Rabbi Michael Hattin
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Yiftah, like Gideon, faces harsh criticism from the tribe of Ephraim due to their lack of inclusion in the battle against Ammon. However, as opposed to...
Rabbi Michael Hattin
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A close read of the text and a textual link to Akeidat Yitzhak points to the conclusion that the intention of Yiftah's vow was in fact human sacrifice. In...
Rabbi Michael Hattin
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Long gone and forgotten were the Otniels of illustrious lineage and the Devoras of prophetic inspiration. Now the people only deserved to be guided by a...
Rabbi Michael Hattin
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The tenth chapter of Sefer Shoftim, occurring about midway through the book, is transitional in character. After the death of Avimelekh, the book records ...
Rabbi Michael Hattin
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Yotam, in his parable comparing Avimelekh to an Atad is stating that Avimelekh lacks any of the constructive and useful qualifications to become a good...
Rabbi Michael Hattin
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Gideon's brief but disturbing exchanges with the people of Sukkot and Pnuel highlights an ongoing problem in the book of Judges: The feeling among certain...
Rabbi Michael Hattin
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If Israel prevails against Midian by sheer force of their numbers, then they will fail to recognize God's pivotal role. But if Israel prevails against...
Rabbi Michael Hattin
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Gideon's attempt to evade the mission given to him by the angel of God is reminiscent of Moshe's conduct at the Sneh. Gideon's unexpected appointment as...
Rabbi Michael Hattin
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The appearance of the prophet to the nation in chapter 6, which is reminescent of the appearance of the angel to the nation in Bokhim in chapter 2,...
Rabbi Michael Hattin
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The failure of the Book of Shoftim to mention any flaws concerning the first four judges - Otniel, Ehud, Shamgar and Devorah - should be taken as an...
