Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

Judges 7a - Lapping Like a Dog

Gideon gathers thousands of soldiers under his command, but God has a different plan.  The victory must belong to God, so only the right people should remain in the Army.  Through an unusual test, God whittles down the Army of Gideon to just 300 men.

Judges 6c - Gideon Asks for a Sign

Gideon is still lacking in confidence as he asks God for a sign that He will support him as he leads the People of Israel against their oppressors.

Judges 6b - Let Ba’al Defend Himself!

Gideon is instructed to destroy the altar and Asheirah of the idol Ba'al.  The people of his town want to have him executed, but Yo'ash his father defends his son.  If Ba'al is so great, let him defend himself!  Gideon thus establishes that to win against the Midianites, the people will need to rededicate themselves to the One True God.

Judges 6a - Gideon Hiding in the Winepress

The cycle continues, and the people are subjugated under the oppressive marauding bands of the Midianites. God appears through an angel to a simple, humble man from the tribe of Manasseh named Gideon.  He is chosen to rescue the people from Midian.

Judges 5c - The Song of Deborah Part 3

Deborah praises the bravery of Yael, and highlights the difference between herself, a mother in Israel and the cruel and primitive mothers of Canaan.

Judges 5b - The Song of Deborah Part 2

Deborah commends the tribes that participated in the battle, and excoriates those who remained on the sidelines.

Judges 5a - The Song of Deborah Part 1

We here the song of Deborah, an outpouring of song from this "Mother in Israel".  Deborah teaches us how her leadership differs from the other leaders of the time, and how the bond between Israel and God is the only thing that will save Israel.

Judges 4 - Two Brave Women Save Israel

We read the story of Deborah the Prophetess and Judge, and how she led the people to victory. We also learn of the bravery of Yael who defied her turncoat husband and assassinated the enemy general Sisera.  Even the male hero of the chapter, Barak, followed the lead of the prophetess as he battled the enemy.

Judges 3b - The Assassin Judge and the Unusual Weapon of Shamgar

We read the story of Ehud and the assassination of the King of Moab, and the short story of Shamgar and his unusual weapon.

Judges 3a - Otniel ben Kenaz

We begin to read the stories of each of the Judges who led Israel through these times of challenge.  The first judge we read about is Otniel, the son-in-law of Caleb.