Class Resources & Information

Welcome! We'll begin our studies of Gidon at the beginning, with introductions to the book of Shoftim (Judges) in general, to the state of the Jewish people just before Gidon came into the picture, and to Gidon himself. As we begin to get to know our hero, we will examine what hints we can find - even in his humble beginnings - of the powerful leader he would become. Along the way, we will pick up some insights into various themes, such as how the Jewish people might be(come) worthy of divine assistance.

As we ended our discussion last time, Gidon had just been instructed to "go with this, your strength, and  save Israel from Midian." We wondered which strength the angel might be referring to, as Gidon had not yet demonstrated any overt might. In this week's class, we will explore Gidon's state of mind at the time of this encounter and where he might find the strength to become the leader his people need. We will then consider the nature of Gidon's skepticism of his G-d-giving mission, including comparisons to another (more) famous leader who was also hesitant to accept his role without miraculous proof behind him. 

We left of last week by highlighting some points of comparison and contrast between Gidon and Moshe. In this week's class, we will continue that discussion and complete our study of chapter 6 with further explorations of what Gidon needs to do, and have done, in order to progress into his role and lead his people in battle against Midian. 

In this week's class, we will complete our discussion of what Hashem asked of Gidon, and what Gidon further asked of Hashem, before the war against Gidon could commence. After all the tests between G-d and Gidon, we will find that even his soldiers must be put to the test, though the precise purpose of the test is subject to some debate: What does it take to become one of only 300 men selected to carry out a miraculous victory against Midian? 

We will also return yet again to another question: What does it take to convince Gidon, at long last, that he truly is the one selected to lead the people in that miraculous victory?