The Tanakh Podcast

Samson wants to be more Philistine than the Philistines! And when he gets angry, don't get in his way! But for Samson it is all personal. When will he "begin to save Israel"?

An angel announces Samson's birth to his mother. But Manoach, Samson's father, is skeptical.  Why do we need to hear the drama of Manoah's skepticism? What does this story teach us?

This chapter narrates a bloody civil war. 5Yiftach doesn't manage to defuse a personal affront in the elegant manner exercised by Gidon before him. 5Ethnic tension and a bruised ego lead to an inversion of one of the paradigms of the book of Shoftim, as the crossing points over the Jordan River are used not to save the Israelites, but to have brother trap and execute brother.  Yiftach has many...

Yiftach is the man who made a vow and sacrificed his daughter! It is ironic, because Yiftach is actually a man of words. Where did he go wrong?

In Chapter 10, we witness an intensification in Israel's sinfulness. As the generation deteriorates, we will see a corresponding decline in the leaders of Israel.

Avinelekh is the man who crowns himself as king. Buts he not a "Shofet", a saviour or "judge" whatsoever - he is a power-hungry, bloodthirsty despot, who wreaks death and destruction.

Should Gidon have accepted the offer of Kingship? The people ask him to "Reign over us! You, your son and your grandson!" Gidon refuses. On the one hand, Gidon ticks all the boxes of a successful monarch - He fights idolatry, he knows how to consult with God when he is unsure what to do, he is an accomplished warrior, he has the acumen to rebuke Tribes who don't support the war effort, but also to...

This chapter depicts Gideon's stunning victory over an army far larger than his own. 300 men against 135,000 men.  God insists that Gideon fight with a miniscule military force. Why? was it strategically or militarily motivated?

Would you choose a leader who doubts God? Gidon is summoned by an angel - "The Lord is with you, O Mighty Warrior!" He responds: "Yes? Is the Lord with us?" and proceeds to doubt his own worth and requests - much like Moses - a sign from the Almighty. Is self-doubt a recipe for failure, or possibly a sign of success for a Jewish leader?

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.

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".

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.

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,...

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 River. 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?   Music: Ehud Banai

Shimon's tribal portion is subsumed within the territory of Yehudah. Why? Is it because of Jacob's curse? If so, why do the Tribe of Levi get an "upgrade" whereas Shimon lose their tribal independence?

Seven tribes have failed to transition to the Settlement stage. They remain in the camp of Gilgal. Here, Joshua will compel them to move ahead and migrate to their tribal territories, to begin the work of populating the entire land of Israel. But why does the story begin with Benjamin?

The Tribes of Joseph complain: "You haven't given us enough land" Joshua tells them: This is your choice. Either clear the forests, or confront the enemy in the valley. The land is there; you have to make a decision which challenge that you will confront. There are no free lunches, no miracles. If you want to possess Israel, it is an uphill struggle. This is a chapter of tough choices.

The Tribes who actively stake a claim for their tribal lands are Yehuda, Ephraim and Menashe - Yehuda and Yoseph. In this podcast we explore the role of Yehuda and Yoseph as perennial leaders of the Jewish people, from the days of Jacob, Rachel and Leah, through the split of the kingdom (after King Solomon) to Messianic times.

As the opening verse of our chapter indicates, the tribal portions (Nechalot) were assigned by a lottery. But let's look at Bamidbar 26:53-33 where we are instructed to calculate the tribal portions by the size of the tribal population. Is this a calculation or a random lottery? And ... how did the tribes determine where they were to be situated geographically?

Caleb steps forward and demands the city of Hebron from Joshua. In this chapter, we return to the Spy episode when Caleb and Joshua both returned with a good report. But these are very different leaders. Caleb is fierce, independent and headstrong. His leadership of the tribe of Judah will ensure that this is the first tribe to settle in their  territory.