Biographies of the Israel Bible Scholars

Edited by Rabbi Tuly Weisz The Israel Bible: Judges First Edition, 2018

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The Israel Bible is a holy book that contains the name of God and should be treated with respect. Table of Contents

iv Credits v Acknowledgements viii Aleph Bet Chart ix Introduction xv Foreward xviii Blessing Before and After Reading theTorah

19 The Book of Judges 81 Biographies of The Israel Bible Scholars 83 Bibliography 94 List of Transliterated Words in The Israel Bible 109 Photo Credits 110 Chart of the Hebrew Months and their Holidays 113 Map of Modern-Day Israel and its Neighbors 114 List of Prime Ministers of the State of Israel 115 Prayer for the State of Israel 118 Prayer for the Welfare of Israel’s Soldiers 120 Hatikvah

iii Credits

Commentary and introductions for The Israel Bible were written by the following scholars:

Bereishit (Genesis): Rabbi Tuly Weisz Shemot (Exodus): Rabbi Tuly Weisz Vayikra (Leviticus): Shira Schechter Bamidbar (Numbers): Shira Schechter Devarim (Deuteronomy): Shira Schechter Yehoshua (Joshua): Rabbi Shmuel Jablon Shoftim (Judges): Rabbi Shmuel Jablon Shmuel (Samuel): Rabbi Shmuel Jablon Melachim (Kings): Rabbi Shmuel Jablon Yeshayahu (Isaiah): Rabbi Yaakov Beasley Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah): Rabbi Yaakov Beasley Yechezkel (Ezekiel): Rabbi Yaakov Beasley Trei Asar (The Twelve Prophets) Rabbi Yaakov Beasley Tehillim (Psalms): Rabbi Avi Baumol Mishlei (Proverbs): Ahuva Balofsky Iyov (Job): Alexander Jacob Tsykin Shir Hashirim (Song of Songs): Batya Markowitz Rut (Ruth): Rabbi Tuly Weisz Eicha (Lamentations): Rabbi Noam Shapiro Kohelet (Ecclesiastes): Batya Markowitz Esther (Esther): Batya Markowitz Daniel (Daniel): Batya Markowitz Ezra v’Nechemya (Ezra and Nehemiah): Josh Even-Chen Divrei Hayamim (Chronicles): Alexander Jacob Tsykin Maps Editor: Lorien Balofsky Associate Editor: Shira Schechter Editor: Rabbi Tuly Weisz Production Management: Avishai Magence Commentary Editor: Rabbi Alan Haber Copy Editing: Efrat Gross Typesetting: Estie Dishon Cover Design: Tani Bayer Icon Design: Eliyahu Misgav

iv Acknowledgements

Producing a Tanakh is a massive undertaking that requires a tremendous team of “wise students,” as the Hebrew expression goes. The Israel Bible would never have seen the light of day without the herculean efforts of numerous contributors. First and foremost, SHIRA SCHECHTER dedicated several years as associate editor of The Israel Bible and saw the project through from beginning till end. With a perfect balance of meticulousness and fear of Heaven, she carefully supervised all aspects of research, development, editing and production. Shira’s innate appreciation for Hebrew grammar along with her sharp eye and love for the subject matter, can be felt on every page. Thank you to the esteemed scholars who contributed their immense Tanakh knowledge to this groundbreaking initiative: RABBIS AVI BAUMOL, YAAKOV BEASLEY, SHMUEL JABLON AND ALEXANDER JACOB TSYKIN, AHUVA BALOFSKY, JOSH EVEN-CHEN, and BATYA MARKOWITZ. The breadth of yourTorah scholarship, along with your love for Israel, served as a constant inspiration. I would like to thank the devoted staff of Israel365 for their vast and varied contributions to The Israel Bible in the five years since we naively asked each other, “How hard could it be to create a brand new Tanakh?” First, to LORIEN BALOFSKY who was there in the beginning and designed the first versions of The Israel Bible along with many features of this volume, including the maps. And to all the other creative geniuses: MAAYAN HOFFMAN, TSIVYA FOX, ORLY GIBSON and SHLOMO VILE. To the brilliant strategic team SHIFRA GOLDMEIER, AYAL KELLMAN, STEVEN GOLDSTEIN, SIMONE SOMERS, GILA HALPERN, MAZZ WHITE and CLARINDA YUVIENCO. To the truth- seeking reporters and editors of Breaking Israel News, ABRA FORMAN, ELIYAHU ADAM BERKOWITZ, JONATHAN BENEDEK, RIVKAH LAMBERT ADLER and ELIANA RUDEE. And a special yasher koach to SHLOMO SCHREIBMAN whose acumen enabled this important effort to continue.

v I would also like to acknowledge our “alumni” whose skills and personali- ties shaped The Israel Bible over the years: JILLIAN EZEKIEL, RACHAEL PLATT and ALIZA ABRAHAMOVITZ. A major debt of gratitude is owed to my trusted friends and advisors ROBERT FROHLINGER, RAFI COHEN and ARIEL GOLDBERG, whose wise counsel continues to guide Israel365. Thank you to the faculty of the Yeshiva for the Nations RABBIS SHIMON APISDORF, ELAN ADLER, YISHAI FLEISHER and MOSHE LICHTMAN who taught me a deep appreciation for Eretz Yisrael when I was his student, and SHARON NIV. Teach for Israel made possible the research and writing of The Israel Bible and I would like to thank the board of directors for their years of friendship and encouragement: NOAM LIPSHITZ, SCOTT OSBORNE, MARC SINGER and DAVID SWAGGERTY. I am indebted to the spiritual mentorship of RABBI SHLOMO RISKIN and DAVID NEKRUTMAN of the Center for Jewish Christian Understanding and Cooperation for their pioneering work and for contributing the foreward to The Israel Bible. Every page of this volume testifies to the impressive skill of the profes- sionals at Koren Publishers Jerusalem including MATTHEW MILLER, YEHOSHUA MILLER, RABBI AVISHAI MAGENCE, RABBI ALAN HABER, YEHUDIT SINGER, ESTIE DISHON, TANI BAYER and ASHIRAH YOSEFAH of their Menorah imprint. As Israel’s foremost Bible publishers, Koren represents a heritage of excellence and it was an honor to collaborate on this important undertaking with their prodigious staff. Thanks to RABBI BARRY SCHWARTZ and LEIF MILLIKEN for their assistance in providing the well respected New Jewish Publication Society English translation for inclusion in this volume. In addition to its many unique features, The Israel Bible is the firstTanakh to be financed through crowdfunding. I can’t thank enough the close to 1,000 contributors of our online campaign who enthusiastically supported our idea and waited patiently for its publication. While many Jews and non-Jews from all over the world eagerly participated with great generosity, a sincere thank you is to a special and humble friend of Israel from Nigeria. I am greatly appreciative of the gift in honor of EKPE NDIYO EKPE by his loving son. Over the years, I have had many mentors, teachers and rabbis who deeply impacted me and taught me a love for Torah. I have been fortunate to benefit from many, yet would like to thank RABBI ZEVULUN CHARLOP, dean of

vi the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary for our private study sessions and his enthusiasm for my work in general and this initiative in particular. I would like to acknowledge the influence of my two grandfathers, RABBI DAVID STAVSKY AND GEORGE WEISZ, both of blessed memory. In very different ways, my grandfathers equally taught invaluable lessons of hard work and self-sacrifice on behalf ofTorah . My grandmothers, PEPPI WEISZ and RUTH STAVSKY and ROSALIND DOMBROFF have assumed the role of beloved matriarchs to our family, and should be blessed with longevity. My in-laws, RHONDA and DR. TOM WEISS, are like parents to me and have provided loving encouragement and much appreciated support. They should see much “nachas” from all their children and grandchildren. I would like to thank my own precious children who were my real inspiration for The Israel Bible. Feeding off their wide-eyed enthusiasm in learning the holy words of the Torah in school — and in Hebrew no less — I felt invigorated to immerse myself in our ancient heritage. With eternal gratitude to Hashem, I am fortunate for the opportunity each day “to teach these words to my children,” SHAINDEE, BELLA, DOVID, TZOFIA and AMITAI. My ultimate thanks are reserved for my beloved wife, ABBY, for her steadfast support. Anything I have achieved is to her credit. Certainly, that is true for The Israel Bible, which only came about through her guiding our family to fulfilling our dream of making Aliyah. May all the blessings that emerge from the study of The Israel Bible reward her with her innermost prayer: that our children always embrace the eternal values of the Torah of Israel. Finally, all my colleagues in producing this volume join me in offering our profound thanksgiving to the Almighty for permitting us to help spread love for the Land and the People of Israel. May the God of Israel continue His blessings so that The Israel Bible shapes the minds and hearts of all His children for generations to come.

Naphtali “Tuly” Weisz Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel Shevat 5778 / February 2018

vii Aleph Bet Chart

viii Introduction

The Hebrew Bible is commonly known as the Tanakh which stands for Torah (the Five Books of Moses), Neviim (the Prophets) and Ketuvim (the Writings). The Tanakh consists of 24 books that are considered by Jews to be the word of God. While these books have been referred to as the “Old Testament,” many Jews reject this label since it implies the replacement of the Hebrew Bible with something newer and prefer the more authentic Jewish name. The Tanakh is not only the most important book known to man, it is God’s word that is perfect and absolute. It is therefore a daunting undertaking to publish an edition of the Tanakh, and the responsibilities are awesome. There is no room for error or carelessness in dealing with the eternal word of God. Further, upon embarking on such a serious initiative, we ask ourselves if our efforts are gratuitous. Considering the many editions of the Bible in print, is there truly a need for yet another one? While there are numerous Bibles in circulation today, its most central aspect — the Land of Israel – has often been overlooked. References to Israel appear on nearly every page, and the city of Jerusalem is specifically referred to hundreds of times throughout the Bible. The essential link between Israel and Torah is emphasized repeatedly in verses such as, “For instruction (Torah) shall come forth from Tzion, the word of Hashem from Yerushalayim” (Micah 4:2). The miraculous return of the People of Israel to the Land of Israel in our own generation, and the celebration of the State of Israel’s 70th anniversary this year provides the perfect moment for a new volume to fill this void in biblical literature. The Israel Bible includes many special features elucidating God’s focus on Israel throughout Tanakh and there are many additional, multimedia features available on our website WWW.THEISRAELBIBLE. COM.

ix Ordering and Presentation — In presenting The Israel Bible, our goal is to spread awareness of the biblical significance of the Land of Israel as well as the Jewish people’s eternal connection to the land, based on the text of the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible. We aim to honor “the God, the People and the Land of Israel” from an Orthodox Jewish perspective. To that end, The Israel Bible follows the traditional Jewish ordering of the books and the customary Hebrew division of chapters. Therefore, for example, we count 24 books of Tanakh with Sefer Divrei Hayamim (Chronicles) appearing last. It is our hope that our rich content will speak to all Jews and non-Jews who appreciate Israel as the God given land of the Jewish people.

English Translation — Throughout history, Jews have studied the Bible in Hebrew, as any form of translation would miss much of the nuance of the original holy tongue in which Torah has been transmitted since the days of Moses. However, as many Jews settled in America in the 19th Century, the need for an English translation became necessary. To be sure, there were already English translations prepared over the centuries by Christians, but in the words of the original editors of the Jewish Publication Society (JPS), “The Jew cannot afford to have his Bible translation prepared for him by others. He cannot have it as a gift, even as he cannot borrow his soul from others.” JPS set out in the late 1800’s to publish an authoritative English translation “in the spirit of Jewish tradition.” It was compiled over decades by some of the leading Jewish scholars of the time. They formed committees and sub- committees to compare existing English versions, considering medieval and modern Jewish commentators. The monumental JPS translation, originally published in 1917, has been updated in recent years and The Israel Bible is proud to utilize the 1984 New Jewish Publication Society (NJPS) version with its modern, clear language, as well as its wide-ranging acceptance as an accurate and high-quality translation. We applied the NJPS translation verba- tim, except for a select list of nouns, which we replaced with their traditional Hebrew names. This is true even when we found the NJPS translation to be different than the popular translation of a word or phrase and when the NJPS switched the order of the text for the sake of clarity (see, for example, Ezekiel 24:22-24).

Hebrew Transliteration — To give our readers an authentic Tanakh experience, every verse that has commentary is transliterated from Hebrew into English. The Hebrew alphabet chart includes our standards for transliteration

x and pronunciation of Hebrew verses, enabling readers of The Israel Bible to decipher key biblical passages in the holy language. Readers can hear the entire Bible read in Hebrew on our website WWW.THEISRAELBIBLE.COM. There are various standards when it comes to transliterating Hebrew words into English letters. While we have relied primarily on the classical Hebrew transliteration, we have occasionally deviated for the sake of simplicity, clarity and to reflect common usage. In addition to whole verses, we have also transliterated many proper nouns in the English translation so that our readers can learn the names of key biblical figures and locations in their Hebrew form. As a rule, we chose to transliterate names of people that were central in the establishment and functioning of the nation of Israel, as well as significant places in the Holy Land. Therefore, regarding Adam’s sons, for example, only Shet (Seth) is transliterated since it was from him that Noach (Noah) and ultimately Avraham (Abraham) descended. For this reason, there might be verses or sections of The Israel Bible that contains multiple names and only some of them are transliterated. For the same reason, we have transliterated the names of the books of Tanakh when referring to them in our introductions and commentary. When referencing a specific chapter or verse, however, we use the English names of the books in our citations for clarity. We also transliterated ideas and concepts that are central to Judaism such as Shabbat (Sabbath), the names of the Jewish holidays and the Beit Hamikdash (Temple), as well as biblical measurements. Finally, the name of God is transliterated. Out of respect, Orthodox Jews generally refer to the Lord as Hashem, which literally means ‘the Name.’ Referring to God as Hashem reminds us that we feel close to Him but also recognize our distance at the same time. To stress this moniker, we transliterated both the Tetragrammaton as well as the name Elohim as Hashem.

Study Notes — Our unique commentary was compiled by Orthodox Jewish scholars who live in Israel. It is an anthology in the sense that most of the commentary is not original, but draws from traditional teachings of early Jewish Sages and modern rabbinic commentators. We also include quotations from individuals who have played a significant part in the past century of modern Israeli history including Israeli prime ministers, poets and military leaders.

xi Our commentary can be broken into four categories, three of which are identified by an icon at the beginning of the study note: Israel lessons are indicated with an icon bearing the map of Israel and focus on the Land of Israel and the modern State of Israel. Jewish lessons are indicated with a Torah scroll and teach a concept in Judaism or a classic idea from rabbinic thought. Hebrew lessons are represented by an icon bearing the letteraleph and focus on the meaning of a Hebrew word or phrase. All other comments are considered general comments and are not assigned an icon.

Supplemental Material — In addition to our unique translation and original commentary, The Israel Bible offers supplementary material to enrich the learning experience of our readers. Before every book of Tanakh, we provide an introduction, as well as information, generally in the form of a map, a chart or a list, which is central to the specific book.

Maps — As the purpose of The Israel Bible is to highlight the biblical significance of the Land of Israel, significant time was spent researching and preparing maps to bring the physical contours of the holy land to life with great accuracy. However, since there is a lack of information regarding the precise locations of certain ancient cities, some of the places on our maps are approximate or subject to debate. In these cases, we followed the opinion that we are most comfortable with, but acknowledge that there is room for disagreement. We continue to produce new maps, which are available on our website WWW.THEISRAELBIBLE.COM/MAPS.

Torah Readings — TheTorah is not just a work that is studied privately, it is also read out loud in synagogue. Every Shabbat and holiday a portion of the Torah is read, as well as a related section from Neviim, the prophets, called the haftarah. For this reason, we included the blessings recited before and after the reading of the Torah. Readers can always find the current week’s Torah portion by visiting WWW.THEISRAELBIBLE.COM/WEEKLY-TORAH- PORTION. In this volume, we indicate where a new Torah portion begins by highlighting the Hebrew verse number with a gray box so readers can follow along with the communal Torah readings. Furthermore, we have included prayers for the State of Israel and the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces

xii (IDF) that are generally recited following the Torah reading in synagogue. It is our constant prayer that God watch over the State of Israel and the members of the IDF, who defend Israel every hour of every day.

