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1. Start with prayer. Read through the entire book several times without marking the text or taking notes. This will allow you to see it as a whole.

2. Make some basic lists about the characters: who they are, how do they relate to each other, where are they from, etc. Let the text itself answer those questions. Also pay atention to Names, Places and Situations.

3. Mark key words and make lists of them. A key word is a word that is important in the context and is usually repeated. Some examples are: Redeem(er), Relative, Kinsman.

4. Mark comparisons (if you find them in the text), also contrasts, time and historical background, for example in chapter 1 verse 1 reads: "In the days when the judges governed". Keep in mind that this book is a transition between Judges and 1 Sammuel.

5. It's important to know the meaning of some key words in their original language. You can consult a Bible Dictionary or the Strong Dictionary. However it is recomended to consult commentaries at the end of your study and not before. Allow God to speak to you personally first and then you can compare what you've discovered with others.

6. This Book makes references to the law of Moses. There are some laws that are applied by some of the characters in this story, you may want to read about them. Use a concordance to find those cross-references.

7. One final step. Don't do this in one day. Divide it in small sections so that you will dedicate time to each part and not get overwhelmed with the amount of work. The Word of God can change your life at any time if you take time to study it. You can also have a discussion group and share your insights with them so that everyone will be blessed and be encouraged by God's Holy word.