Samuel’s Birth
Another Ephramite story, this time we read about Elkanah and Hannah. Elkanah truly loved Hannah. Even though she was barren, he gave her extra portions of food and spoke kindly to her, “Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” (). One day, in Hannah’s misery, she began to pray …
Ruth
The story of Ruth takes place “in the days when the judges ruled.” The exact dates are not known, so I must conclude this isn’t central to the theme; rather, just understanding this was during the time of the judges provides all the context needed. Having just read Judges, I would say these were difficult …
Micah and the Levite; Benjamites Attacked, Given Wives
Micah’s Idols (Chapter 17) “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” Micah recovers silver for his mother (a LOT of silver), so she sees fit to have an idol created for Micah (along with other household gods). It seems Micah has some recollection about setting up a shrine, installing …
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Samson
Abimelech’s Rebellion; Jephthah
and Abimelech was one of Gideon’s sons, but that’s where the similarity ends. He went to his uncles and convinced them he should be over all of Shechem, collected money from them, hired “reckless scoundrels, who became his followers” () and murdered his brothers–except for Jotham who escaped by hiding. Oddly enough we read: Then all …
Gideon
Forty good years with Deborah leading the Israelites is followed by, “The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord…” Here we go again! The Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples were tormenting the Israelites by destroying crops and killing livestock “like swarms of locusts…they invaded the land to ravage it” (). Finally, the …
Deborah
“Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time” (Judges 4:4)…so we begin to read about the 4th judge for Israel: Deborah. Ehud died and for the following 20 years the Israelites “did evil” again. Deborah tells Barak to take 10,000 men into battle, but Barak is afraid: “If you …
Othniel and Ehud
and The first chapter could have the sub-title: “did not drive out ___” (fill in the blank). Judah took possession, but were unable to drive the people from the plains (1:19) Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites (1:21) Joseph spared a spy (1:25) Manasseh did not drive out the people (1:27) Ephraim did not …
Joshua’s Farewell
and Joshua implements the Cities of Refuge as the closing chapters begin and since the Levites are not allowed a territory as an inheritance, they are provided with specific towns and pastures. The Trans-Jordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh) are honored: For a long time now–to this very day–you have not deserted your …