In 1948, the State of Israel was created providing a modern answer to Isaiah’s ancient question, “Is a nation born all at once?” (Isaiah 66:8). We are now in the 70th year of God’s miraculous restoration of the People of Israel to the Land of Israel. Jewish wisdom teaches that 70 is a significant number:Moshe (Moses) translated the Torah into 70 languages for all 70 nations of the world. From our very origins, the Jewish people were meant to be a light unto the 70 nations, spreading God’s truth to the masses. In the seven decades since the modern rebirth of the the State of Israel, God’s plan has been unfolding with unprecedented speed, dramatic highs and heart-breaking lows. Never has Israel been at the forefront of the world’s attention as it is in our generation. Efforts to vilify the Jewish State seem to spread every day across the globe. At the same time, so does the growing movement of millions of non-Jewish biblical Zionists who stand with the nation of Israel as an expression of their commitment to God’s word. As we seek to understand the clash of these two conflicting worldviews, the need for The Israel Bible has never been so important. Standing on the great shoulders of those who came before us and emanating from the land that has always served as the birthplace for the Bible, we conclude with a heartfelt prayer: May the Almighty bless our efforts in offering thisTanakh to influence the hearts, minds and actions of its readers. In this way, it is our hope to spread God’s name so that the publication of The Israel Bible brings us one step closer to the final redemption of Israel and the entire world. Rabbi Tuly Weisz Editor, The Israel Bible

xiii

Foreward

The mandate to study God’s word daily is interestingly not found in the Five Books of Moses (Pentateuch), but rather in the first book of our prophetic writings: “Let not this Book of the Teaching cease from your lips, but recite it day and night, so that you may observe faithfully all that is written in it. Only then will you prosper in your undertakings and only then will you be successful” (Joshua 1:8). Charged with bringing the Israelites into the land covenantally promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, God ensures Joshua of His protection if the nation observes His ways as dictated in the Divine constitution known as the Torah. In Jewish tradition, Joshua (1:8) is directly linked with Deuteronomy (11:14), “You shall gather in your new grain and wine, and oil.”1 Our Sages deduced from this scriptural combination the importance of merging Torah study with a profession. Completely dedicating oneself to the study of Torah without having the financial means to sustain this lifestyle can lead one to eventually straying from observance of God’s will. Poverty and crime can have an intimate relationship. We must also be careful that our work does not affect our daily study of Scripture. The addiction of becoming a workaholic and not making Torah study a priority can also lead one into temptations that can violate our personal relationship with Him as well as our fellow human beings. The goal is to achieve a healthy balance between our study of God’s word and our daily work. The Deuteronomic verse quoted above is part of the second section of the Shema2 that discusses the concept of reward and punishment. Sanctifying God by fulfilling His commandments results in the Land of Israel practically benefitting from rains that occur in the right season and reaping the abundance from the fields. However, if the nation follows pagan gods and practices, the consequences are devastating – famine and death. The Land of Israel is intrinsically linked with the keeping of the Torah. Covenant Land comes with covenant responsibility. xv Born into slavery, Joshua is now leading His people into the Promised Land. More than 500 years separates him from his ancestral forefather Abraham. The historical narratives that took place between Abraham leaving everything behind to follow God in Genesis 12 and the death of Moses in the last chapter of Deuteronomy are filled with intrigue, suspense, joy, sorrow and hope. What began as a family is now a nation actualizing its mission to be a kingdom of priests to the world. However, for the Israelites to succeed in the Land of Israel, they must see the Torah as the only compass to direct their lives. The biblical episodes after our first entry into the land are well known. Our ancestors’ triumphs and sins are all on public record. We learned the harsh reality of Leviticus (18:28) “So let not the land spew you out for defiling it as it spewed out the nation that came before you.” Twice, we lost the privilege to be stewards of the Land of Israel and to fulfill our nation state mandate to be a light to the world. However, when the annals of history were ready to archive the Jewish people after the Holocaust, God kept His covenantal promise and gathered us from the four corners of the globe to come home. The year 1948 was a game changer. Biblical prophecies were and are being realized. We are now living in the birth pangs of the messianic era. In our morning prayers, we recite a series of blessings over the Torah that include petitioning God to have a sweet tooth for His word, to study it without any ulterior motive and to have Him to teach it to us. They are some congregations that invoke the following liturgical prayer after the completion of these blessings: May the Torah be my faith and El Shaddai my help. Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom forever and all time. According to Jewish tradition, the neglect of not blessing the Torah before engaging in its study was one of the reasons for the destruction of the Temple.3 This is deduced from the redundancy of words in Jeremiah (9:12) that talks about Israel not following God: “…Because they forsook the teaching I had set before them. They did not obey Me and they did not follow it [did not make a blessing before studying it].” Our inability to properly cherish God’s greatest gift to the world, the Torah, led to our eventual exile from our land. The State of Israel will celebrate its 70th birthday this year. On Israel’s Independence Day, Jews around the world recite Psalms 113-118 to express our gratitude to God for His Divine hand in helping establish the State of

3. Babylonian Talmud Nedarim 81a

xvi Israel. We have learned from our past and realize the privilege to see firsthand the land, people and Torah operating all together in our generation. When Rabbi Tuly Weisz approached me about his intent to publish The Israel Bible that would highlight commentary about the special relationship between the land and people, I saw this project as another way to publicly demonstrate our appreciation to God for having the State of Israel. In addition, it is another educational tool to ensure biblical literacy. If we are to truly enjoy the Land of Israel, it is incumbent upon us to continually study the Torah. Isaiah once prophesied that the Jewish people would return to Zion with songs, “crowned with everlasting joy” (35:10). The Israel Bible provides us the lyrical content to express our joy in living in the land that God calls holy. Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Chief Rabbi of Efrat Founder of the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding & Cooperation (CJCUC)

xvii Blessing Before Reading the Torah: The one who has been called up to the Torah says: ָּבְר ּכו ֶאת ְיָי ַה ְמ ָבֹר ְך -Bless Hashem, the one who is ba-r’-KHU et a-do-NAI ham blessed vo-RAKH

The Congregation responds: ָּב ּרו ְך ְיָי ַה ְמ ָבֹר ְך -Blessed is Hashem, the one ba-RUKH a-do-NAI ham-vo ְל ָעולם ָו ֶעד who is blessed, for all eternity RAKH l’-o-LAM va-ED

The one who has been called up to the Torah continues: ָּב ּרו ְך ְיָי ַה ְמ ָבֹר ְך -Blessed is Hashem, the one ba-RUKH a-do-NAI ham-vo ְל ָעוֹלם ָו ֶעד who is blessed, for all eternity RAKH l’-o-LAM va-ED ָּב ּרו ְך ַא ָּתה ְיָי Blessed are you, Hashem ba-RUKH a-TAH a-do-NAI ֱא ֵלֹה ּינו ֶמ ֶל ְך ָה ָעוֹלם -Our God, King of the e-lo-HAY-nu ME-lekh ha-o universe LAM ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָּב ַחר ָּב ּנו Who has chosen us a-SHER BA-khar BA-nu ִמ ָּכל ָה ַע ִּמים From among all the nations mi-KOL ha-a-MEEM ְו ָנ ַתן ָל ּנו And has given us v’-NA-tan LA-nu ֶאת ּתוֹ ָרתוֹ His Torah et to-ra-TO ָּב ּרו ְך ַא ָּתה ְיָי Blessed are you, Hashem ba-RUKH a-TAH a-do-NAI נוֹ ֵתן ַה ּתוֹ ָרה Giver of the Torah no-TAYN ha-to-RAH

Blessing After Reading the Torah:

ָּב ּרו ְך ַא ָּתה ְיָי Blessed are you, Hashem ba-RUKH a-TAH a-do-NAI ֱא ֵלֹה ּינו ֶמ ֶל ְך ָה ָעוֹלם -Our God, King of the e-lo-HAY-nu ME-lekh ha-o universe LAM ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָנ ַתן ָל ּנו Who has given us a-SHER NA-tan LA-nu ּתוֹ ַרת ֱא ֶמת TheTorah of truth to-RAT e-MET ְו ַחֵּיי ָעוֹלם ָנ ַטע -’And planted eternal life v’-kha-YAY o-LAM na-TA b ְּב ֵתוֹכ ּנו within us to-KHAY-nu ָּב ּרו ְך ַא ָּתה ְיָי Blessed are you, Hashem ba-RUKH a-TAH a-do-NAI נוֹ ֵתן ַה ּתוֹ ָרה Giver of the Torah no-TAYN ha-to-RAH xviii Sefer Shoftim The Book of Judges

Introduction and Commentary by Rabbi Shmuel Jablon

The rabbis of the Talmud Bava( Batra 15b) teach that Sefer Shoftim (Judges), the second book of the Prophets, was written by the prophet Shmuel. This book tells the story of 390 difficult years of Israelite history, ending with the statement, “In those days there was no king in Yisrael; everyone did as he pleased” (Judges 21:24-25). This verse, which appears several times in the book of Shoftim, sums up this challenging era. During this period, the Children of Israel often turned away fromHashem ’s Torah, and fell prey to the cardinal sins of idolatry, murder and sexual immorality. In return, God often allowed Israel’s enemies to oppress them. In Sefer Shoftim, we read of the Israelites suffering at the hands of Moabites, Canaanites, Midianites, Ammonites and Philistines. All too often throughout this period, though they were living in their own land, the Children of Israel were not actually a free people. However, not everything described in this book is tragic. After each descent into sin and subjugation, we learn about the judges who fostered spiritual reawakening and led the Israelites to military victories and salvation. In the era prior to Israel’s kings, the judges provided leadership to all who were willing to follow. These judges, drawn from various tribes of Israel, included some of the most heroic figures in Jewish history. For example, we learn aboutOtniel , who was both a Torah scholar and a warrior, about Devora, the prophetess and judge who sang to Hashem after Israel’s miraculous victory, and about Shimshon, the symbol of great physical strength and willingness to sacrifice everything for the People of Israel. Throughout this book, we see that the judges served as both worldly and spiritual leaders. When the Israelites followed their guidance, they prospered. Thus,Sefer Shoftim depicts a repeating cycle, in which sins, punishment and suffering are followed by repentance, military victory and spiritual growth.

19 The lesson that success in the Land of Israel depends on following the God of Israel emerges as a consistent theme. The books of the Prophets were written to teach lessons that would be needed to guide future generations. In his commentary to Sefer Shoftim (upon which much of the following commentary is based), Israeli scholar Rabbi Shlomo Aviner writes, “In the future there would be difficult and complicated situations faced by the People of Israel. Due to the prophecy of the Shoftim, the nation would be able to learn and strengthen itself.” Rabbi Aviner teaches that as our generation faces complicated challenges, we must look to Sefer Shoftim for inspiration and for lessons about how to muster the spiritual and physical strength necessary to cope with these challenges.

20 Chart of the Judges of Israel The following is a chart of the Judges of Israel, the tribes they were from, and the amount of time they served, based on Sefer Shoftim.

Name Tribe Approximate Relevant Verses Years Otniel son of Kenaz Yehuda 40 Judges 3:8-11 Ehud son of Gera Binyamin 80 Judges 3:15-30 Shamgar son of Anat Not recorded 1 Judges 3:31 Devora wife of Lapidot Efraim 40 Judges 4-5 Gidon son of Yoash Menashe 40 Judges 6-6 Avimelech son of Gidon Menashe 3 Judges 9:1-56 Tola son of Puah Yissachar 23 Judges 10:1-2 Yair the GiIadite Menashe 22 Judges 10:3-5 Yiftach the Giladite Menashe 6 Judges 11:1-12:7 Ivtzan of Beit Lechem Yehuda 7 Judges 12:8-10 Eilon the Zebulunite Zevulun 10 Judges 12:11-12 Avdon son of Hillel Efraim 8 Judges 12:13-15 Shimshon son of Manoach Dan 20 Judges 13-16 Eli the Kohen Levi 40 I Samuel 1-4 Shmuel the Navi Levi 11 I Samuel 1-17

שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק א Judges Chapter 1 א ַוְי ִהי ַא ֲחֵרי מוֹת ְיהוֹשׁ ֻ ַע ַוִּישׁ ְ ֲא ּלו ְּב ֵני After the death of Yehoshua, the Israelites inquired 1 1 א ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַּב ָיהֹוה ֵלאמֹר ִמי ַי ֲע ֶל ָּה־ל ּנו ֶאל־ of Hashem, “Which of us shall be the first to go up ַה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני ַּב ְּת ִח ָּלה ְל ִה ָּל ֶחם ּבוֹ׃ ”?against the Canaanites and attack them ב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְי ָהֹוה ְי ּהו ָדה ַי ֲע ֶלה ִה ֵנּה ָנ ַת ִּתי Hashem replied, “Let [the tribe of] Yehuda go up. I 2 ֶא ָת־ה ָאֶרץ ְּבָידוֹ׃ ”.now deliver the land into their hands ג ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְי ּהו ָדה ְלשׁ ִ ְמעוֹן ָא ִחיו ֲע ֵלה ִא ִּתי ,Yehuda then said to their brother-tribe Shimon 3 ְב ָגוֹר ִלי ְו ִנ ָּל ֲח ָמה ַּב ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני ְו ָה ַל ְכ ִּתי ַג ֲם־א ִני Judges “Come up with us to our allotted territory and let ִא ְּת ָך ְּב ָגוֹר ֶל ָך ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ִא ּתוֹ שׁ ִ ְמעוֹן׃ us attack the Canaanites, and then we will go with you to your allotted territory.” SoShimon joined them. ד ַוַּי ַעל ְי ּהו ָדה ַוִּי ֵּתן ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ַת־ה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני When Yehuda advanced, Hashem delivered the 4 ְו ַה ְּפִרִ ּזי ְּבָי ָדם ַוַּי ּכ ּום ְּב ֶבֶזק ֲע ֶשׂ ֶרת Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hands, and ֲא ָל ִפים ִאישׁ ׃ .they defeated ten thousand of them at Bezek ה ַוִּי ְמ ְצ ּאו ֶא ֲת־א ִדֹני ֶבֶזק ְּב ֶבֶזק ַוִּי ָּל ֲח ּמו ּבוֹ At Bezek, they encountered Adoni-bezek, engaged 5 ַוַּי ּכ ּו ֶא ַת־ה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני ְו ֶא ַת־ה ְּפִרִ ּזי׃ him in battle, and defeated the Canaanites and the Perizzites. ו ַוָּי ָנס ֲא ִדֹני ֶבֶזק ַוִּיְר ְ ּד ּפו ַא ֲחָריו ַו ּי ֲֹאח ּזו Adoni-bezek fled, but they pursued him and 6 אֹתוֹ ַוְי ַק ְּצ ּצו ֶא ְּת־בהֹנוֹת ָי ָדיו ְוַר ְג ָליו׃ captured him; and they cut off his thumbs and his big toes. ז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ִדֹנ ֶי־בֶזק שׁ ִ ְב ִעים ְמ ָל ִכים And Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings, with 7 ְּבהֹנוֹת ְי ֵד ֶיהם ְוַר ְג ֵל ֶיהם ְמ ֻק ָּצ ִצים ָה ּיו thumbs and big toes cut off, used to pick up scraps ְמ ַל ְּק ִטים ַּת ַחת שׁ ֻ ְל ָח ִני ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָע ִשׂ ִיתי under my table; as I have done, so Hashem has ֵּכן שׁ ִ ַּל ִם־לי ֱא ִלֹהים ַוְי ִב ֻיא ּהו ְי ּרושׁ ָ ִַלם requited me.” They brought him toYerushalayim ַוָּי ָמת שׁ ָ ם׃ .and he died there ח ַוִּי ָּל ֲח ּמו ְב ֵנ ְי־י ּהו ָדה ִּב ּירושׁ ָ ִַלם ַוִּי ְל ְּכ ּדו ;The Judites attackedYerushalayim and captured it 8 ָאוֹת ּה ַוַּי ּכ ּו ָה ְל ִפ ָי־חֶרב ְו ֶא ָת־ה ִעיר שׁ ִ ְּל ּחו .they put it to the sword and set the city on fire ָ ב ֵ א שׁ ׃ ט ְו ַא ַחר ָיְר ּדו ְּב ֵני ְי ּהו ָדה ְל ִה ָּל ֵחם ַּב ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני After that the Judites went down to attack the 9 יוֹשׁ ֵ ב ָה ָהר ְו ַה ֶנּ ֶגב ְו ַהשְּׁ ֵפ ָלה׃ Canaanites who inhabited the hill country, the Negev, and the Shephelah. י ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ְי ּהו ָדה ֶא ַל־ה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני ַה ּיוֹשׁ ֵ ב ְּב ֶח ְברוֹן The Judites marched against the Canaanites who 10 ְושׁ ֵ ֶם־ח ְברוֹן ְל ָפ ִנים ִקְרַית ַאְר ַּבע ַוַּי ּכ ּו ,dwelt in Chevron, and they defeated Sheshai ֶאת־שׁ ֵ שׁ ַ י ְו ֶא ֲת־א ִח ַימן ְו ֶא ַּת־ת ְל ָמי׃ Ahiman, and Talmai. (The name ofChevron was formerly Kiryat Arba.) יא ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ִמשָּׁ ם ֶאל־יוֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ְ ּד ִביר ְושׁ ֵ ְ ּם־ד ִביר From there they marched against the inhabitants 11 ְל ָפ ִנים ִקְרַי ֵת־ס ֶפר׃ of Debir (the name of Debir was formerly Kiryat Sefer). יב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָּכ ֵלב ֲאשׁ ֶ ַר־י ֶּכה ֶא ִת־קְרַית־ And Kalev announced, “I will give my daughter 12 ֵס ֶפר ּו ְל ָכ ָד ּה ְו ָנ ַת ִּתי לוֹ ֶא ַת־ע ְכ ָסה ִב ִּתי Achsah in marriage to the man who attacks and ְ ל ִ א שׁ ּ ָ ה ׃ ”.captures Kiryat Sefer

23 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק א Chapter 1

יג ַוִּי ְל ְּכ ָד ּה ָע ְת ִנ ֵיאל ֶּב ְן־ק ַנז ֲא ִחי ָכ ֵלב ,His younger kinsman, Otniel the Kenizzite 13 ַה ָּקטֹן ִמ ֶּמ ּנּו ַוִּי ֶּתן־לוֹ ֶא ַת־ע ְכ ָסה ִב ּתוֹ captured it; and Kalev gave him his daughter ְ ל ִ א שׁ ּ ָ ה ׃ .Achsah in marriage va-yil-k’-DAH ot-nee-AYL ben k’-NAZ a-KHEE kha-LAYV ha-ka-TON mi-ME-nu va-yi-ten LO et akh-SAH vi-TO l’-i-SHAH יד ַוְי ִהי ְּב ָבוֹא ּה ַו ְּת ִס ֵית ּהו ִלשׁ ְ אוֹל ֵמ ֵאת־ When she came [to him], she induced him to ask 14 Judges ָא ִב ָיה ַה ָּשׂ ֶדה ַו ִּת ְצ ַנח ֵמ ַעל ַה ֲחמוֹר her father for some property. She dismounted ַו ּי ֶֹאמ ָר־ל ּה ָּכ ֵלב ַמ ָּה־ל ְך׃ from her donkey, and Kalev asked her, “What is the matter?” טו ַו ּת ֶֹאמר לוֹ ָה ָב ִּה־לי ְבָר ָכה ִּכי ֶאֶרץ ַה ֶנּ ֶגב She replied, “Give me a present, for you have given 15 ְנ ַת ָּת ִני ְו ָנ ַת ָּתה ִלי ֻּג ּלֹת ָמִים ַוִּי ֶּת ָן־ל ּה ”.me away as Negev-land; give me springs of water ָּכ ֵלב ֵאת ֻּג ּלֹת ִע ִּלית ְו ֵאת ֻּג ּלֹת ַּת ְח ִּתית׃ .And Kalev gave her Upper and Lower Gulloth טז ּו ְב ֵני ֵק ִיני ֵחֹתן מֹשׁ ֶ ה ָע ּלו ֵמ ִעיר The descendants of the Kenite, the father-in-law of 16 ַה ְּת ָמִרים ֶא ְּת־ב ֵני ְי ּהו ָדה ִמ ְד ַּבר ְי ּהו ָדה Moshe, went up with the Judites from the City of ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּב ֶנ ֶגב ֲעָרד ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ֶא ָת־ה ָעם׃ Palms to the wilderness of Yehuda; and they went and settled among the people in theNegev of Arad. יז ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ְי ּהו ָדה ֶאת־שׁ ִ ְמעוֹן ָא ִחיו ַוַּי ּכ ּו And Yehuda with its brother-tribe Shimon went on 17 ֶא ַת־ה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני יוֹשׁ ֵ ב ְצ ַפת ַוַּי ֲחִר ּימו ָאוֹת ּה .and defeated the Canaanites who dwelt in Zephath ַוִּי ְקָרא ֶאת־שׁ ֵ ָם־ה ִעיר ָחְר ָמה׃ They proscribed it, and so the town was named Hormah. יח ַוִּי ְל ּכֹד ְי ּהו ָדה ֶא ַת־עָ ּזה ְו ֶא ְּת־ג ּבו ָל ּה ,And Yehuda captured Azza and its territory 18 ְו ֶא ַת־אשׁ ְ ְקלוֹן ְו ֶא ְּת־ג ּבו ָל ּה ְו ֶא ֶת־ע ְקרוֹן Ashkelon and its territory, and Ekron and its ְו ֶא ְּת־ג ּבו ָל ּה׃ .territory יט ַוְי ִהי ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ּת ְ־י ּהו ָדה ַו ּיֶֹרשׁ ֶא ָת־ה ָהר ִּכי Hashem was with Yehuda, so that they took 19 לֹא ְל ִהוֹרישׁ ֶאת־יֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ָה ֵע ֶמק ִּכ ֶי־ר ֶכב possession of the hill country; but they were not ַּבְרֶזל ָל ֶהם׃ able to dispossess the inhabitants of the plain, for they had iron chariots. כ ַוִּי ְּת ּנו ְל ָכ ֵלב ֶא ֶת־ח ְברוֹן ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִ ּד ֶּבר They gaveChevron to Kalev, as Moshe had 20 מֹשׁ ֶ ה ַו ּי ֶוֹרשׁ ִמשָּׁ ם ֶאת־שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ָ ה ְּב ֵני promised; and he drove the three Anakites out of ָה ֲע ָנק׃ .there כא ְו ֶא ַת־הְי ּבו ִסי יֹשׁ ֵ ב ְי ּרושׁ ָ ִַלם לֹא ִהוֹרישׁ ּו The Benjaminites did not dispossess the Jebusite 21 ְּב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ַהְי ּבו ִסי ֶא ְּת־ב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן inhabitants of Yerushalayim; so the Jebusites have ִּב ּירושׁ ָ ִַלם ַעד ַה ּיוֹם ַהֶ ּזה׃ dwelt with the Benjaminites in Yerushalayim to this day.

