nazirite vow. Samson's strength was legendary, and he used it to fight against the enemies of Israel, such as the Philistines. His long hair was the source of his power, and when it was cut, he lost his strength. Samson's story is found in the Book of Judges in the Bible.

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  • 32. 

    Who was Jesse?

    • A.

      The father of Jesus.

    • B.

      The father of King David.

    • C.

      The firstborn son of Adam and Eve.

    • D.

      The firstborn son of Abraham.

    Correct Answer
    B. The father of King David.
    Explanation
    Jesse was the father of King David. This is known from the biblical accounts, specifically in the Book of Samuel, where Jesse is mentioned as the father of David. David is one of the most well-known figures in the Bible, known for his role as a shepherd, musician, and eventually becoming the second king of Israel. Jesse's lineage is significant because it is through his line that Jesus is believed to have descended, as Jesus is often referred to as the "Son of David."

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  • 33. 

    Who killed the Philistine warrior Goliath?

    • A.

      Jacob.

    • B.

      Noah.

    • C.

      Moses.

    • D.

      David.

    Correct Answer
    D. David.
    Explanation
    David killed the Philistine warrior Goliath. In the biblical story, Goliath was a giant warrior from the Philistine army who challenged the Israelites to send out a champion to fight him. David, a young shepherd, volunteered to fight Goliath and defeated him with a single stone from his sling, striking Goliath in the forehead and killing him. This event is often seen as a symbol of courage, faith, and the victory of the underdog.

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  • 34. 

    Which leader of Israel is known for being wise and for building the first Temple?

    • A.

      Joshua.

    • B.

      Moses.

    • C.

      Samson.

    • D.

      Solomon.

    Correct Answer
    D. Solomon.
    Explanation
    Solomon is known for being wise and for building the first Temple in Israel. He is renowned for his wisdom, as evidenced by the famous story of the two women who came to him claiming to be the mother of the same child, and he was able to discern the true mother by suggesting to cut the baby in half. Additionally, Solomon is credited with constructing the first Temple in Jerusalem, which became a symbol of Israel's religious and cultural identity. Moses, Joshua, and Samson were all significant leaders in Israel's history, but they were not specifically known for building the first Temple.

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  • 35. 

    God changed Jacob's name to what?

    • A.

      Isaac.

    • B.

      Israel.

    • C.

      Abraham.

    • D.

      Sarah.

    Correct Answer
    B. Israel.
    Explanation
    God changed Jacob's name to Israel. This is mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the book of Genesis. After wrestling with God, Jacob's name was changed to Israel, which means "he struggles with God" or "God strives". This name change symbolizes a transformation in Jacob's character and his relationship with God. It also signifies his new role as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.

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  • 36. 

    What was the name of Naomi's daughter-in-law after whom a book of the Bible is named?

    • A.

      Delilah.

    • B.

      Rachel.

    • C.

      Ruth.

    • D.

      Deborah.

    Correct Answer
    C. Ruth.
    Explanation
    Ruth is the correct answer because she was the daughter-in-law of Naomi and the central character of the Book of Ruth in the Bible. The book tells the story of Ruth's loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law after the death of their husbands. Ruth's faithfulness and determination eventually lead to her marriage to Boaz and the restoration of Naomi's family lineage.

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  • Sep 18, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Jan 29, 2019
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