1. Gideon takes many wives and has a ton of children and one son named Abimelech from a woman who was not his wife. Gideon dies, and the people take their idolatry to the next level. Abimelech puts together a plan to seize power that involves killing all his brothers. And Gideon’s youngest son delivers a fable/prophecy to the leaders of Shechem.
  2. Gideon makes a 2nd threatening promise and then follows through on both of them. We learn more about his family and what may be some additional motivation in these conflicts. The people start wanting a ruler and Gideon slips into compromise.
  3. Gideon gets some reassurance from an interpretation of a very strange dream. He and his reduced force go into battle with trumpets and jars. Why are all these victories so lopsided and how does Isaiah talk about this battle when speaking of the coming Christ?
  4. Contending with false gods, fleeces, and a new nickname are all in store for Gideon.
  5. Bad things happen when you refuse to listen to God and Gideon meets Jesus.
  6. A song is sung by Deborah to cement what God has done in the history of Israel. Why does this song and others have an address to enemies? Why is God’s interaction with creation so personal?
  7. Israel is in trouble again, so we are introduced to a prophetess judge named Deborah.
  8. A left-handed man has a short sword and a message from God for a fat king.
  9. An introduction to the book of Judges and exploration of the first chapter.
  10. Chad and Daniel wrap up the book of Joshua. Idolatry, the "good words" of God, and choosing who you will serve.
  11. God doesn’t let His promises “fall” but fulfills them all for everyone. How does God having one plan for both Jews and Gentiles shape our eschatology?
  12. Forced labor, subdued land, and Shiloh.