1:13 His younger kinsman, Otniel the Kenizzite, Due to the people’s profound sadness, many biblical captured it This verse, describing the laws were forgotten. However, Otniel, with his great conquest of Kiryat Sefer, demonstrates Otniel the intellectual prowess, relearns and restores these Kenizzite’s power as a military leader. However, Otniel commandments. Hence, we see that Otniel is not only is more than just a strategic tactician. The classic a great warrior; he is also a great Torah scholar. commentator Rashi (Joshua 15:15) notes that Kiryat Similarly, today’s Israeli army has many soldier-scholars Sefer, which means ‘the city of the book,’ gets its name who combine “the book and the sword” in their service from an incident that occurred after Moshe’s death. of God and the Jewish people.

24 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק א Chapter 1

כב ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ֵב ֵית־יוֹסף ַּג ֵם־הם ֵּב ֵית־אל ַו ָיהֹוה The House ofYosef , for their part, advanced against 22 ִע ָּמם׃ .Beit El, and Hashem was with them כג ַוָּי ִת ּירו ֵב ֵית־יוֹסף ְּב ֵב ֵית־אל ְושׁ ֵ ָם־ה ִעיר While the House of Yosef were scouting at Beit El 23 ְל ָפ ִנים ּלוז׃ ,(the name of the town was formerly Luz) כד ַוִּיְר ּאו ַהשּׁ ְֹמִרים ִאישׁ ֵיוֹצא ִמ ָן־ה ִעיר their patrols saw a man leaving the town. They said 24 ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו לוֹ ַהְר ֵא ּנו ָנא ֶא ְת־מבוֹא ָה ִעיר to him, “Just show us how to get into the town, and ְו ָע ִשׂ ּינו ִע ְּמ ָך ָח ֶסד׃ ”.Judges we will treat you kindly כה ַוַּיְר ֵאם ֶא ְת־מבוֹא ָה ִעיר ַוַּי ּכ ּו ֶאת־ He showed them how to get into the town; they 25 ָה ִעיר ְל ִפ ָי־חֶרב ְו ֶא ָת־ה ִאישׁ ְו ֶא ָּת־כל־ put the town to the sword, but they let the man and ִ מ שׁ ְ ּ ַ פ ְ ח ּ ת ֹ ו שׁ ִ ֵ ּ ל ח ּו ׃ .all his relatives go free כו ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ָה ִאישׁ ֶאֶרץ ַה ִח ִּתים ַוִּי ֶבן ִעיר The man went to the Hittite country. He founded 26 ַוִּי ְקָרא שׁ ְ ָמ ּה ּלוז ּהוא שׁ ְ ָמ ּה ַעד ַה ּיוֹם a city and named it Luz, and that has been its name ַהֶ ּזה׃ .to this day כז ְו ִלֹא־הוֹרישׁ ְמ ַנשֶּׁ ה ֶא ֵּת־בית־שׁ ְ ָאן [Menashe did not dispossess [the inhabitants of 27 ְו ֶא ְּת־ב ֶנוֹת ָיה ְו ֶא ַּת־ת ְע ַנ ְך ְו ֶא ְּת־ב ֶנֹת ָיה Beit-Shean and its dependencies, or [of] Taanach ְו ֶאת־ישב ]יֹשׁ ְ ֵבי[ דוֹר ְו ֶא ְּת־ב ֶנוֹת ָיה and its dependencies, or the inhabitants of Dor and ְו ֶאת־יוֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ִי ְב ְל ָעם ְו ֶא ְּת־ב ֶנֹת ָיה ְו ֶאת־ its dependencies, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and יוֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ְמ ִג ּדוֹ ְו ֶא ְּת־ב ֶנוֹת ָיה ַו ּי ֶוֹאל ַה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני its dependencies, or the inhabitants of Megiddo ָלשׁ ֶ ֶבת ָּב ָאֶרץ ַה ּזֹאת׃ and its dependencies. The Canaanites persisted in dwelling in this region. כח ַוְי ִהי ִּכ ָי־חַזק ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוָּי ֶשׂם ֶא ַת־ה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני And when Yisrael gained the upper hand, they 28 ָל ַמס ְו ֵהוֹרישׁ לֹא ִהוֹרישׁ וֹ׃ subjected the Canaanites to forced labor; but they did not dispossess them. כט ְו ֶא ְפַרִים לֹא ִהוֹרישׁ ֶא ַת־ה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני ַה ּיוֹשׁ ֵ ב Nor did Efraim dispossess the Canaanites who 29 ְּב ָגֶזר ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ַה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני ְּב ִקְר ּבוֹ ְּב ָגֶזר׃ inhabited Gezer; so the Canaanites dwelt in their midst at Gezer. ל ְז ּבו ֻלן לֹא ִהוֹרישׁ ֶאת־יוֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ִק ְטרוֹן Zevulun did not dispossess the inhabitants of 30 ְו ֶאת־יוֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ַנ ֲהלֹל ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ַה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני ְּב ִקְר ּבוֹ Kitron or the inhabitants of Nahalol; so the ַוִּי ְה ּיו ָל ַמס׃ Canaanites dwelt in their midst, but they were subjected to forced labor. לא ָאשׁ ֵ ר לֹא ִהוֹרישׁ ֶאת־יֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ַע ּכוֹ ְו ֶאת־ Asher did not dispossess the inhabitants of Acco or 31 יוֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ִצידוֹן ְו ֶא ַת־א ְח ָלב ְו ֶא ַת־א ְכִזיב ,the inhabitants of Sidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah ְו ֶא ֶת־ח ְל ָּבה ְו ֶא ֲת־א ִפיק ְו ֶא ְת־רחֹב׃ .Aphik, and Rehob לב ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ָה ָאשׁ ֵ ִרי ְּב ֶקֶרב ַה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני יֹשׁ ְ ֵבי So the Asherites dwelt in the midst of the 32 ָה ָאֶרץ ִּכי לֹא ִהוֹרישׁ וֹ׃ Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land, for they did not dispossess them. לג ַנ ְפ ָּת ִלי ִלֹא־הוֹרישׁ ֶאת־יֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ֵבית־ Naftali did not dispossess the inhabitants of Beit 33 שׁ ֶ ֶמשׁ ְו ֶאת־יֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ֵב ֲית־ע ָנת ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ְּב ֶקֶרב Shemesh or the inhabitants of Beth-anath. But they ַה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני יֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ָה ָאֶרץ ְויֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ֵבית־שׁ ֶ ֶמשׁ settled in the midst of the Canaanite inhabitants of ּו ֵבית ֲע ָנת ָה ּיו ָל ֶהם ָל ַמס׃ the land, and the inhabitants of Beit Shemesh and Beth-anath had to perform forced labor for them.

25 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ב Chapter 2

לד ַוִּי ְל ֲח ּצו ָה ֱא ִמֹרי ֶא ְּת־ב ֵנ ָי־דן ָה ָהָרה ִּכי־ The Amorites pressed the Danites into the hill 34 לֹא ְנ ָתנוֹ ָלֶר ֶדת ָל ֵע ֶמק׃ country; they would not let them come down to the plain. לה ַו ּי ֶוֹאל ָה ֱא ִמֹרי ָלשׁ ֶ ֶבת ְּב ַה ֶר־חֶרס ְּב ַאָּילוֹן -The Amorites also persisted in dwelling in Har 35 ּו ְבשׁ ַ ַע ְל ִבים ַו ִּת ְכ ַּבד ַיד ֵּב ֵית־יוֹסף ַוִּי ְה ּיו heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim. But the hand of ָל ַמס׃ the House of Yosef bore heavily on them and they had to perform forced labor. Judges לו ּו ְג ּבול ָה ֱא ִמֹרי ִמ ַּמ ֲע ֵלה ַע ְקַר ִּבים The territory of the Amorites extended from the 36 ֵמ ַה ֶּס ַלע ָו ָמ ְע ָלה׃ .Ascent of Akrabbim—from Sela—onward א ַוַּי ַעל ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְ־י ָהֹוה ִמ ַן־ה ִּג ְל ָּגל ֶאל־ An angel of Hashem came up from Gilgal to 1 2 ב ַה ּב ִֹכים ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ַא ֲע ֶלה ֶא ְת ֶכם ִמ ִּמ ְצַרִים Bochim and said, “I brought you up from Egypt ָו ָא ִביא ֶא ְת ֶכם ֶא ָל־ה ָאֶרץ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר and I took you into the land which I had promised ִנשׁ ְ ַּב ְע ִּתי ַל ֲא ֵבֹת ֶיכם ָו ַאֹמר ָלֹא־א ֵפר on oath to your fathers. And I said, ‘I will never ְּבִר ִיתי ִא ְּת ֶכם ְל ָעוֹלם׃ .break My covenant with you va-YA-al mal-akh a-do-NAI min ha-gil-GAL el ha-bo-KHEEM va-YO-mer a-a-LEH et-KHEM mi-mitz-RA-yim va-a-VEE et-KHEM el ha-A-retz a-SHER nish-BA-tee la-a-VO-tay-KHEM va-o-MAR lo a-FAYR b’-ree-TEE i-t’-KHEM l’-o-LAM ב ְו ַא ֶּתם ִלֹא־ת ְכְר ּתו ְבִרית ְליוֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ָה ָאֶרץ And you, for your part, must make no covenant 2 ַה ּזֹאת ִמְז ְּב ֵחוֹת ֶיהם ִּת ּת ֹּצון ְולֹא־ with the inhabitants of this land; you must tear שׁ ְ ַמ ְע ֶּתם ְּב ִקֹלי ַמ ּה־זֹאת ֲע ִשׂ ֶיתם׃ —down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed Me look what you have done! ג ְו ַגם ָא ַמְר ִּתי ֲלֹא־א ָגֵרשׁ ָאוֹתם ִמ ְּפ ֵנ ֶיכם Therefore, I have resolved not to drive them out 3 ְו ָה ּיו ָל ֶכם ְל ִצ ִ ּדים ֵו ֵאלֹה ֶיהם ִי ְה ּיו ָל ֶכם before you; they shall become your oppressors, and ְ ל מ ֹ ו ֵק שׁ ׃ ”.their gods shall be a snare to you ד ַוְי ִהי ְּכ ַד ֵּבר ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ַת־ה ְ ּד ָבִרים As the angel of Hashem spoke these words to all the 4 ָה ֵא ֶּלה ֶא ָּל־כ ְּל־ב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוִּי ְשׂ ּאו ָה ָעם .Israelites, the people broke into weeping ֶא ָת־קוֹלם ַוִּי ְב ּכ ּו׃ ה ַוִּי ְקְר ּאו שׁ ֵ ַם־ה ָּמקוֹם ַה ּהוא ּב ִֹכים So they named that place Bochim, and they offered 5 ַוִּיְז ְּב ּחו־שׁ ָ ם ַל ָיהֹוה׃ . sacrifices there toHashem ו ַוְישׁ ַ ַּלח ְיהוֹשׁ ֻ ַע ֶא ָת־ה ָעם ַוֵּי ְל ּכו ְב ֵני־ When Yehoshua dismissed the people, the 6 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִאישׁ ְל ַנ ֲח ָלתוֹ ָלֶרשׁ ֶ ת ֶאת־ Israelites went to their allotted territories and took ָה ָאֶרץ׃ .possession of the land

2:1 An angel of Hashem came up from Gilgal to whenever the Bible describes a covenant between Bochim The angel, who is actually a human Hashem and the People of Israel, it is not a mutual prophet according to Metzudat David, reiterates God’s agreement. Rather, it is a promise that God makes, which promise that He will never erase the covenant made the Jewish people must embrace. As this covenant is with the Patriarchs, according to which the Land of Israel completely divine, it can never be changed or broken. belongs to the Children of Israel. Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook, The establishment of the State of Israel after thousands who was dean of the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva and a of years of exile is clearly a fulfillment of this divine Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook prominent leader of Religious Zionism, teaches that covenant. (1891-1982)

26 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ב Chapter 2

ז ַוַּי ַע ְב ּדו ָה ָעם ֶא ְת־י ָהֹוה ּכֹל ְי ֵמי ְיהוֹשׁ ֻ ַע The people servedHashem during the lifetime of 7 ְוכֹל ְי ֵמי ַהְ ּז ֵק ִנים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֶה ֱאִר ּיכו ָי ִמים Yehoshua and the lifetime of the older people who ַא ֲחֵרי ְיהוֹשׁ ּו ַע ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָר ּאו ֵאת ָּכל־ lived on afterYehoshua and who had witnessed all ַמ ֲע ֵשׂה ְי ָהֹוה ַה ָּגדוֹל ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָע ָשׂה the marvelous deeds that Hashem had wrought for ְל ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ .Yisrael ח ַוָּי ָמת ְיהוֹשׁ ֻ ַע ִּב ּן־נון ֶע ֶבד ְי ָהֹוה ֶּב ֵן־מ ָאה Yehoshua son of Nun, the servant of Hashem, died 8

ָו ֶע ֶשׂר שׁ ָ ִנים׃ ,Judges at the age of one hundred and ten years ט ַוִּי ְק ְּב ּרו אוֹתוֹ ִּב ְג ּבול ַנ ֲח ָלתוֹ ְּב ִת ְמ ַנת־ -and was buried on his own property, at Timnath 9 ֶחֶרס ְּב ַהר ֶא ְפָרִים ִמ ְּצפוֹן ְל ַה ָּר־ג ַעשׁ ׃ heres in the hill country of Efraim, north of Mount Gaash. י ְו ַגם ָּכ ַל־ה ּדוֹר ַה ּהוא ֶנ ֶא ְס ּפו ֶא ֲל־א ָבוֹתיו And all that generation were likewise gathered to 10 ַוָּי ָקם ּדוֹר ַא ֵחר ַא ֲחֵר ֶיהם ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָלֹא־י ְד ּעו ,their fathers. Another generation arose after them ֶא ְת־י ָהֹוה ְו ַגם ֶא ַת־ה ַּמ ֲע ֶשׂה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָע ָשׂה [which had not experienced [the deliverance of ְל ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ Hashem or the deeds that He had wrought for Yisrael. יא ַוַּי ֲע ּשׂו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ָת־הַרע ְּב ֵע ֵיני And the Israelites did what was offensive to 11 ְי ָהֹוה ַוַּי ַע ְב ּדו ֶא ַת־ה ְּב ָע ִלים׃ Hashem. They worshiped the Baalim יב ַוַּי ַעְז ּבו ֶא ְת־י ָהֹוה ֱא ֵלֹהי ֲא ָבוֹתם ַה ּמ ִוֹציא and forsook Hashem, the God of their fathers, who 12 ָאוֹתם ֵמ ֶאֶרץ ִמ ְצַרִים ַוֵּי ְל ּכו ַא ֲחֵרי had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They ֱא ִלֹהים ֲא ֵחִרים ֵמ ֱא ֵלֹהי ָה ַע ִּמים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר followed other gods, from among the gods of the ְס ִב ֵיבוֹת ֶיהם ַוִּישׁ ְ ַּת ֲח ּוו ָל ֶהם ַוַּי ְכ ִע ּסו ;peoples around them, and bowed down to them ֶא ְת־י ָהֹוה׃ .they provoked Hashem יג ַוַּי ַעְז ּבו ֶא ְת־י ָהֹוה ַוַּי ַע ְב ּדו ַל ַּב ַעל They forsookHashem and worshiped Baal and the 13 ְו ָל ַעשׁ ְ ָּתרוֹת׃ .Ashtaroth יד ַוִּי ַח ַר־אף ְי ָהֹוה ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוִּי ְּת ֵנם ְּבַיד־ ThenHashem was incensed at Yisrael, and He 14 שׁ ִֹסים ַוָּישׁ ֹּס ּו ָאוֹתם ַוִּי ְמ ְּכֵרם ְּבַיד handed them over to foes who plundered them. He ְאוֹי ֵב ֶיהם ִמ ָּס ִביב ְו ָלֹא־י ְכ ּלו עוֹד ַל ֲעמֹד surrendered them to their enemies on all sides, and ִל ְפ ֵני ְאוֹי ֵב ֶיהם׃ they could no longer hold their own against their enemies. טו ְּבכֹל ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָי ְצ ּאו ַי ְד־י ָהֹוה ָהְי ָת ָּה־בם In all their campaigns, the hand of Hashem was 15 ְלָר ָעה ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִ ּד ֶּבר ְי ָהֹוה ְו ַכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִנשׁ ְ ַּבע against them to their undoing, as Hashem had ְי ָהֹוה ָל ֶהם ַוֵּי ֶצר ָל ֶהם ְמאֹד׃ declared and as Hashem had sworn to them; and they were in great distress. טז ַוָּי ֶקם ְי ָהֹוה שׁ ְֹפ ִטים ַו ּיוֹשׁ ִ ּיעום ִמַּיד ThenHashem raised up chieftains who delivered 16 שׁ ֵֹס ֶיהם׃ .them from those who plundered them יז ְו ַגם ֶאל־שׁ ְֹפ ֵט ֶיהם לֹא שׁ ָ ֵמ ּעו ִּכי ָז ּנו But they did not heed their chieftains either; they 17 ַא ֲחֵרי ֱא ִלֹהים ֲא ֵחִרים ַוִּישׁ ְ ַּת ֲח ּוו ָל ֶהם went astray after other gods and bowed down to ָס ּרו ַמ ֵהר ִמ ַן־ה ֶ ּדֶר ְך ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָה ְל ּכו ֲא ָבוֹתם them. They were quick to turn aside from the way ִלשׁ ְ ַמֹע ִמ ְצ ְוׂת־י ָהֹוה ָלֹא־ע ּשׂו ֵכן׃ their fathers had followed in obedience to the commandments of Hashem; they did not do right.

