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 …
Gibeonite Deception and God’s Faithfulness
The Gibeonites devised a ruse to trick Joshua into making a treaty with them. They sent a contingent with donkeys, old wineskins, moldy bread, and sold the Israelites on their story, “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God.” () It took three days before …
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The Battles of Jericho and Ai
The reputation of the Israelites preceded them as they begin to occupy the Promised Land, “they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites” (Joshua 5:1). Joshua was visited by “the commander of the Lord’s army” (5:13-15) and given an odd battle plan which he carried out in detail quite successfully. Rahab the prostitute …
Crossing the Jordan
Covenant Renewed; Moses’ Song, Blessing, Death
Moses reviews the terms of the covenant with the people in the closing chapters of Deuteronomy. He explains why and how (briefly) and reminds the people: to confirm you this day as his people, that he may be your God as he promised you and as he swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. …
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