Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

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.

Judges 2b - The Key to the Book of Judges

In this prologue, we read a summary of what to expect in this book that covers several hundred years of history.  Round and round the cycle repeats itself.

Judges 2a - Crying Over the Angels Words

A messenger of God delivers a prophecy that was a portent for things to come.

Judges 1b - Settling with the Natives

As each tribe goes its own way, they begin to settle with the native Canaanites rather than possess the land as God had instructed.  

Judges Introduction and 1a - Disunity Begins

Joshua is gone, and with him the ideal of national unity fails as he tribes begin to go their separate ways.  The morality and ethics and unity the people had when led by Moses and Joshua starts to unravel.

Joshua 24 - The Covenant Is Renewed

Joshua asks the people of Israel to recommit themselves to keep their covenant with God.  The remains of Joseph are buried, and the circle of events that started with the exodus from Egypt is closed.

Joshua 23 - Joshua‘s Parting Address

As Joshua reaches the end of his life, he reminds the people of the covenant they made with God, and the consequences if they don't keep their commitment to God.

Joshua 22 - Civil War is Averted

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and part of Menasseh return to their land across the Jordan, and they build an altar to God. The people of Israel sense a split and a rebellion, and they assemble for war.  Pinhas leads a delegation to the two and a half tribes to demand that they stand down, only to find out that rebellion was not their intention at all.  In fact, the two and a half tribes were worried themselves about a split, and in order to remind everyone that they are one people, they built a monument to the unity of the people of God, not an alternative place of worship.

Joshua 21 - The Levites Get Their Portion

Now that the tribes have all received their portions, it is time for the Levites to get their cities to settle in.  This completes the apportionment of the land and the fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs. 

Joshua 20 - Cities of Refuge

God commands Joshua to instruct the people to set aside cities of refuge for those accused of murder.  In the new land, justice is to administered by a court of law, not by vengeful clans.