27 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ג Chapter 3

יח ְו ִכ ֵי־ה ִקים ְי ָהֹוה ָל ֶהם שׁ ְֹפ ִטים ְו ָהָיה ,When Hashem raised up chieftains for them 18 ְי ָהֹוה ִע ַם־השּׁ ֵֹפט ְוהוֹשׁ ִ ָיעם ִמַּיד Hashem would be with the chieftain and would ְאֹי ֵב ֶיהם ּכֹל ְי ֵמי ַהשּׁ ֵוֹפט ִּכ ִי־י ָנּ ֵחם ְי ָהֹוה save them from their enemies during the chieftain’s ִמ ַנּ ֲא ָק ָתם ִמ ְּפ ֵני ֲלֹח ֵצ ֶיהם ְו ֲדֹח ֵק ֶיהם׃ lifetime; for Hashem would be moved to pity by their moanings because of those who oppressed and crushed them. יט But when the chieftain died, they would again act 19 Judges ְו ָהָיה ְּבמוֹת ַהשּׁ ֵוֹפט ָישׁ ֻ ּבו ְו ִהשׁ ְ ִח ּיתו ֵמ ֲא ָבוֹתם ָל ֶל ֶכת ַא ֲחֵרי ֱא ִלֹהים ֲא ֵחִרים —basely, even more than the preceding generation ְל ָע ְב ָדם ּו ְל ִהשׁ ְ ַּת ֲחוׂת ָל ֶהם לֹא ִה ִּפ ּילו following other gods, worshiping them, and ִמ ַּמ ַע ְל ֵל ֶיהם ּו ִמ ַ ּדְר ָּכם ַה ָּקשׁ ָ ה׃ bowing down to them; they omitted none of their practices and stubborn ways. כ ַוִּי ַח ַר־אף ְי ָהֹוה ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ַי ַען ThenHashem became incensed against Yisrael, and 20 ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָע ְב ּרו ַה ּגוֹי ַהֶ ּזה ֶא ְּת־בִר ִיתי ֲאשׁ ֶ ר He said, “Since that nation has transgressed the ִצִּו ִיתי ֶא ֲת־א ָבוֹתם ְולֹא שׁ ָ ְמ ּעו ְל ִקוֹלי׃ covenant that I enjoined upon their fathers and has not obeyed Me, כא ַּג ֲם־א ִני לֹא ִאוֹסיף ְל ִהוֹרישׁ ִאישׁ I for My part will no longer drive out before them 21 ִמ ְּפ ֵנ ֶיהם ִמ ַן־ה ּג ִוֹים ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־עַזב ְיהוֹשׁ ֻ ַע ”.any of the nations that Yehoshua left when he died ַוָּימֹת׃ כב ְל ַמ ַען ַנ ּסוֹת ָּבם ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֲהשׁ ְֹמִרים [For it was in order to test Yisrael by them—[to see 22 ֵהם ֶא ֶ ּת־דֶר ְך ְי ָהֹוה ָל ֶל ֶכת ָּבם ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר whether or not they would faithfully walk in the שׁ ָ ְמ ּרו ֲא ָבוֹתם ִאם־לֹא׃ —ways of Hashem, as their fathers had done כג ַוַּי ַנּח ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ַת־ה ּג ִוֹים ָה ֵא ֶּלה ְל ִב ְל ִּתי that Hashem had left those nations, instead of 23 ִהוֹרישׁ ָ ם ַמ ֵהר ְולֹא ְנ ָת ָנם ְּבַי ְד־יהוֹשׁ ֻ ַע׃ driving them out at once, and had not delivered them into the hands of Yehoshua. א ְו ֵא ֶּלה ַה ּג ִוֹים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִה ִנּ ַיח ְי ָהֹוה ְל ַנ ּסוֹת These are the nations thatHashem left so that He 1 3 ג ָּבם ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֵאת ָּכ ֲל־אשׁ ֶ ר ָלֹא־י ְד ּעו might test by them all the Israelites who had not ֵאת ָּכ ִל־מ ְל ֲחמוֹת ְּכ ָנ ַען׃ ,known any of the wars of Canaan ב ַרק ְל ַמ ַען ַ ּד ַעת ּדֹרוֹת ְּב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל so that succeeding generations of Israelites might 2 ְל ַל ְּמ ָדם ִמ ְל ָח ָמה ַרק ֲאשׁ ֶ ְר־ל ָפ ִנים לֹא be made to experience war—but only those who ְי ָד ּעום׃ :had not known the former wars ג ֲח ֵמשׁ ֶ ת ַסְר ֵני ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ְו ָכ ַל־ה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני the five principalities of the Philistines and all the 3 ְו ַה ִּצ ִידֹני ְו ַה ִחִּוי יֹשׁ ֵ ב ַהר ַה ְּל ָבנוֹן ֵמ ַהר Canaanites, Sidonians, and Hivites who inhabited ַּב ַעל ֶחְרמוֹן ַעד ְלבוֹא ֲח ָמת׃ -the hill country of the Lebanon from Mount Baal hermon to Lebo-hamath. ד ַוִּי ְה ּיו ְל ַנ ּסוֹת ָּבם ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָל ַד ַעת These served as a means of testingYisrael , to learn 4 ֲהִישׁ ְ ְמ ּעו ֶא ִת־מ ְצוׂת ְי ָהֹוה ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־צָּוה whether they would obey the commandments ֶא ֲת־א ָבוֹתם ְּבַיד־מֹשׁ ֶ ה׃ which Hashem had enjoined upon their fathers through Moshe. ה ּו ְב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָישׁ ְ ּבו ְּב ֶקֶרב ַה ְּכ ַנ ֲע ִני ַה ִח ִּתי ,The Israelites settled among the Canaanites 5 ְו ָה ֱא ִמֹרי ְו ַה ְּפִרִ ּזי ְו ַה ִחִּוי ְו ַהְי ּבו ִסי׃ Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites;

28 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ג Chapter 3

ו ַוִּי ְק ּחו ֶא ְּת־ב ֵנוֹת ֶיהם ָל ֶהם ְל ָנשׁ ִ ים ְו ֶאת־ they took their daughters to wife and gave their 6 ְּב ֵנוֹת ֶיהם ָנ ְת ּנו ִל ְב ֵנ ֶיהם ַוַּי ַע ְב ּדו ֶאת־ own daughters to their sons, and they worshiped ֱא ֵלֹה ֶיהם׃ .their gods ז ַוַּי ֲע ּשׂו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ָת־הַרע ְּב ֵע ֵיני ; The Israelites did what was offensive toHashem 7 ְי ָהֹוה ַוִּישׁ ְ ְּכ ּחו ֶא ְת־י ָהֹוה ֱא ֵלֹה ֶיהם they ignored Hashem their God and worshiped the ַוַּי ַע ְב ּדו ֶא ַת־ה ְּב ָע ִלים ְו ֶא ָת־ה ֲאשׁ ֵ רוֹת׃ .Baalim and the Asheroth

ח ַוִּי ַח ַר־אף ְי ָהֹוה ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוִּי ְמ ְּכֵרם ְּבַיד Judges 8 Hashem became incensed at Yisrael and ּכ ּושׁ ַ ן ִרשׁ ְ ָע ַתִים ֶמ ֶל ְך ֲאַרם ַנ ֲהָרִים surrendered them to King Cushan-rishathaim of ַוַּי ַע ְב ּדו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ּת־כ ּושׁ ַ ן ִרשׁ ְ ָע ַתִים Aram-Naharaim; and the Israelites were subject to שׁ ְ ֶמֹנה שׁ ָ ִנים׃ .Cushan-rishathaim for eight years ט ַוִּיְז ֲע ּקו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ַוָּי ֶקם The Israelites cried out toHashem , and Hashem 9 ְי ָהֹוה מוֹשׁ ִ ַיע ִל ְב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַו ּיוֹשׁ ִ ֵיעם ֵאת :raised a champion for the Israelites to deliver them ָע ְת ִנ ֵיאל ֶּב ְן־ק ַנז ֲא ִחי ָכ ֵלב ַה ָּקטֹן ִמ ֶּמ ּנּו׃ .Otniel the Kenizzite, a younger kinsman of Kalev י ַו ְּת ִהי ָע ָליו ּרו ַח ְ־י ָהֹוה ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט ֶאת־ The spirit ofHashem descended upon him and 10 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוֵּי ֵצא ַל ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה ַוִּי ֵּתן ְי ָהֹוה ְּבָידוֹ ,he became Yisrael’s chieftain. He went out to war ֶא ּת־כ ּושׁ ַ ן ִרשׁ ְ ָע ַתִים ֶמ ֶל ְך ֲאָרם ַו ָּת ָעז ָידוֹ and Hashem delivered King Cushan-rishathaim of ַעל ּכ ּושׁ ַ ן ִרשׁ ְ ָע ָתִים׃ -Aram into his hands. He prevailed over Cushan rishathaim, יא ַו ִּתשׁ ְ קֹט ָה ָאֶרץ ַאְר ָּב ִעים שׁ ָ ָנה ַוָּי ָמת and the land had peace for forty years. When Otniel 11 ָע ְת ִנ ֵיאל ֶּב ְן־ק ַנז׃ ,the Kenizzite died יב ַו ּי ִֹס ּפו ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַל ֲעשׂוֹת ָהַרע ְּב ֵע ֵיני the Israelites again did what was offensive to 12 ְי ָהֹוה ַוְי ַחֵ ּזק ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ֶת־ע ְגלוֹן ֶמ ֶל ְך ָ־מוֹאב Hashem. And because they did what was offensive ַע ִל־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַעל ִּכ ָי־ע ּשׂו ֶא ָת־הַרע ְּב ֵע ֵיני to Hashem, Hashem let King Eglon of Moab prevail ְי ָהֹוה׃ .over Yisrael יג ַוֶּי ֱאסֹף ֵא ָליו ֶא ְּת־ב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן ַו ֲע ָמ ֵלק Eglon] brought the Ammonites and the] 13 ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ַוַּי ְך ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוִּי ְירשׁ ּו ֶא ִת־עיר Amalekites together under his command, and ַה ְּת ָמִרים׃ went and defeated Yisrael and occupied the City of Palms. יד ַוַּי ַע ְב ּדו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ֶת־ע ְגלוֹן ֶמ ֶל ְך־ The Israelites were subject to King Eglon of Moab 14 ָמוֹאב שׁ ְ ֶמוֹנה ֶע ְשׂ ֵרה שׁ ָ ָנה׃ .for eighteen years טו ַוִּיְז ֲע ּקו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ַוָּי ֶקם ְי ָהֹוה Then the Israelites cried out toHashem , and 15 ָל ֶהם מוֹשׁ ִ ַיע ֶא ֵת־א ּהוד ֶּב ֵּן־גָרא ֶּבן־ Hashem raised up a champion for them: the ַהְי ִמ ִיני ִאישׁ ִא ֵּטר ַי ְד־י ִמינוֹ ַוִּישׁ ְ ְל ּחו ְב ֵני־ .Benjaminite Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed man ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְּבָידוֹ ִמ ְנ ָחה ְל ֶע ְגלוֹן ֶמ ֶל ְך ָמוֹאב׃ It happened that the Israelites sent tribute to King Eglon of Moab through him. טז ַוַּי ַעשׂ לוֹ ֵא ּהוד ֶחֶרב ְו ָל ּה שׁ ְ ֵני ֵפיוֹת ּג ֶֹמד So Ehud made for himself a two-edged dagger, a 16 ָאְר ָּכ ּה ַוַּי ְח ּגֹר ָאוֹת ּה ִמ ַּת ַחת ְל ַמ ָ ּדיו ַעל gomed in length, which he girded on his right side ֶיֶר ְך ְי ִמינוֹ׃ .under his cloak יז ַוַּי ְקֵרב ֶא ַת־ה ִּמ ְנ ָחה ְל ֶע ְגלוֹן ֶמ ֶל ְך ָמוֹאב .He presented the tribute to King Eglon of Moab 17 ְו ֶע ְגלוֹן ִאישׁ ָּבִריא ְמאֹד׃ .Now Eglon was a very stout man

29 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ג Chapter 3

יח ַוְי ִהי ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִּכ ָּלה ְל ַה ְקִריב ֶא ַת־ה ִּמ ְנ ָחה ,When [Ehud] had finished presenting the tribute 18 ַוְישׁ ַ ַּלח ֶא ָת־ה ָעם ְנֹשׂ ֵאי ַה ִּמ ְנ ָחה׃ he dismissed the people who had conveyed the tribute. יט ְו ּהוא שׁ ָ ב ִמ ַן־ה ְּפ ִס ִילים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֶאת־ ,But he himself returned from Pesilim, near Gilgal 19 ַה ִּג ְל ָּגל ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְ ּד ַב ֵר־ס ֶתר ִלי ֵא ֶל ָיך ַה ֶּמ ֶל ְך and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָהס ַוֵּי ְצ ּאו ֵמ ָע ָליו ָּכ ָל־ה ְעֹמ ִדים ”!you.” [Eglon] thereupon commanded, “Silence So all those in attendance left his presence; Judges ָע ָליו׃ כ ְו ֵא ּהוד ָּבא ֵא ָליו ְו ּהוא־יֹשׁ ֵ ב ַּב ֲע ִלַּית and when Ehud approached him, he was sitting 20 ַה ְּמ ֵקָרה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר־לוֹ ְל ַב ּדוֹ ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ּהוד alone in his cool upper chamber. Ehud said, “I ְ ּד ַב ֱר־א ִלֹהים ִלי ֵא ֶל ָיך ַוָּי ָקם ֵמ ַעל have a message for you from Hashem”; whereupon ַה ִּכ ֵּסא׃ .he rose from his seat v’-ay-HUD BA ay-LAV v’-hu yo-SHAYV ba-a-li-YAT ha-m’-kay-RAH a-sher LO l’- va-DO va-YO-mer ay-HUD d’-var e-lo-HEEM LEE ay-LE-kha va-YA-kom may-AL ha-ki-SAY כא ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ֵא ּהוד ֶא ַת־יד ְשׂמֹאלוֹ ַוִּי ַּקח ֶאת־ Reaching with his left hand,Ehud drew the dagger 21 ַה ֶחֶרב ֵמ ַעל ֶיֶר ְך ְי ִמינוֹ ַוִּי ְת ָק ֶע ָה ְּב ִב ְטנוֹ׃ .from his right side and drove it into [Eglon’s] belly כב ַו ָּיבֹא ַג ַם־ה ִנּ ָּצב ַא ַחר ַה ַּל ַהב ַו ִּי ְס ּגֹר ַה ֵח ֶלב The fat closed over the blade and the hilt went in 22 ְּב ַעד ַה ַּל ַהב ִּכי לֹא שׁ ָ ַלף ַה ֶחֶרב ִמ ִּב ְטנוֹ after the blade—for he did not pull the dagger out ַוֵּי ֵצא ַה ַּפְרשׁ ְ ָדֹנה׃ .of his belly—and the filth came out כג ַוֵּי ֵצא ֵא ּהוד ַה ִּמ ְס ְ ּד ָרוֹנה ַוִּי ְס ּגֹר ַ ּד ְלתוֹת Stepping out into the vestibule, Ehud shut the 23 ָה ַע ִלָּיה ַּב ֲעדוֹ ְו ָנ ָעל׃ doors of the upper chamber on him and locked them. כד ְו ּהוא ָי ָצא ַו ֲע ָב ָדיו ָּב ּאו ַוִּיְר ּאו ְו ִה ֵנּה After he left, the courtiers returned. When they saw 24 ַ ּד ְלתוֹת ָה ֲע ִלָּיה ְנ ֻעלוֹת ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ַא ְך ,that the doors of the upper chamber were locked ֵמ ִס ְיך ּהוא ֶא ַת־ר ְג ָליו ַּב ֲח ַדר ַה ְּמ ֵקָרה׃ they thought, “He must be relieving himself in the cool chamber.” כה ַוָּי ִח ּילו ַע ּד־בוֹשׁ ְו ְה ֵנּה ֵא ֶינ ּנּו ֵפֹת ַח They waited a long time; and when he did not open 25 ַ ּד ְלתוֹת ָה ֲע ִלָּיה ַוִּי ְק ּחו ֶא ַת־ה ַּמ ְפ ֵּת ַח the doors of the chamber, they took the key and ַוִּי ְפ ָּת ּחו ְו ִה ֵנּה ֲא ֵדֹנ ֶיהם ֵנֹפל ַאְר ָצה ֵמת׃ opened them—and there their master was lying dead on the floor! כו ְו ֵא ּהוד ִנ ְמ ַלט ַעד ִה ְת ַמ ְה ְמ ָהם ְו ּהוא ָע ַבר But Ehud had made good his escape while they 26 ֶא ַת־ה ְּפ ִס ִילים ַוִּי ָּמ ֵלט ַה ְּשׂ ִע ָיר ָתה׃ delayed; he had passed Pesilim and escaped to Seirah.

