Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.