Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

Judges 9b - Murder and Mayhem, Yotam’s Curse Comes True

The reign of Avimelech turns into chaos as he takes revenge against his own people.  His life is finally ended by a heroic woman with a millstone. Violence begets violence is the lesson we must learn. 

Judges 9a - The Thornbush Rules Over the Forest

Avimelech becomes appointed as King after a violent and murderous rampage.  The sole remaining survivor of Gideon's family, his youngest son Yotam teaches a lesson that the people would do well to heed.  To seek leadership from a "King" who gives nothing but violence, is like trying to seek shade underneath a thornbush.  All you will get is pain.

Judges 8c - Gideon”s Golden Apron

We conclude the saga of Gideon with his sad failure and his golden Ephod.  

Judges 8b - Gideon Completes His Victory

Gideon defeats the remnant of the Kedemite army, punishes the townspeople who didn't help his soldiers, and executes the remaining Kings of the Kedemites.

Judges 8a - Challenges to Gideon’s Leadership

We read of three challenges to Gideon's leadership in the wake of his victory over the Midianites, and his responses to the challenges.

Judges 7b - A Loaf of Barley Defeats Midian

Gideon defeats the Midianites with 300 men, some horns, torches and jars.

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.