3:20 And when Ehud approached him Ehud tells the message that Ehud delivered to Eglon remains equally Moabite king Eglon that he has a message for him from true in our time. Often the enemies of the Jewish people God. Eglon stands up, and Ehud stabs him, thereby killing appear strong, and even claim many innocent victims. the oppressor of the Israelites. Although he delivered But God continues to send the message that ultimately, no verbal message, Ehud told the truth: Hashem had those who oppress His people will always be destroyed. instructed him to kill Eglon. At its core, God’s message Over time, the Jews’ persecutors all fade away, while the is that ultimately, even if it takes time, He will always Nation of Israel lives forever. save the People of Israel from their oppressors. This true

30 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ד Chapter 4

כז ַוְי ִהי ְּבבוֹאוֹ ַוִּי ְת ַקע ַּבשּׁ ָוֹפר ְּב ַהר ֶא ְפָרִים When he got there, he had the shofar sounded 27 ַוֵּיְר ּדו ִע ּמוֹ ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִמ ָן־ה ָהר ְו ּהוא through the hill country of Efraim, and all the ִל ְפ ֵנ ֶיהם׃ Israelites descended with him from the hill country; and he took the lead. כח ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ֵל ֶהם ִר ְד ּפו ַא ֲחַרי ִּכ ָי־נ ַתן ְי ָהֹוה Follow me closely,” he said, “for Hashem has“ 28 ֶא ְת־אֹי ֵב ֶיכם ֶא ָת־מוֹאב ְּבֶי ְד ֶכם ַוֵּיְר ּדו delivered your enemies, the Moabites, into your ּ ּ hands.” They followed him down and seized the ַא ֲחָריו ַוִי ְל ְּכ ּדו ֶא ַת־מ ְע ְּברוֹת ַהַיְר ֵ ּדן Judges ְל ָמוֹאב ְו ָלֹא־נ ְת ּנו ִאישׁ ַל ֲעבֹר׃ fords of the Yarden against the Moabites; they let no one cross. כט ַוַּי ּכ ּו ֶא ָת־מוֹאב ָּב ֵעת ַה ִהיא ַּכ ֲע ֶשׂ ֶרת ;On that occasion they slew about 10,000 Moabites 29 ֲא ָל ִפים ִאישׁ ָּכל־שׁ ָ ֵמן ְו ָכ ִל־אישׁ ָחִיל they were all robust and brave men, yet not one of ְולֹא ִנ ְמ ַלט ִאישׁ ׃ .them escaped ל ַו ִּת ָּכ ַנע ָמוֹאב ַּב ּיוֹם ַה ּהוא ַּת ַחת ַיד On that day, Moab submitted toYisrael ; and the 30 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַו ִּתשׁ ְ קֹט ָה ָאֶרץ שׁ ְ ִמוֹנים שׁ ָ ָנה׃ .land was tranquil for eighty years לא ְו ַא ֲחָריו ָהָיה שׁ ַ ְמ ַּגר ֶּב ֲן־ע ָנת ַוַּי ְך ֶאת־ After him cameShamgar son of Anath, who slew 31 ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים שׁ ֵ שׁ ֵ־מאוֹת ִאישׁ ְּב ַמ ְל ַמד six hundred Philistines with an ox-goad. He too ַה ָּב ָקר ַו ּיֹשׁ ַ ע ַּג ּם־הוא ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ .was a champion of Yisrael א ַו ּי ִֹס ּפו ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַל ֲעשׂוֹת ָהַרע ְּב ֵע ֵיני The Israelites again did what was offensive to 1 4 ד ְי ָהֹוה ְו ֵא ּהוד ֵמת׃ .Hashem—Ehud now being dead ב ַוִּי ְמ ְּכֵרם ְי ָהֹוה ְּבַיד ָי ִבין ֶמ ֶל ְך ְּ־כ ַנ ַען ֲאשׁ ֶ ר And Hashem surrendered them to King Jabin 2 ָמ ַל ְך ְּב ָחצוֹר ְו ַשׂ ְר־צ ָבאוֹ ִס ְיסָרא ְו ּהוא of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. His army יוֹשׁ ֵ ב ַּב ֲחרֹשׁ ֶ ת ַה ּג ִוֹים׃ commander was Sisera, whose base was Harosheth-goiim. ג ַוִּי ְצ ֲע ּקו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ִּכי ְּתשׁ ַ ע The Israelites cried out toHashem ; for he had nine 3 ֵמאוֹת ֶר ֶכ ַּב־בְרֶזל לוֹ ְו ּהוא ָל ַחץ ֶא ְּת־ב ֵני hundred iron chariots, and he had oppressed Yisrael ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְּב ָחְז ָקה ֶע ְשׂ ִרים שׁ ָ ָנה׃ .ruthlessly for twenty years ד ּו ְד ָבוֹרה ִאשָּׁ ה ְנ ִב ָיאה ֵאשׁ ֶ ת ַל ִּפידוֹת Devora, wife of Lappidoth, was a Neviah; she led 4 ִהיא שׁ ְֹפ ָטה ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָּב ֵעת ַה ִהיא׃ .Yisrael at that time ud-vo-RAH i-SHAH n’-vee-AH AY-shet la-pee-DOT HEE sho-f’-TAH et yis-ra-AYL ba-AYT ha-HEE

‹ 4:4 Now Devora, a prophetess Throughout discovered her Jewish identity only after she was Jewish history, many women have followed the married, but from that moment on, she was determined example of Devora, described in this verse as both a to bring respite to her people. As one of the wealthiest prophetess and a judge, by taking positions of women in Europe, she was able to create an escape leadership on behalf of their people. One example dates network for many of the Anussim, and eventually used to the early Renaissance period, when another Jewish her position of power to negotiate with Sultan Suleiman Dona Gracia woman emerged as a great leader of her people. At the the Magnificent for a long term lease on the Tiberias (1510-1569) time, the Jews of Spain faced the horrific persecutions region of the Land of Israel, of which she became the of the Inquisition. But despite the strict prohibitions ruling authority. She began to rebuild the Galilee’s against practicing Judaism, many of the forced converts abandoned towns for other Anussim to settle in, and known as Anussim or “Crypto-Jews” continued to aimed to turn Tiberias into a major center of Jewish observe their religion in secret. Dona Gracia (1510–1569) settlement, trade and learning. Today, visitors to the

31 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ד Chapter 4

ה ְו ִהיא יוֹשׁ ֶ ֶבת ַּת ַח ּת־ת ֶֹמר ְ ּד ָבוֹרה ֵּבין She used to sit under the Palm of Devora, between 5 ָהָר ָמה ּו ֵבין ֵּב ֵית־אל ְּב ַהר ֶא ְפָרִים ַוַּי ֲע ּלו Rama and Beit El in the hill country of Efraim, and ֵא ֶל ָיה ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַל ִּמשׁ ְ ָּפט׃ .the Israelites would come to her for decisions ו ַו ִּתשׁ ְ ַלח ַו ִּת ְקָרא ְל ָבָרק ֶּב ֲן־א ִב ַינֹעם She summoned Barak son of Abinoam, of Kedesh 6 ִמ ֶּק ֶדשׁ ַנ ְפ ָּת ִלי ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ֲהלֹא ִצָּוה in Naftali, and said to him, “Hashem, the God of ְי ָהֹוה ֱא ֵלֹה ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֵל ְך ּו ָמשׁ ַ ְכ ָּת ְּב ַהר Yisrael, has commanded: Go, march up to Mount ָ Judges ָּתבוֹר ְו ָל ַק ְח ָּת ִע ְּמך ֲע ֶשׂ ֶרת ֲא ָל ִפים Tavor, and take with you ten thousand men of ִאישׁ ִמ ְּב ֵני ַנ ְפ ָּת ִלי ּו ִמ ְּב ֵני ְז ֻב ּלון׃ .Naftali and Zevulun va-tish-LAKH va-tik-RA l’-va-RAK ben a-vee-NO-am mi-KE-desh naf-ta-LEE va-TO-mer ay-LAV ha-lo tzi-VAH a-do-NAI e-lo-hay yis-ra-AYL LAYKH u-ma- shakh-TA b’-HAR ta-VOR v’-la-kakh-TA i-m’-KHA a-SE-ret a-la-FEEM EESH mi-b’-NAY naf-ta-LEE u-mi-b’-NAY z’-vu-LUN ז ּו ָמשׁ ַ ְכ ִּתי ֵא ֶל ָיך ֶא ַל־נ ַחל ִקישׁ וֹן ֶאת־ ,And I will draw Sisera, Jabin’s army commander 7 ִס ְיסָרא ַשׂ ְר־צ ָבא ָי ִבין ְו ֶא ִת־ר ְכ ּבוֹ ְו ֶאת־ with his chariots and his troops, toward you up to ֲהמוֹנוֹ ּו ְנ ַת ִּת ּיהו ְּבָי ֶד ָך׃ the Wadi Kishon; and I will deliver him into your hands.” ח ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ֶל ָיה ָּבָרק ִא ֵּם־ת ְל ִכי ִע ִּמי But Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will 8 ְו ָה ָל ְכ ִּתי ְו ִאם־לֹא ֵת ְל ִכי ִע ִּמי לֹא ֵא ֵל ְך׃ ”.go; if not, I will not go ט ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ָה ְלֹך ֵא ֵל ְך ִע ָּמ ְך ֶא ֶפס ִּכי לֹא .Very well, I will go with you,” she answered“ 9 ִת ְהֶיה ִּת ְפ ַאְר ְּת ָך ַע ַל־ה ֶ ּדֶר ְך ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַא ָּתה However, there will be no glory for you in the“ ֵהוֹל ְך ִּכי ְבַי ִד־אשָּׁ ה ִי ְמ ּכֹר ְי ָהֹוה ֶאת־ course you are taking, for then Hashem will deliver ִס ְיסָרא ַו ָּת ָקם ְ ּד ָבוֹרה ַו ֵּת ֶלך ִע ָּם־בָרק Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Devora went ֶ ק ְ ד שׁ ָ ה ׃ .with Barak to Kedesh י ַוַּיְז ֵעק ָּבָרק ֶא ְת־ז ּבו ֻלן ְו ֶא ַת־נ ְפ ָּת ִלי Barak then mustered Zevulun and Naftali at 10 ֶק ְדשׁ ָ ה ַוַּי ַעל ְּבַר ְג ָליו ֲע ֶשׂ ֶרת ַא ְל ֵפי ִאישׁ ;Kedesh; ten thousand men marched up after him ַו ַּת ַעל ִע ּמוֹ ְ ּד ָבוֹרה׃ .and Devora also went up with him יא ְו ֶח ֶבר ַה ֵּק ִיני ִנ ְפָרד ִמ ַּקִין ִמ ְּב ֵני ָחֹבב Now Chever the Kenite had separated from the 11 ֵחֹתן מֹשׁ ֶ ה ַוֵּיט ָא ֳהלוֹ ַע ֵד־אלוֹן בצענים -other Kenites, descendants of Hobab, father-in ְּ]ב ַצ ֲע ַנ ִנּים[ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֶא ֶת־ק ֶדשׁ ׃ -law of Moshe, and had pitched his tent at Elon bezaanannim, which is near Kedesh. יב ַוַּי ִּג ּדו ְל ִס ְיסָרא ִּכי ָע ָלה ָּבָרק ֶּב ֲן־א ִב ַינֹעם Sisera was informed that Barak son of Abinoam 12 ַה ָּר־תבוֹר׃ .had gone up to Mount Tavor

contemporary city of Teveria (Tiberias) can visit the Dona Metzudat David points out that taking the soldiers does Gracia museum to learn about this fascinating woman not mean he was to simply draft them into service. who pursued one of the earliest attempts to create a Rather, it means to “draw at their hearts,” so that they Zionist movement. would overcome their natural fear of Sisera and fight courageously. Rabbi Shlomo Aviner notes that this 4:6 Go, march up to Mount Tavor, and take with teaches us an important lesson, which remains relevant you ten thousand men The prophetess and to this day: the importance of paying attention to the judge Devora instructs Barak in God’s name that he is to emotional state of the soldiers of Israel. He writes, “The “march up to Mount Tavor” and take ten thousand secret weapon of the Israeli Defense Forces is their soldiers with him, to prepare to fight the enemy Sisera. morale, strength and courage.” Mount Tavor in Northern Israel

32 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ד Chapter 4

יג ַוַּיְז ֵעק ִס ְיסָרא ֶא ָּת־כ ִל־ר ְכ ּבוֹ ְּתשׁ ַ ע So Sisera ordered all his chariots—nine hundred 13 ֵמאוֹת ֶר ֶכב ַּבְרֶזל ְו ֶא ָּת־כ ָל־ה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ר iron chariots—and all the troops he had to move ִא ּתוֹ ֵמ ֲחרֹשׁ ֶ ת ַה ּג ִוֹים ֶא ַל־נ ַחל ִקישׁ וֹן׃ .from Harosheth-goiim to the Wadi Kishon יד ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ְ ּד ָבֹרה ֶא ָּל־בָרק ּקום ִּכי ֶזה ַה ּיוֹם ThenDevora said to Barak, “Up! This is the day on 14 ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָנ ַתן ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ִת־ס ְיסָרא ְּבָי ֶד ָך ֲהלֹא :which Hashem will deliver Sisera into your hands ְי ָהֹוה ָי ָצא ְל ָפ ֶנ ָיך ַוֵּיֶרד ָּבָרק ֵמ ַהר ָּתבוֹר Hashem is marching before you.” Barak charged

ַו ֲע ֶשׂ ֶרת ֲא ָל ִפים ִאישׁ ַא ֲחָריו׃ Judges down Mount Tavor, followed by the ten thousand men, טו ַוָּי ָהם ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ִת־ס ְיסָרא ְו ֶא ָּת־כ ָל־הֶר ֶכב and Hashem threw Sisera and all his chariots and 15 ְו ֶא ָּת־כ ַל־ה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ְל ִפ ֶי־חֶרב ִל ְפ ֵני ָבָרק .army into a panic before the onslaught of Barak ַוֵּיֶרד ִס ְיסָרא ֵמ ַעל ַה ֶּמְר ָּכ ָבה ַוָּי ָנס Sisera leaped from his chariot and fled on foot ְּבַר ְג ָליו׃ טז ּו ָבָרק ָר ַדף ַא ֲחֵרי ָהֶר ֶכב ְו ַא ֲחֵרי ַה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה as Barak pursued the chariots and the soldiers as 16 ַעד ֲחרֹשׁ ֶ ת ַה ּג ִוֹים ַוִּי ּפֹל ָּכ ַל־מ ֲח ֵנה far as Harosheth-goiim. All of Sisera’s soldiers fell ִס ְיסָרא ְל ִפ ֶי־חֶרב לֹא ִנשׁ ְ ַאר ַע ֶד־א ָחד׃ .by the sword; not a man was left יז ְו ִס ְיסָרא ָנס ְּבַר ְג ָליו ֶא ֶל־אֹהל ָי ֵעל ֵאשֶּׁ ת Sisera, meanwhile, had fled on foot to the tent 17 ֶח ֶבר ַה ֵּק ִיני ִּכי שׁ ָ לוֹם ֵּבין ָי ִבין ֶמ ֶל ְך־ of Yael, wife of Chever the Kenite; for there was ָחצוֹר ּו ֵבין ֵּבית ֶח ֶבר ַה ֵּק ִיני׃ friendship between King Jabin of Hazor and the family of Chever the Kenite. יח ַו ֵּת ֵצא ָי ֵעל ִל ְקַראת ִס ְיסָרא ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ,Yael came out to greet Sisera and said to him 18 ֵא ָליו ּסוָרה ֲא ִדֹני ּסוָרה ֵא ַלי ַא ִּל־ת ָירא ”.Come in, my lord, come in here, do not be afraid“ ַוָּי ַסר ֵא ֶל ָיה ָה ֱאֹה ָלה ַו ְּת ַכ ֵּס ּהו ַּב ְּשׂ ִמ ָיכה׃ So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. יט ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ֶל ָיה ַהשׁ ְ ִק ִינ ָי־נא ְמ ַע ַט־מִים He said to her, “Please let me have some water; I 19 ִּכי ָצ ֵמ ִאתי ַו ִּת ְפ ַּתח ֶאת־נֹאוד ֶה ָח ָלב am thirsty.” She opened a skin of milk and gave him ַו ַּתשׁ ְ ֵק ּהו ַו ְּת ַכ ֵּס ּהו׃ .some to drink; and she covered him again כ ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ֶל ָיה ֲעמֹד ֶּפ ַתח ָה ֶאֹהל ְו ָהָיה .He said to her, “Stand at the entrance of the tent 20 ִא ִם־אישׁ ָיבוֹא ּושׁ ְ ֵא ֵל ְך ְו ָא ַמר ֲהֵישׁ ּ־פֹה If anybody comes and asks you if there is anybody ִאישׁ ְו ָא ַמְר ְּת ָאִין׃ ”’.here, say ‘No כא ַו ִּת ַּקח ָי ֵעל ֵאשׁ ֶ ֶת־ח ֶבר ֶא ְת־י ַתד ָה ֶאֹהל ThenYael wife of Chever took a tent pin and 21 ַו ָּת ֶשׂם ֶא ַת־ה ַּמ ֶּק ֶבת ְּבָי ָד ּה ַו ָּתבוֹא ֵא ָליו grasped the mallet. When he was fast asleep from ַּב ָּלאט ַו ִּת ְת ַקע ֶא ַת־הָּי ֵתד ְּבַר ָּקתוֹ exhaustion, she approached him stealthily and ַו ִּת ְצ ַנח ָּב ָאֶרץ ְו ּהו ִא־נְר ָ ּדם ַוָּי ַעף ַוָּימֹת׃ drove the pin through his temple till it went down to the ground. Thus he died. va-ti-KAKH ya-AYL AY-shet KHE-ver et y’-TAD ha-O-hel va-TA-sem et ha-ma-KE- vet b’-ya-DAH va-ta-VO ay-LAV ba-LAT va-tit-KA et ha-ya-TAYD b’-ra-ka-TO va-titz-NAKH ba-A-retz v’-HU nir-DAM va-YA-af va-ya-MOT

4:21 Then Yael wife of Chever took a tent pin and underprivileged upbringing to become the first woman Major‘ ,(אלוף) grasped the mallet Yael is not the only great in IDF history to reach the rank of Aluf woman to act as a warrior on behalf of the Nation of General’. “I am proud to be the first woman to become Israel. Today, women form an important part of the Israel a major general, and to be part of an organization in Orna Barbavai Defense Forces, serving at its highest levels. In 2011, which equality is a central principle,” Barbivai said. The (b. 1962) Orna Barbavai made history, overcoming her mother of three retired from the IDF in 2014, but serves

