The Tanakh Podcast

The Phillistines return the lost Ark. But when it arrives in Beit Shemesh, though the people bow and bring a sacrifice, 70 people lose their lives in a plague of God. Why? What did the people do wrong?

The Philistines perceive their defeat of Israel as a victory of their god Dagon, over the God of Israel.But God knows how to retaliate!The Ark of the Covenant unleashes a trail of havoc, destroying the Philistine's religious icons and causing death in their towns. The Philistines are petrified of the power of the Ark and decide to return it to Israel.As we shall explain, there is a remarkable affinity between the plagues of Egypt and those unleashed against Phillistia.

Our chapter describes Israel's devastating defeat at the hands of the Philistines.But worse than the military defeat and the 30,000 casualties is the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. Why was it taken to the battlefront? And why did God allow His Ark to be taken captive by the enemy?

In this chapter, Samuel receives his first prophecy. How does he know that God is calling him? What does God want to say to him?Looking at the bookends of this chapter we understand that this is a turning point. Samuel's role as prophet signifies and represents a return of the word of God to the Jewish people.--Originally published December 28, 2022

Samuel grows up loyal to God, a devoted servant in the Temple.In contrast, the High Priest's sons, Hofni and Pinchas, are running a corrupt cartel, utilizing the Mishkan for their own desires.A prophet comes with a devastating denouncement of the priestly family.

In this Chapter we witness a childless Channa praying desperately for a child. In our tradition, Channa is an model of how to pray effectively.But Channa has visited Shilo before. Each year, she cried, she did not eat. This year she prays. Why this year? What changed?

The moral disarray of Shoftim comes to a climax in our chapter as vows and abductions take us to an absurd finale.This podcast ends with some concluding comments about Shoftim as a book.---To donate, please visithttps://buymeacoffee.com/alexisraelhttps://patreon.com/u51407457My websitewww.alexisrael.org

Brother against brother. In this chapter, after hearing about the horrific rape in Givah, 400,000 soldiers wage war, a war of decimation and destruction, against The tribe of Benjamin. But they consult with God twice and each time they lose the battle. Why does God allow them to lose if this is a holy war, a legitimate cause? Or possibly, it is illegitimate?

In one of the most horrific episodes of the Tanakh, a rape, reminiscent of the Sedom story, transpires in Giv'ah. Israel has become like Sedom!Originally published - December 21, 2022

The Tribe of Dan are in transit. They are looking for land. What happened to their tribal lands?The chapter described how they fund an quiet unsuspecting region in the North of Israel and, clothing their actions in religious language, sieze the land (and lives) of innocents. But this is not the only violent action that they perform.  First published: December 20, 2022

Stolen money, a curse that becomes a blessing, an idol that becomes a center for asking questions of God, an unemployed Levite who functions as a priest in an unauthorized Temple. All of this represents the chaotic world of a society in which religion is influenced by pagan standards of other nations and in which Jewish leadership has broken down.Originally published: December 19, 2022

Samason meets Delilah and gives her the keys to his remarkable strength - his hair which is expressive of his Nazirirte status. The Chapter ends with Samson's suicide in which he "kills more in his death than during his life."We spend this podcast trying to offer some frameworks to understand this challenging personality.Originally recorded December 18, 2022

Samson continues his lone guerilla actions against the Philistines, setting fields on fire, and killing one-thousand of the enemy armed with a mere donkey's jaw bone. The chapter ends with the phrase: "And Samson judged Israel for twenty years" - but did he ever save Israel or shift the strategic power balance? 

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 virtues but in the final analysis, he is remembered as a shofet who murdered not only his daughter but 42,000 Israelites.

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 defuse conflict when necessary.But his escapade with gold becomes a "snare" and his many wives also lead in a negative direction.... these are areas in which a king is cautioned.Is Gidon the man who should have been king?

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 war2. 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, see https://youtu.be/UifLwWJruVUSourcesheet https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NBsv5zkTmZRj79yfK51SdXdFADdYhE0J/view?usp=sharing

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.

Chapter 13 lists the tribal portions of Reuven, Gad and Menashe on the East bank of the Jordan river.But is this land part of the land of Israel? The text of Sefer Yehoshua is somewhat ambivalent about this region, a negativity with roots in the Torah.

Chapter 12 is a victory song!Hooray! We have defeated 31 kingdoms!But open chapter 13. "Joshua!" says God; "There is lots more to conquer!" So, was it a total and comprehensive conquest or only a partial one?

This fourth campaign in Israel's military conquest is absolutely natural; no miracles at all. But why does God instruct Joshua to destroy the chariots and hamstring the horses of the enemy? What is God teaching the Israelites?

Joshua comes to the aid of his new allies, the Gibeonites, as they are attacked by five Canaanite armies.This provides him with a lucky opportunity to battle the enemy in the open, outside the protective walls of their cities. This military campaign obliterates the Canaanite enemy in the South of the country.

The Gibeonites trick the Israelites into thinking that they are from a distant locale. Was peace an option with the Canaanite nation? The Gibeonites clearly thought that local tribes would be slaughtered wholesale. What does the Torah say about this?

Can we learn from our mistakes? Yes we can! In this chapter Israel successfully conquer the city of Ai, learning the lessons of their earlier defeat. The chapter ends with a covenantal ceremony at Sh'khem. 

If one individual sins, should everyone be culpable?In this chapter, Achan takes from the spoils, and the entire nation suffer a military defeat!Is there a connection between one person's action and the nation at large?

In this podcast we give an introduction to Chapter 6-12 - the war chapters.We also discuss why everything about the Battle of Jericho is in multiples of seven. What does it mean?

Invade a country and then paralyze your entire army by circumcising them. Does it make sense? Well it does if you understand that here is the fulfillment of 400 years of Jewish history and the two foundational national covenants of Judaism. 

Why are so many elements of this chapter remeniscent of the Exodus?It seems as if God is trying to re-stage the original Pesach, the crossing of the Sea, and elements of Mt. Sinai as well!Why does God craft a second Exodus?

It's a miracle! To cross the Jordan River to enter Canaan, God splits the river!But the Jordan isn't particularly wide! Why did we need a miracle?

Why does Joshua send spies? It ended pretty badly last time the Israelites sent Spies!And as soon as they enter Jericho, they almost get caught!Is this the worst  spying mission in history?Or maybe not!