The Tanakh Podcast

We discuss three topics in the song of Deborah: 1. The rainstorm that helped the Israelites to win the war 2. The way Deborah praises tribes that took part in the war effort and roundly critizises those who remained at home. 3. The role of women in the story, especially Yael.

Chapter 4 tells of the astounding victory of Devorah and Barak against Yavin King of Canaan and his military captain, Sisera. Music. Queen. "Flash"

Two invasions, two victories. This Chapter tells us the victories of Otniel ben Kenaz over Kushan; and Ehud Ben Gera's dazzling assassination of Eglon, King of Moav - in what might be "the perfect murder". Music: "Mack the Knife" - Louis Armstrong

Our chapter describes a repetitive historical pattern" Israel serve idolatry - they get invaded - they cry out to God - they get saved. This pattern is not random; it is Divine providence, as the nation are punished over and over for their sins. This is the reality for 300 years of history in the land of Israel. Music. "Dead or Alive - You Spin me Round" ... round and round ...like "The Cycle"!

We begin with a short introduction to the Book of Judges and then move to describe the opening chapter. Each tribe is listed by what they did NOT manage to conquer. The issue is that with Israel at times a minority in their own territorial portions, they are susceptible to the influence of idolatry. Chapter 2:1-5 warns that this idolatry will be their undoing. For a longer introduction to Shoftim, see https://youtu.be/UifLwWJruVU Sourcesheet https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NBsv5zkTmZRj79yfK51SdXdFADdYhE0J/view?usp=sharing Music. The Niggun Quartet - Ruzhin

Joshua gathers the people in Shchem and asks them if they want to worship idolatry or God! Where have we ever seen a leader giving a choice of this sort to the nation? And it all takes place at a Temple in Shchem. IS there a Temple in Shchem? What about Shiloh? What is the purpose of this gathering?

What does a leader want to communicate before he dies? In this chapter, Joshua reflects his master and teacher, Moses, as he renews the covenantal conditions:  Loyalty to God and keeping His laws will bring blessing and national success; but idolatry and intermarriage will lead to national doom, destruction and Exile.

The wars are over. The two-and-a-half Tribes return to the Transjordan after their national service, and build a monumental altar on the banks of the Jordan Rover. However, the Israelites Tribes in Canaan assume that these tribes have set up an alternative worship site, and have abandoned God! They set out for war! How will they defuse the situation? 

Why did the Priests and Levites need 48 cities spread around the country? What role did these cities serve?

This chapter allots six cities of refuge, 3 in Transjordan and 3 in Eretz Canaan. The cities are designated for "accidental murderers, to gain protection from the "Blood Avenger" and to stand trial in a fair legal hearing. But is the "Blood Avenger" a Jewish idea? Doesn't this vigilante system seem somewhat primitive?