33 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ה Chapter 5

כב ְו ִה ֵנּה ָבָרק ֵרֹדף ֶא ִת־ס ְיסָרא ַו ֵּת ֵצא ָי ֵעל Now Barak appeared in pursuit of Sisera. Yael went 22 ִל ְקָראתוֹ ַו ּת ֶֹאמר לוֹ ֵל ְך ְו ַאְר ֶא ָּך ֶאת־ out to greet him and said, “Come, I will show you the ָה ִאישׁ ֲאשׁ ֶ ַר־א ָּתה ְמ ַב ֵּקשׁ ַוָּיבֹא ֵא ֶל ָיה man you are looking for.” He went inside with her, and ְו ִה ֵנּה ִס ְיסָרא ֵנֹפל ֵמת ְו ַהָּי ֵתד ְּבַר ָּקתוֹ׃ .there Sisera was lying dead, with the pin in his temple כג ַוַּי ְכ ַנע ֱא ִלֹהים ַּב ּיוֹם ַה ּהוא ֵאת ָי ִבין On that day Hashem subdued King Jabin of Canaan 23 ֶמ ֶל ְך ְּ־כ ָנ ַען ִל ְפ ֵני ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ .before the Israelites

Judges כד ַו ֵּת ֶל ְך ַיד ְּב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָה ְלוֹך ְו ָקשׁ ָ ה ַעל The hand of the Israelites bore harder and harder 24 ָי ִבין ֶמ ֶל ְך ְּ־כ ָנ ַען ַעד ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִה ְכִר ּיתו ֵאת on King Jabin of Canaan, until they destroyed King ָי ִבין ֶמ ֶל ְך ְּ־כ ָנ ַען׃ .Jabin of Canaan א ַו ָּתשׁ ַ ר ְ ּד ָבוֹרה ּו ָבָרק ֶּב ֲן־א ִב ַינֹעם ַּב ּיוֹם On that day Devora and Barak son of Abinoam 1 5 ה ַה ּהוא ֵלאמֹר׃ :sang ב ִּב ְפ ַרֹע ְּפָרעוֹת ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְּב ִה ְת ַנ ֵ ּדב ָעם When locks go untrimmed in Yisrael, When people 2 ָּבֲר ּכו ְי ָהֹוה׃ !dedicate themselves—Bless Hashem ג שׁ ִ ְמ ּעו ְמ ָל ִכים ַה ֲאִז ּינו ְרֹז ִנים ָא ִנֹכי ,Hear, O kings! Give ear, O potentates! I will sing 3 ַל ָיהֹוה ָא ִנֹכי ָאשׁ ִ ָירה ֲאַז ֵּמר ַל ָיהֹוה ֱא ֵלֹהי will sing to Hashem, Will hymn Hashem, the God ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ .of Yisrael ד ְי ָהֹוה ְּב ֵצ ְאת ָך ִמ ֵּשׂ ִעיר ְּב ַצ ְע ְ ּד ָך ִמ ְּשׂ ֵדה Hashem, when You came forth from Seir, Advanced 4 ֱאדוֹם ֶאֶרץ ָר ָעשׁ ָ ה ַּגם־שׁ ָ ַמִים ָנ ָט ּפו ַּגם־ from the country of Edom, The earth trembled; The ָע ִבים ָנ ְט ּפו ָמִים׃ ,heavens dripped, Yea, the clouds dripped water ה ָהִרים ָנְז ּלו ִמ ְּפ ֵני ְי ָהֹוה ֶזה ִס ַיני ִמ ְּפ ֵני The mountains quaked—BeforeHashem , Him of 5 ְי ָהֹוה ֱא ֵלֹהי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ .Sinai, Before Hashem, God of Yisrael ו ִּב ֵימי שׁ ַ ְמ ַּגר ֶּב ֲן־ע ָנת ִּב ֵימי ָי ֵעל ָח ְד ּלו In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, In the days 6 ֳאָרחוֹת ְו ְהֹל ֵכי ְנ ִתיבוֹת ֵי ְל ּכו ֳאָרחוֹת of Yael, caravans ceased, And wayfarers went By ֲע ַק ְל ַק ּלוֹ ת׃ .roundabout paths ז ָח ְד ּלו ְפָרזוֹן ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָח ֵד ּל ּו ַעד Deliverance ceased, Ceased in Yisrael, Till you 7 שׁ ַ ַּק ְמ ִּתי ְ ּד ָבוֹרה שׁ ַ ַּק ְמ ִּתי ֵאם ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ !arose, O Devora, Arose, O mother, in Yisrael kha-d’-LU f’-ra-ZON b’-yis-ra-AYL kha-DAY-lu AD sha-KAM-tee d’-vo-RAH sha- KAM-tee AYM b’-yis-ra-AYL ח ִי ְב ַחר ֱא ִלֹהים ֲח ָדשׁ ִ ים ָאז ָל ֶחם שׁ ְ ָעִרים When they chose new gods, Was there a fighter 8 ָמ ֵגן ִא ֵם־יָר ֶאה ָו ַרֹמח ְּב ַאְר ָּב ִעים ֶא ֶלף then in the gates? No shield or spear was seen ְ ּב ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ !Among forty thousand in Yisrael

as an inspiration to countless Israeli young women who of Israel had ceased living in small, scattered, non-walled enlist in the IDF each year and who know they can reach communities, due to fear of attack. However, the the highest levels not only in the IDF but throughout Canaanites continued living in such places, as they were Israeli society. not afraid of the Israelites. The miraculous military victory פרזון against Sisera would change this reality. It is interesting 5:7 Deliverance ceased, ceased in Yisrael, till you to note that in Israel today Jews have also not been arose, O Devora Though one way of translating afraid to establish small communities in all parts of the is ‘deliverance,’ Rashi explains it as “open land. Miracles of biblical proportions continue in our era (פרזון) f’razon towns without walls.” According to this understanding, as communities of all sizes grow and thrive throughout Devora is saying that prior to her leadership, the Children the Land of Israel.

34 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ה Chapter 5

ט ִל ִּבי ְל ְחוֹק ֵקי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַה ִּמ ְת ַנ ְ ּד ִבים ָּב ָעם My heart is with Yisrael’s leaders, With the 9 ָּבֲר ּכו ְי ָהֹוה׃ !dedicated of the people—Bless Hashem י ְרֹכ ֵבי ֲאתֹנוֹת ְצחֹרוֹת יֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ַע ִל־מ ִ ּדין You riders on tawny she-asses, You who sit on 10 ְו ְהֹל ֵכי ַע ֶ ּל־דֶר ְך ִשׂ ּיחו׃ !saddle rugs, And you wayfarers, declare it יא ִמ ּקוֹל ְמ ַח ְצ ִצים ֵּבין ַמשׁ ְ ַא ִּבים שׁ ָ ם ְי ַת ּנּו Louder than the sound of archers, There among the 11 ִצ ְדקוֹת ְי ָהֹוה ִצ ְדקֹת ִּפְרזֹנוֹ ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָאז watering places Let them chant the gracious acts of

ָיְר ּדו ַלשְּׁ ָעִרים ַע ְם־י ָהֹוה׃ Judges Hashem, His gracious deliverance of Yisrael. Then did the people of Hashem March down to the gates! יב ּעוִרי ּעוִרי ְ ּד ָבוֹרה ּעוִרי ּעוִרי ַ ּד ְּבִרי־שׁ ִ יר Awake, awake, O Devora! Awake, awake, strike up 12 ּקום ָּבָרק ּושׁ ֲ ֵבה שׁ ֶ ְבְי ָך ֶּב ֲן־א ִב ַינֹעם׃ the chant! Arise, O Barak; Take your captives, O son of Abinoam! יג ָאז ְיַרד ָשׂ ִריד ְל ַא ִ ּד ִירים ָעם ְי ָהֹוה ְיַרד־ ,Then was the remnant made victor over the mighty 13 ִלי ַּב ִּג ּב ִוֹרים׃ .Hashem’s people won my victory over the warriors יד ִמ ִנּי ֶא ְפַרִים שׁ ָ ְרשׁ ָ ם ַּב ֲע ָמ ֵלק ַא ֲחֶר ָיך ;From Efraim came they whose roots are in Amalek 14 ִב ְנָי ִמין ַּב ֲע ָמ ֶמ ָיך ִמ ִנּי ָמ ִכיר ָיְר ּדו After you, your kinBinyamin ; From Machir came ְמ ְחֹק ִקים ּו ִמְ ּז ּבו ֻלן מֹשׁ ְ ִכים ְּבשׁ ֵ ֶבט ֵסֹפר׃ down leaders, From Zevulun such as hold the marshal’s staff. טו ְו ָשׂ ַרי ְּבִי ָּשׂ ָשכר ִע ְ ּם־ד ָבֹרה ְוִי ָּשׂ ָשכר And Yissachar’s chiefs were with Devora; As 15 ֵּכן ָּבָרק ָּב ֵע ֶמק שׁ ֻ ַּלח ְּבַר ְג ָליו ִּב ְפ ַל ּגוֹת Barak, so was Yissachar—Rushing after him into ְר ּאו ֵבן ְּג ִדֹלים ִח ְק ֵק ֵי־לב׃ the valley. Among the clans of Reuven Were great decisions of heart. טז ָל ָּמה ָישׁ ַ ְב ָּת ֵּבין ַה ִּמשׁ ְ ְּפ ַתִים ִלשׁ ְ ַמֹע Why then did you stay among the sheepfolds And 16 שׁ ְ ִרקוֹת ֲע ָדִרים ִל ְפ ַל ּגוֹת ְר ּאו ֵבן ְּג ִדוֹלים listen as they pipe for the flocks? Among the clans ִח ְקֵר ֵי־לב׃ !of Reuven Were great searchings of heart יז ִּג ְל ָעד ְּב ֵע ֶבר ַהַּיְר ֵ ּדן שׁ ָ ֵכן ְו ָדן ָל ָּמה ָי ּגור Gilad tarried beyond the Yarden; And Dan—why 17 ֳא ִנ ּיוֹת ָאשׁ ֵ ר ָישׁ ַ ב ְלחוֹף ַי ִּמים ְו ַעל did he linger by the ships? Asher remained at the ִמ ְפָר ָציו ִישׁ ְ ּכוֹן׃ .seacoast And tarried at his landings יח ְז ֻב ּלון ַעם ֵחֵרף ַנ ְפשׁ וֹ ָל ּמות ְו ַנ ְפ ָּת ִלי ַעל —Zevulun is a people that mocked at death, Naftali 18 ְמ ֵרוֹמי ָשׂ ֶדה׃ .on the open heights יט ָּב ּאו ְמ ָל ִכים ִנ ְל ָח ּמו ָאז ִנ ְל ֲח ּמו ַמ ְל ֵכי Then the kings came, they fought: The kings of 19 ְכ ַנ ַען ְּב ַת ְע ַנ ְך ַע ֵל־מי ְמ ִג ּדוֹ ֶּב ַצע ֶּכ ֶסף —Canaan fought At Taanach, by Megiddo’s waters לֹא ָל ָק ּחו׃ .They got no spoil of silver כ ִמן־שׁ ָ ַמִים ִנ ְל ָח ּמו ַה ּכ ָוֹכ ִבים ִמ ְּמ ִס ּל ָוֹתם The stars fought from heaven, From their courses 20 ִנ ְל ֲח ּמו ִע ִם־ס ְיסָרא׃ .they fought against Sisera כא ַנ ַחל ִקישׁ וֹן ְּגָר ָפם ַנ ַחל ְק ּדו ִמים ַנ ַחל The torrent Kishon swept them away, The raging 21 ִקישׁ וֹן ִּת ְדְר ִכי ַנ ְפשׁ ִ י עֹז׃ ,torrent, the torrent Kishon. March on, my soul with courage! NA-khal kee-SHON g’-ra-FAM NA-khal k’-du-MEEM NA-khal kee-SHON tid-r’- KHEE naf-SHEE OZ

5:21 The torrent Kishon swept them away away Sisera’s army after it was defeated by the According to this verse, the Kishon river swept Israelites. Moshe Dayan, an important IDF general,

35 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ה Chapter 5

כב ָאז ָה ְל ּמו ִע ְּק ֵב ּי־סוס ִמ ַ ּד ֲהרוֹת ַ ּד ֲהרוֹת Then the horses’ hoofs pounded As headlong 22 ַא ִּב ָיריו׃ .galloped the steeds

כג ּאוֹרו ֵמרוֹז ָא ַמר ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ּאֹרו ָארוֹר Curse Meroz!” said the angel of Hashem. “Bitterly“ 23 יֹשׁ ְ ֶב ָיה ִּכי ָלֹא־ב ּאו ְל ֶעְזַרת ְי ָהֹוה ְל ֶעְזַרת curse its inhabitants, Because they came not to the ְי ָהֹוה ַּב ִּג ּב ִוֹרים׃ aid of Hashem, To the aid of Hashem among the warriors.” Judges כד ְּת ַבֹר ְך ִמ ָנּשׁ ִ ים ָי ֵעל ֵאשׁ ֶ ת ֶח ֶבר ַה ֵּק ִיני Most blessed of women be Yael, Wife of Chever the 24 ִמ ָנּשׁ ִ ים ָּב ֶאֹהל ְּת ָבֹר ְך׃ .Kenite, Most blessed of women in tents

כה ַמִים שׁ ָ ַאל ָח ָלב ָנ ָת ָנה ְּב ֵס ֶפל ַא ִ ּד ִירים He asked for water, she offered milk; In a princely 25 ִה ְקִר ָיבה ֶח ְמ ָאה׃ .bowl she brought him curds

כו ָי ָד ּה ַלָּי ֵתד ִּתשׁ ְ ַל ְח ָנה ִו ִימ ָינ ּה ְל ַה ְל ּמות Her [left] hand reached for the tent pin, Her right 26 ֲע ֵמ ִלים ְו ָה ְל ָמה ִס ְיסָרא ָמ ֲח ָקה רֹאשׁ וֹ ,for the workmen’s hammer. She struck Sisera ּו ָמ ֲח ָצה ְו ָח ְל ָפה ַר ָּקתוֹ׃ .crushed his head, Smashed and pierced his temple

כז ֵּבין ַר ְג ֶל ָיה ָּכַרע ָנ ַפל שׁ ָ ָכב ֵּבין ַר ְג ֶל ָיה At her feet he sank, lay outstretched, At her feet 27 ָּכַרע ָנ ָפל ַּב ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָּכַרע שׁ ָ ם ָנ ַפל שׁ ָ ּדוד׃ —he sank, lay still; Where he sank, there he lay destroyed. כח ְּב ַעד ַה ַח ּלוֹן ִנשׁ ְ ְק ָפה ַו ְּתַי ֵּבב ֵאם ִס ְיסָרא ,Through the window peered Sisera’s mother 28 ְּב ַעד ָה ֶאשׁ ְ ָנב ַמ ּד ּו ַע ּבֹשׁ ֵ שׁ ִר ְכ ּבוֹ ָלבוֹא Behind the lattice she whined: “Why is his chariot ַמ ּד ּו ַע ֶא ֱח ּרו ַּפ ֲע ֵמי ַמְר ְּכ ָבוֹתיו׃ so long in coming? Why so late the clatter of his wheels?” כט ַח ְכמוֹת ָשׂ ֶרוֹת ָיה ַּת ֲע ֶנ ָינּה ַא ִף־היא ,The wisest of her ladies give answer; She, too 29 ָּתשׁ ִ יב ֲא ָמֶר ָיה ָל ּה׃ :replies to herself

ל ֲהלֹא ִי ְמ ְצ ּאו ְי ַח ְּל ּקו שׁ ָ ָלל ַר ַחם ַר ֲח ָמ ַתִים :They must be dividing the spoil they have found“ 30 ְלרֹאשׁ ֶּג ֶבר שׁ ְ ַלל ְצ ָב ִעים ְל ִס ְיסָרא שׁ ְ ַלל A damsel or two for each man, Spoil of dyed cloths ְצ ָב ִעים ִר ְק ָמה ֶצ ַבע ִר ְק ָמ ַתִים ְל ַצְּו ֵארי for Sisera, Spoil of embroidered cloths, A couple of שׁ ָ ָ ל ל ׃ ”.embroidered cloths round every neck as spoil

לא ֵּכן ְיֹאב ּדו ָכ ְל־אוֹי ֶב ָיך ְי ָהֹוה ְו ֲאֹה ָביו So may all Your enemies perish, Hashem! But may 31 ְּכ ֵצאת ַהשֶּׁ ֶמשׁ ִּב ְג ֻבָרתוֹ ַו ִּתשׁ ְ קֹט ָה ָאֶרץ His friends be as the sun rising in might! And the ַאְר ָּב ִעים שׁ ָ ָנה׃ .land was tranquil forty years

loved the Land of Israel not only as his homeland, but the Israel I could see and touch. I also longed for the also because it is the land of the Bible. In his book, Israel of antiquity, the Israel of the ‘timeless verses’ and “Living with the Bible,” Dayan wrote about the Kishon: the ‘biblical names’, and I wanted to give tangibility to “To one who was born in Israel, love of the homeland that too. I wished to see not only the river Kishon was not an abstraction. The Rose of Sharon and Mount marking off the fields of Nahalal from those of Carmel were very real to me, as were the sweet- neighboring Kfar Yehoshua; I wished also to visualize scented blossom and the hills whose paths I climbed. the biblical Kishon sweeping away the Canaanite Moshe Dayan Yet this was not enough. I was not content only with chariot forces of Sisera.” (1915-1981)

36 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ו Chapter 6

א ַוַּי ֲע ּשׂו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָהַרע ְּב ֵע ֵיני ְי ָהֹוה Then the Israelites did what was offensive to 1 6 ו ַוִּי ְּת ֵנם ְי ָהֹוה ְּבַי ִד־מ ְדָין שׁ ֶ ַבע שׁ ָ ִנים׃ Hashem, and Hashem delivered them into the hands of the Midianites for seven years. ב ַו ָּת ָעז ַי ִד־מ ְדָין ַע ִל־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִמ ְּפ ֵני ִמ ְדָין The hand of the Midianites prevailed over 2 ָע ּשׂו ָל ֶהם ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ַת־ה ִּמ ְנ ָהרוֹת Yisrael; and because of Midian, the Israelites ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֶּב ָהִרים ְו ֶא ַת־ה ְּמ ָערוֹת ְו ֶאת־ provided themselves with refuges in the caves and

ַה ְּמ ָצדוֹת׃ .Judges strongholds of the mountains ג ְו ָהָיה ִא ָם־זַרע ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְו ָע ָלה ִמ ְדָין ,After the Israelites had done their sowing, Midian 3 ַו ֲע ָמ ֵלק ּו ְב ֵנ ֶי־ק ֶדם ְו ָע ּלו ָע ָליו׃ Amalek, and the Kedemites would come up and raid them; ד ַוַּי ֲח ּנו ֲע ֵל ֶיהם ַוַּישׁ ְ ִח ּיתו ֶא ְת־י ּבול ָה ָאֶרץ they would attack them, destroy the produce of 4 ַע ּד־ב ֲוֹא ָך ַעָ ּזה ְו ַלֹא־ישׁ ְ ִא ּירו ִמ ְחָיה the land all the way to Azza, and leave no means of ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְו ֶשׂה ָושׁ וֹר ַו ֲחמוֹר׃ .sustenance in Yisrael, not a sheep or an ox or an ass ה ִּכי ֵהם ּו ִמ ְק ֵנ ֶיהם ַי ֲע ּלו ְו ָא ֳה ֵל ֶיהם For they would come up with their livestock and 5 יבאו ּ]ו ָב ּאו[ ְכ ֵד ַי־אְר ֶּבה ָלרֹב ְו ָל ֶהם their tents, swarming as thick as locusts; they and ְו ִל ְג ַמ ֵּל ֶיהם ֵאין ִמ ְס ָּפר ַוָּי ּבֹאו ָב ָאֶרץ their camels were innumerable. Thus they would ְ ל שׁ ַ ֲ ח ָ ת ּ ה ׃ .invade the land and ravage it ו ַוִּי ַ ּדל ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְמאֹד ִמ ְּפ ֵני ִמ ְדָין ַוִּיְז ֲע ּקו Yisrael was reduced to utter misery by the 6 ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה׃ .Midianites, and the Israelites cried out to Hashem ז ַוְי ִהי ִּכ ָי־ז ֲע ּקו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ַעל When the Israelites cried to Hashem on account of 7 אֹדוֹת ִמ ְדָין׃ ,Midian ח ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ְי ָהֹוה ִאישׁ ָנ ִביא ֶא ְּל־ב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל Hashem sent a Navi to the Israelites who said to 8 ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם ּכ ָֹה־א ַמר ְי ָהֹוה ֱא ֵלֹהי them, “Thus saidHashem , the God of Yisrael: I ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָא ִנֹכי ֶה ֱע ֵל ִיתי ֶא ְת ֶכם ִמ ִּמ ְצַרִים brought you up out of Egypt and freed you from ָו ִאֹציא ֶא ְת ֶכם ִמ ֵּבית ֲע ָב ִדים׃ .the house of bondage ט ָו ַא ִּצל ֶא ְת ֶכם ִמַּיד ִמ ְצַרִים ּו ִמַּיד ָּכל־ I rescued you from the Egyptians and from all 9 ֲלֹח ֵצ ֶיכם ָו ֲא ָגֵרשׁ ָאוֹתם ִמ ְּפ ֵנ ֶיכם your oppressors; I drove them out before you, and ָו ֶא ְּת ָנה ָל ֶכם ֶא ַת־אְר ָצם׃ .gave you their land va-a-TZIL et-KHEM mi-YAD mitz-RA-yim u-mi-YAD kol lo-kha-tzay-KHEM va-a- ga-RAYSH o-TAM mi-p’-nay-KHEM va-e-t’-NAH la-KHEM et ar-TZAM י ָו ְאֹמָרה ָל ֶכם ֲא ִני ְי ָהֹוה ֱא ֵלֹה ֶיכם לֹא And I said to you, ‘I Hashem am your God. You 10 ִת ְיר ּאו ֶא ֱת־א ֵלֹהי ָה ֱא ִמֹרי ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַא ֶּתם must not worship the gods of the Amorites in יוֹשׁ ְ ִבים ְּב ַאְר ָצם ְולֹא שׁ ְ ַמ ְע ֶּתם ְּב ִקוֹלי׃ ”.whose land you dwell.’ But you did not obey Me

6:9 I rescued you from the Egyptians When the that the exodus was not simply a historical event. It was Children of Israel cry out to Hashem due to the the beginning of a redemptive process which continues Midianite persecution, God sends a prophet to remind throughout Jewish history. Thus, all future redemptions, them that He is the one who brought them out from including Gidon’s defeat of Midian and including the Egyptian oppression into Eretz Yisrael. Rabbi Abraham State of Israel’s defeat of its enemies in our generation, Isaac Kook, the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Palestine are all part of the ongoing redemption that will Rabbi Abraham under the British Mandate and founder of the Mercaz culminate with the coming of Mashiach and the Isaac Kook (1865-1935) Harav Yeshiva in the early twentieth century, teaches rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash in Yerushalayim.

37 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ו Chapter 6

יא ַוָּיבֹא ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ַּת ַחת ָה ֵא ָלה An angel of Hashem came and sat under the terebinth 11 ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּב ָע ְפָרה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְל ָיוֹאשׁ ֲא ִבי ָה ֶעְזִרי .at Ophrah, which belonged to Yoash the Abiezrite ְו ִג ְדעוֹן ְּבנוֹ ֵחֹבט ִח ִּטים ַּב ַּגת ְל ָה ִניס His son Gidon was then beating out wheat inside a ִמ ְּפ ֵני ִמ ְדָין׃ .winepress in order to keep it safe from the Midianites יב ַוֵּיָרא ֵא ָליו ַמ ְּל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו The angel ofHashem appeared to him and said to 12 ְי ָהֹוה ִע ְּמ ָך ִּג ּבוֹר ֶה ָחִיל׃ ”!him, “Hashem is with you, valiant warrior

Judges יג ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ִּג ְדעוֹן ִּבי ֲא ִדֹני ְוֵישׁ ְי ָהֹוה Gidon said to him, “Please, my lord, if Hashem is 13 ִע ָּמ ּנו ְו ָל ָּמה ְמ ָצ ַא ְת ּנו ָּכל־זֹאת ְו ַאֵּיה with us, why has all this befallen us? Where are ָכ ִל־נ ְפ ְל ָאֹתיו ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִס ְּפ ּרו ָ־ל ּנו ֲא ֵבוֹת ּינו all His wondrous deeds about which our fathers ֵלאמֹר ֲהלֹא ִמ ִּמ ְצַרִים ֶה ֱע ָל ּנו ְי ָהֹוה told us, saying, ‘Truly Hashem brought us up ְו ַע ָּתה ְנ ָטשׁ ָ ּנו ְי ָהֹוה ַוִּי ְּת ֵנ ּנו ְּב ַכ ִף־מ ְדָין׃ from Egypt’? Now Hashem has abandoned us and delivered us into the hands of Midian!” יד ַוִּי ֶפן ֵא ָליו ְי ָהֹוה ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵל ְך ְּב ֲכֹח ָך ֶזה Hashem turned to him and said, “Go in this 14 ְוהוֹשׁ ַ ְע ָּת ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִמ ַּכף ִמ ְדָין ֲהלֹא strength of yours and deliver Yisrael from the שׁ ְ ַ ל ְ ח ִ ּ ת י ָך ׃ ”.Midianites. I herewith make you My messenger טו ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ִּבי ֲא ָדֹני ַּב ָּמה אוֹשׁ ִ ַיע ֶאת־ He said to Him, “Please, my lord, how can I deliver 15 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִה ֵנּה ַא ְל ִּפי ַה ַ ּדל ִּב ְמ ַנשֶּׁ ה ְו ָא ִנֹכי ,Yisrael? Why, my clan is the humblest in Menashe ַה ָּצ ִעיר ְּב ֵבית ָא ִבי׃ ”.and I am the youngest in my father’s household טז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ְי ָהֹוה ִּכי ֶא ְהֶיה ִע ָּמ ְך ְו ִה ִּכ ָית Hashem replied, “I will be with you, and you shall 16 ֶא ִת־מ ְדָין ְּכ ִאישׁ ֶא ָחד׃ ”.defeat Midian to a man יז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ִא ָם־נא ָמ ָצ ִאתי ֵחן ְּב ֵע ֶינ ָיך And he said to Him, “If I have gained Your favor, give 17 ְו ָע ִשׂ ָית ִּלי אוֹת שׁ ָ ַא ָּתה ְמ ַד ֵּבר ִע ִּמי׃ :me a sign that it is You who are speaking to me יח ַא ָל־נא ָת ֻמשׁ ִמֶ ּזה ַע ּד־ב ִֹאי ֵא ֶל ָיך do not leave this place until I come back to You and 18 ְו ֵהֹצ ִאתי ֶא ִת־מ ְנ ָח ִתי ְו ִה ַנּ ְח ִּתי ְל ָפ ֶנ ָיך bring out my offering and place it before You.” And ַו ּי ַֹאמר ָא ִנֹכי ֵאשׁ ֵ ב ַעד שׁ ּו ֶב ָך׃ ”.He answered, “I will stay until you return יט ְו ִג ְדעוֹן ָּבא ַוַּי ַעשׂ ְּג ִד ִי־עִ ּזים ְו ֵא ַיפת־ [So Gidon went in and prepared a kid, and [baked 19 ֶק ַמח ַמ ּצוֹת ַה ָּב ָשׂר ָשׂם ַּב ַּסל ְו ַה ָּמַרק unleavened bread from an ephah of flour. He put ָשׂם ַּב ָּפ ּרור ַו ּי ֵוֹצא ֵא ָליו ֶא ַּל־ת ַחת ָה ֵא ָלה the meat in a basket and poured the broth into a ַ ו ַ ּ י ַ ּ ג שׁ ׃ pot, and he brought them out to Him under the terebinth. As he presented them, כ ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ַמ ְל ַא ְך ָה ֱא ִלֹהים ַקח ֶאת־ the angel of Hashem said to him, “Take the meat 20 ַה ָּב ָשׂר ְו ֶא ַת־ה ַּמ ּצוֹת ְו ַה ַנּח ֶא ַל־ה ֶּס ַלע and the unleavened bread, put them on yonder ַה ָּלז ְו ֶא ַת־ה ָּמַרק שׁ ְ ְפוֹך ַוַּי ַעשׂ ֵּכן׃ .rock, and spill out the broth.” He did so כא ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ְת־ק ֵצה ַה ִּמשׁ ְ ֶע ֶנת The angel ofHashem held out the staff that he 21 ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּבָידוֹ ַוִּי ַּגע ַּב ָּב ָשׂר ּו ַב ַּמ ּצוֹת ַו ַּת ַעל carried, and touched the meat and the unleavened ָה ֵאשׁ ִמ ַן־ה ּצ ּור ַו ּת ַֹאכל ֶא ַת־ה ָּב ָשׂר bread with its tip. A fire sprang up from the rock ְו ֶא ַת־ה ַּמ ּצוֹת ּו ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ָה ַל ְך ֵמ ֵע ָיניו׃ .and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread And the angel of Hashem vanished from his sight. כב ַוַּיְרא ִּג ְדעוֹן ִּכ ַי־מ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ּהוא ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ;ThenGidon realized that it was an angel of Hashem 22 ִּג ְדעוֹן ֲא ָה ּה ֲא ָדֹני ְי ִהוה ִּכ ַי־ע ֵּל־כן ָר ִא ִיתי and Gidon said, “Alas, O Hashem! For I have seen ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ָּפ ִנים ֶא ָּל־פ ִנים׃ ”.an angel of Hashem face to face כג ַו ּי ֶֹאמר לוֹ ְי ָהֹוה שׁ ָ לוֹם ְל ָך ַא ִּל־ת ָירא לֹא ,But Hashem said to him, “All is well; have no fear 23 ָּת ּמות׃ ”.you shall not die 38 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ו Chapter 6

כד ַוִּי ֶבן שׁ ָ ם ִּג ְדעוֹן ִמְז ֵּב ַח ַל ָיהֹוה ַוִּי ְקָרא־ So Gidon built there a mizbayach to Hashem and 24 לוֹ ְי ָהֹוה שׁ ָ לוֹם ַעד ַה ּיוֹם ַהֶ ּזה ֶעוֹד ּנּו called it Adonaishalom. To this day it stands in ְּב ָע ְפָרת ֲא ִבי ָה ֶעְזִרי׃ .Ophrah of the Abiezrites כה ַוְי ִהי ַּב ַּלְי ָלה ַה ּהוא ַו ּי ֶֹאמר לוֹ ְי ָהֹוה ַקח That nightHashem said to him: “Take the young 25 ֶא ַּת־פ ַר־השּׁ וֹר ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְל ָא ִב ָיך ּו ַפר ַהשֵּׁ ִני bull belonging to your father and another bull שׁ ֶ ַבע שׁ ָ ִנים ְו ָהַר ְס ָּת ֶא ִת־מְז ַּבח ַה ַּב ַעל seven years old; pull down the altar of Baal which ָ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְל ָא ִביך ְו ֶא ָת־ה ֲאשׁ ֵ ָרה ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־ע ָליו Judges belongs to your father, and cut down the sacred ִּת ְכרֹת׃ .post which is beside it כו ּו ָב ִנ ָית ִמְז ֵּב ַח ַל ָיהֹוה ֱא ֶלֹה ָיך ַעל רֹאשׁ Then build amizbayach to Hashem your God, on 26 ַה ָּמעוֹז ַהֶ ּזה ַּב ַּמ ֲעָר ָכה ְו ָל ַק ְח ָּת ֶא ַת־ה ָּפר the level ground on top of this stronghold. Take the ַהשֵּׁ ִני ְו ַה ֲע ִל ָית ָעוֹלה ַּב ֲע ֵצי ָה ֲאשׁ ֵ ָרה other bull and offer it as a burnt offering, using the ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִּת ְכרֹת׃ ”.wood of the sacred post that you have cut down כז ַוִּי ַּקח ִּג ְדעוֹן ֲע ָשׂ ָרה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ֵמ ֲע ָב ָדיו So Gidon took ten of his servants and did as 27 ַוַּי ַעשׂ ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִ ּד ֶּבר ֵא ָליו ְי ָהֹוה ַוְי ִהי Hashem had told him; but as he was afraid to do it ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָיֵרא ֶא ֵּת־בית ָא ִביו ְו ֶא ַת־א ְנשׁ ֵ י by day, on account of his father’s household and the ָה ִעיר ֵמ ֲעשׂוֹת ָיוֹמם ַוַּי ַעשׂ ָלְי ָלה׃ .townspeople, he did it by night כח ַוַּישׁ ְ ִּכ ּימו ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ָה ִעיר ַּב ּב ֶֹקר ְו ִה ֵנּה ֻנ ַּתץ Early the next morning, the townspeople found 28 ִמְז ַּבח ַה ַּב ַעל ְו ָה ֲאשׁ ֵ ָרה ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־ע ָליו that the altar of Baal had been torn down and the ּכָֹר ָתה ְו ֵאת ַה ָּפר ַהשֵּׁ ִני ֲהֹע ָלה ַעל־ sacred post beside it had been cut down, and that ַה ִּמְז ֵּב ַח ַה ָּב ּנוי׃ the second bull had been offered on the newly built mizbayach. כט ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִאישׁ ֶא ֵל־ר ֵע ּהו ִמי ָע ָשׂה ַה ָ ּד ָבר ”?They said to one another, “Who did this thing 29 ַהֶ ּזה ַוִּי ְדְרשׁ ּו ַוְי ַב ְקשׁ ּו ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִּג ְדעוֹן ֶּבן־ ,Upon inquiry and investigation, they were told ָיוֹאשׁ ָע ָשׂה ַה ָ ּד ָבר ַהֶ ּזה׃ ”!Gidon son of Yoash did this thing“ ל ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ָה ִעיר ֶא ָל־יוֹאשׁ ֵהוֹצא The townspeople said toYoash , “Bring out your 30 ֶא ִּת־ב ְנ ָך ְוָימֹת ִּכי ָנ ַתץ ֶא ִת־מְז ַּבח ַה ַּב ַעל son, for he must die: he has torn down the altar of ְו ִכי ָכַרת ָה ֲאשׁ ֵ ָרה ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־ע ָליו׃ ”!Baal and cut down the sacred post beside it לא ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָיוֹאשׁ ְלכֹל ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־ע ְמ ּדו ָע ָליו ,But Yoash said to all who had risen against him 31 ַה ַא ֶּתם ְּתִר ּיבון ַל ַּב ַעל ִא ַם־א ֶּתם Do you have to contend for Baal? Do you have to“ ּתוֹשׁ ִ ּיעון אוֹתוֹ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָיִריב לוֹ ּיו ַמת ַעד־ vindicate him? Whoever fights his battles shall be ַה ּב ֶֹקר ִא ֱם־א ִלֹהים ּהוא ָיֶרב לוֹ ִּכי ָנ ַתץ dead by morning! If he is a god, let him fight his ֶא ִת־מְז ְּבחוֹ׃ own battles, since it is his altar that has been torn down!” לב ַוִּי ְקָרא־לוֹ ַב ּי ַוֹם־ה ּהוא ְיֻר ַּב ַעל ֵלאמֹר That day they named himYerubaal , meaning “Let 32 ָיֶרב ּבוֹ ַה ַּב ַעל ִּכי ָנ ַתץ ֶא ִת־מְז ְּבחוֹ׃ Baal contend with him, since he tore down his altar.” לג ְו ָכ ִל־מ ְדָין ַו ֲע ָמ ֵלק ּו ְב ֵנ ֶי־ק ֶדם ֶנ ֶא ְס ּפו All Midian, Amalek, and the Kedemites joined 33 ַי ְח ָ ּדו ַוַּי ַע ְב ּרו ַוַּי ֲח ּנו ְּב ֵע ֶמק ִיְזְר ֶעאל׃ forces; they crossed over and encamped in the Valley of Yizrael. לד ְו ּרו ַח ְי ָהֹוה ָל ְבשׁ ָ ה ֶא ִּת־ג ְדעוֹן ַוִּי ְת ַקע The spirit ofHashem enveloped Gidon; he sounded 34 ַּבשּׁ ָוֹפר ַוִיָ ּז ֵעק ֲא ִב ֶיעֶזר ַא ֲחָריו׃ .the shofar, and the Abiezrites rallied behind him

39 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ז Chapter 7

לה ּו ַמ ְל ָא ִכים שׁ ָ ַלח ְּב ָכ ְל־מ ַנשֶּׁ ה ַוִיָ ּז ֵעק ,And he sent messengers throughout Menashe 35 ַּג ּם־הוא ַא ֲחָריו ּו ַמ ְל ָא ִכים שׁ ָ ַלח ְּב ָאשׁ ֵ ר and they too rallied behind him. He then sent ּו ִבְז ֻב ּלון ּו ְב ַנ ְפ ָּת ִלי ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ִל ְקָר ָאתם׃ ,messengers through Asher, Zevulun, and Naftali and they came up to meet the Manassites. לו ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִּג ְדעוֹן ֶא ָל־ה ֱא ִלֹהים ִא ֶם־ישׁ ְ ָך And Gidon said to Hashem, “If You really intend to 36 מוֹשׁ ִ ַיע ְּבָי ִדי ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִ ּד ַּבְר ָּת׃ —deliver Yisrael through me as You have said

Judges לז ִה ֵנּה ָא ִנֹכי ַמ ִּציג ֶא ִּת־גַ ּזת ַה ֶּצ ֶמר ַּב ּגֶֹרן .here I place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor 37 ִאם ַטל ִי ְהֶיה ַע ַל־ה ִּגָ ּזה ְל ַב ָ ּד ּה ְו ַע ָּל־כל־ If dew falls only on the fleece and all the ground ָה ָאֶרץ ֶחֹרב ְוָי ַד ְע ִּתי ִּכי־תוֹשׁ ִ ַיע ְּבָי ִדי remains dry, I shall know that You will deliver ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִ ּד ַּבְר ָּת׃ ”.Yisrael through me, as You have said לח ַוְי ִה ֵי־כן ַוַּישׁ ְ ֵּכם ִמ ָּמ ֳחָרת ַוָּיַזר ֶא ַת־ה ִּגָ ּזה And that is what happened. Early the next day, he 38 ַוִּי ֶמץ ַטל ִמ ַן־ה ִּגָ ּזה ְמלוֹא ַה ֵּס ֶפל ָמִים׃ squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew from the fleece, a bowlful of water. לט ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִּג ְדעוֹן ֶא ָל־ה ֱא ִלֹהים ַא ִל־י ַחר ThenGidon said to Hashem, “Do not be angry with 39 ַא ְּפ ָך ִּבי ַו ֲא ַד ְּבָרה ַא ְך ַה ָּפ ַעם ֲא ַנ ֶּסה ָנּא־ me if I speak just once more. Let me make just one ַר ַק־ה ַּפ ַעם ַּב ִּגָ ּזה ְי ִה ָי־נא ֶחֹרב ֶא ַל־ה ִּגָ ּזה more test with the fleece: let the fleece alone be ְל ַב ָ ּד ּה ְו ַע ָּל־כ ָל־ה ָאֶרץ ִי ְהֶי ָּה־טל׃ ”.dry, while there is dew all over the ground

מ ַוַּי ַעשׂ ֱא ִלֹהים ֵּכן ַּב ַּלְי ָלה ַה ּהוא ַוְי ִהי־ ,Hashem did so that night: only the fleece was dry 40 ֶחֹרב ֶא ַל־ה ִּגָ ּזה ְל ַב ָ ּד ּה ְו ַע ָּל־כ ָל־ה ָאֶרץ .while there was dew all over the ground ָהָיה ָטל׃ א ַוַּישׁ ְ ֵּכם ְיֻר ַּב ַעל ּהוא ִג ְדעוֹן ְו ָכ ָל־ה ָעם Early next day, Yerubaal—that is, Gidon—and all 1 7 ז ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִא ּתוֹ ַוַּי ֲח ּנו ַע ֵל־עין ֲחרֹד ּו ַמ ֲח ֵנה ,the troops with him encamped above En-harod ִמ ְדָין ָהָיה־לוֹ ִמ ָּצפוֹן ִמ ִּג ְב ַעת ַה ּמ ֶוֹרה while the camp of Midian was in the plain to the ָּב ֵע ֶמק׃ .north of him, at Gibeath-moreh

ב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ִּל־ג ְדעוֹן ַרב ָה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ר Hashem said to Gidon, “You have too many troops 2 ִא ָּת ְך ִמ ִּת ִּתי ֶא ִת־מ ְדָין ְּבָי ָדם ֶּפ ִן־י ְת ָּפ ֵאר ;with you for Me to deliver Midian into their hands ָע ַלי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֵלאמֹר ָי ִדי הוֹשׁ ִ ָיעה ִּלי׃ Yisrael might claim for themselves the glory due to Me, thinking, ‘Our own hand has brought us victory.’ ג ְו ַע ָּתה ְקָרא ָנא ְּב ָאְז ֵני ָה ָעם ֵלאמֹר ִמי־ Therefore, announce to the men, ‘Let anybody who 3 ָיֵרא ְו ָחֵרד ָישׁ ֹב ְוִי ְצ ּפֹר ֵמ ַהר ַה ִּג ְל ָעד is timid and fearful turn back, as a bird flies from ַוָּישׁ ָ ב ִמ ָן־ה ָעם ֶע ְשׂ ִרים ּושׁ ְ ַנִים ֶא ֶלף Mount Gilad.’” Thereupon, 22,000 of the troops ַו ֲע ֶשׂ ֶרת ֲא ָל ִפים ִנשׁ ְ ָא ּרו׃ .turned back and 10,000 remained ד ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ִּל־ג ְדעוֹן עוֹד ָה ָעם ָרב There are still too many troops,”Hashem said to“ 4 ֵהוֹרד ָאוֹתם ֶא ַל־ה ַּמִים ְו ֶא ְצְר ֶפ ּנּו ְל ָך Gidon. “Take them down to the water and I will שׁ ָ ם ְו ָהָיה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַאֹמר ֵא ֶל ָיך ֶזה ֵי ֵל ְך ִא ָּת ְך ,sift them for you there. Anyone of whom I tell you ּהוא ֵי ֵל ְך ִא ָּת ְך ְוכֹל ֲאשׁ ֶ ַר־אֹמר ֵא ֶל ָיך ֶזה This one is to go with you,’ that one shall go with‘ ֵלֹא־י ֵל ְך ִע ָּמ ְך ּהוא לֹא ֵי ֵל ְך׃ you; and anyone of whom I tell you, ‘This one is not to go with you,’ that one shall not go.”

40 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ז Chapter 7

ה ַו ּי ֶוֹרד ֶא ָת־ה ָעם ֶא ַל־ה ָּמִים ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְי ָהֹוה So he took the troops down to the water. Then 5 ֶא ִּל־ג ְדעוֹן ּכֹל ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־ילֹק ִּב ְלשׁ וֹנוֹ ִמן־ Hashem said to Gidon, “Set apart all those who lap ַה ַּמִים ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָילֹק ַה ֶּכ ֶלב ַּת ִ ּציג אוֹתוֹ ְל ָבד up the water with their tongues like dogs from all ְוכֹל ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־י ְכַרע ַע ִּל־בְר ָּכיו ִלשׁ ְ ּתוֹת׃ ”.those who get down on their knees to drink va-YO-red et ha-AM el ha-MA-yim va-YO-mer a-do-NAI el gid-ON KOL a-sher ya- LOK bil-sho-NO min ha-MA-yim ka-a-SHER ya-LOK ha-KE-lev ta-TZEEG o-TO l’-VAD v’-KHOL a-sher yikh-RA al bir-KAV lish-TOT Judges ו ַוְי ִהי ִמ ְס ַּפר ַה ֲמ ַל ְק ִקים ְּבָי ָדם ֶא ִּל־פ ֶיהם Now those who “lapped” the water into their 6 שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֵמאוֹת ִאישׁ ְוכֹל ֶי ֶתר ָה ָעם ָּכְר ּעו mouths by hand numbered three hundred; all the ַע ִּל־בְר ֵכ ֶיהם ִלשׁ ְ ּתוֹת ָמִים׃ .rest of the troops got down on their knees to drink ז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ִּל־ג ְדעוֹן ִּבשׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֵמאוֹת ThenHashem said to Gidon, “I will deliver you 7 ָה ִאישׁ ַה ֲמ ַל ְק ִקים אוֹשׁ ִ ַיע ֶא ְת ֶכם ְו ָנ ַת ִּתי and I will put Midian into your hands through the ֶא ִת־מ ְדָין ְּבָי ֶד ָך ְו ָכ ָל־ה ָעם ֵי ְל ּכו ִאישׁ three hundred ‘lappers’; let the rest of the troops ִל ְמקֹמוֹ׃ ”.go home ח ַוִּי ְק ּחו ֶא ֵת־צ ָדה ָה ָעם ְּבָי ָדם ְו ֵאת So [the lappers] took the provisions and shofarot 8 שׁ ְוֹפ ֵרֹת ֶיהם ְו ֵאת ָּכ ִל־אישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל שׁ ִ ַּלח that the other men had with them, and he sent ִאישׁ ְל ָאֹה ָליו ּו ִבשׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֵ־מאוֹת ָה ִאישׁ ,the rest of the men of Yisrael back to their homes ֶה ֱחִזיק ּו ַמ ֲח ֵנה ִמ ְדָין ָהָיה לוֹ ִמ ַּת ַחת retaining only the three hundred men.The ָּב ֵע ֶמק׃ .Midianite camp was below him, in the plain ט ַוְי ִהי ַּב ַּלְי ָלה ַה ּהוא ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ְי ָהֹוה That nightHashem said to him, “Come, attack the 9 ּקום ֵרד ַּב ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ִּכי ְנ ַת ִּתיו ְּבָי ֶד ָך׃ .camp, for I have delivered it into your hands י ְו ִא ָם־יֵרא ַא ָּתה ָלֶר ֶדת ֵרד ַא ָּתה ּו ֻפָרה And if you are afraid to attack, first go down to the 10 ַנ ַעְר ָך ֶא ַל־ה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה׃ camp with your attendant Purah יא ְושׁ ָ ַמ ְע ָּת ַמ ְה־י ַד ֵּב ּרו ְו ַא ַחר ֶּת ֱחַז ְק ָנה ָי ֶד ָיך and listen to what they say; after that you will have 11 ְוָיַר ְד ָּת ַּב ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ַוֵּיֶרד ּהוא ּו ֻפָרה ַנ ֲערוֹ the courage to attack the camp.” So he went down ֶא ְל־ק ֵצה ַה ֲח ֻמשׁ ִ ים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַּב ַּמ ֲח ֶנה׃ with his attendant Purah to the outposts of the warriors who were in the camp. יב ּו ִמ ְדָין ַו ֲע ָמ ֵלק ְו ָכ ְּל־ב ֵנ ֶי־ק ֶדם ְנֹפ ִלים Now Midian, Amalek, and all the Kedemites were 12 ָּב ֵע ֶמק ָּכ ַאְר ֶּבה ָלרֹב ְו ִל ְג ַמ ֵּל ֶיהם ֵאין spread over the plain, as thick as locusts; and their ִמ ְס ָּפר ַּכחוֹל שׁ ֶ ַע ְל־שׂ ַפת ַהָּים ָלרֹב׃ camels were countless, as numerous as the sands on the seashore. יג ַוָּיבֹא ִג ְדעוֹן ְו ִה ֵנּ ִה־אישׁ ְמ ַס ֵּפר ְלֵר ֵע ּהו Gidon came there just as one man was narrating a 13 ֲחלוֹם ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִה ֵנּה ֲחלוֹם ָח ַל ְמ ִּתי ְו ִה ֵנּה dream to another. “Listen,” he was saying, “I had צלול ְ]צ ִליל[ ֶל ֶחם ְשׂ ִעֹרים ִמ ְת ַה ֵּפ ְך this dream: There was a commotion—a loaf of ְּב ַמ ֲח ֵנה ִמ ְדָין ַוָּיבֹא ַע ָד־ה ֶאֹהל ַוַּי ֵּכ ּהו barley bread was whirling through the Midianite ַוִּי ּפֹל ַוַּי ַה ְפ ֵכ ּהו ְל ַמ ְע ָלה ְו ָנ ַפל ָה ֶאֹהל׃ camp. It came to a tent and struck it, and it fell; it turned it upside down, and the tent collapsed.”

7:5 Set apart all those who lap up the water with that the fact that they kneeled is proof that they had their tongues For it to be clear to all that the earlier knelt in worship of idols. Eretz Yisrael cannot victory of the Israelites would be a miraculous one, tolerate idolatry (see Deuteronomy 29:24-27). Therefore, Hashem orders Gidon to reduce the size of his army. He those soldiers who have previously engaged in such tells Gidon to send home all those who kneel down to worship are the ones to be removed from this battle for drink water prior to the battle against Midian. Rashi says control of the land.

41 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ז Chapter 7

יד ַוַּי ַען ֵר ֵע ּהו ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵאין זֹאת ִּב ְל ִּתי To this the other responded, “That can only mean 14 ִא ֶם־חֶרב ִּג ְדעוֹן ֶּב ָן־יוֹאשׁ ִאישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל .the sword of the Israelite Gidon son of Yoash ָנ ַתן ָה ֱא ִלֹהים ְּבָידוֹ ֶא ִת־מ ְדָין ְו ֶא ָּת־כל־ Hashem is delivering Midian and the entire camp ַה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה׃ ”.into his hands טו ַוְי ִהי ִכשׁ ְ ַמֹע ִּג ְדעוֹן ֶא ִת־מ ְס ַּפר ַה ֲחלוֹם ,When Gidon heard the dream told and interpreted 15 ְו ֶאת־שׁ ִ ְברוֹ ַוִּישׁ ְ ָּת ּחו ַוָּישׁ ָ ב ֶא ַל־מ ֲח ֵנה ,he bowed low. Returning to the camp of Yisrael

Judges ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ּקו ּמו ִּכ ָי־נ ַתן ְי ָהֹוה he shouted, “Come on! Hashem has delivered the ְּבֶי ְד ֶכם ֶא ַת־מ ֲח ֵנה ִמ ְדָין׃ ”!Midianite camp into your hands טז ַוַּי ַחץ ֶאת־שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֵ־מאוֹת ָה ִאישׁ שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ָ ה He divided the three hundred men into three 16 ָראשׁ ִ ים ַוִּי ֵּתן שׁ ָוֹפרוֹת ְּבַי ֻּד־כ ָּלם ְו ַכ ִ ּדים columns and equipped every man with a shofar and ֵר ִקים ְו ַל ִּפ ִדים ְּב ְתוֹך ַה ַּכ ִ ּדים׃ .an empty jar, with a torch in each jar יז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ֵל ֶיהם ִמ ֶּמ ִנּי ִתְר ּאו ְו ֵכן ַּת ֲע ּשׂו Watch me,” he said, “and do the same. When I get“ 17 ְו ִה ֵנּה ָא ִנֹכי ָבא ִּב ְק ֵצה ַה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ְו ָהָיה .to the outposts of the camp, do exactly as I do ַכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ֶר־א ֱע ֶשׂה ֵּכן ַּת ֲע ּשׂון׃ יח ְו ָת ַק ְע ִּתי ַּבשּׁ ָוֹפר ָא ִנֹכי ְו ָכ ֲל־אשׁ ֶ ר ִא ִּתי ,When I and all those with me blow our shofarot 18 ּו ְת ַק ְע ֶּתם ַּבשּׁ ָוֹפרוֹת ַּג ַם־א ֶּתם ְס ִביבוֹת you too, all around the camp, will blow your ָּכ ַל־ה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ַו ֲא ַמְר ֶּתם ַל ָיהֹוה ּו ְל ִג ְדעוֹן׃ ”’!shofarot and shout, ‘For Hashem and for Gidon יט ַוָּיבֹא ִג ְדעוֹן ּו ֵמ ָא ִה־אישׁ ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־א ּתוֹ Gidon and the hundred men with him arrived at 19 ִּב ְק ֵצה ַה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה רֹאשׁ ָה ַאשׁ ְ ֶמֹרת the outposts of the camp, at the beginning of the ַה ִּת ָיכוֹנה ַא ְך ָה ֵקם ֵה ִק ּימו ֶאת־ .middle watch, just after the sentries were posted ַהשּׁ ְֹמִרים ַוִּי ְת ְק ּעו ַּבשּׁ ָוֹפרוֹת ְו ָנפוֹץ They sounded theshofarot and smashed the jars ַה ַּכ ִ ּדים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּבָי ָדם׃ ,that they had with them כ ַוִּי ְת ְק ּעו שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֶ ת ָהָראשׁ ִ ים ַּבשּׁ ָוֹפרוֹת and the three columns blew their shofarot and broke 20 ַוִּישׁ ְ ְּב ּרו ַה ַּכ ִ ּדים ַוַּי ֲחִז ּיקו ְבַי ְד־שׂ ָמאוֹלם their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and ַּב ַּל ִּפ ִדים ּו ְבַי ְד־י ִמ ָינם ַהשּׁ ָוֹפרוֹת ִל ְת ַקוֹע the shofarot for blowing in their right hands, they ַוִּי ְקְר ּאו ֶחֶרב ַל ָיהֹוה ּו ְל ִג ְדעוֹן׃ ”!shouted, “A sword for Hashem and for Gidon כא ַוַּי ַע ְמ ּדו ִאישׁ ַּת ְח ָּתיו ָס ִביב ַל ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ַוָּיָרץ ,They remained standing where they were 21 ָּכ ַל־ה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ַוָּיִר ּיעו ויניסו ַ]וָּי ּנו ּסו׃[ surrounding the camp; but the entire camp ran about yelling, and took to flight. כב ַוִּי ְת ְק ּעו שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֵ־מאוֹת ַהשּׁ ָוֹפרוֹת ַוָּי ֶשׂם ,For when the three hundred shofarot were sounded 22 ְי ָהֹוה ֵאת ֶחֶרב ִאישׁ ְּבֵר ֵע ּהו ּו ְב ָכל־ Hashem turned every man’s sword against his ַה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ַוָּי ָנס ַה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ַע ֵּד־בית ַהשִּׁ ָּטה fellow, throughout the camp, and the entire host ְצֵרָר ָתה ַעד ְשׂ ַפ ָת־א ֵבל ְמ ָחוֹלה ַעל־ fled as far as Beth-shittah and on to Zererah—as far ַט ָּבת׃ .as the outskirts of Abel-meholah near Tabbath כג ַוִּי ָּצ ֵעק ִאישׁ ִ־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִמ ַנּ ְפ ָּת ִלי ּו ִמ ָן־אשׁ ֵ ר And now the men of Yisrael from Naftali and Asher 23 ּו ִמ ָּן־כ ְל־מ ַנשֶּׁ ה ַוִּיְר ְ ּד ּפו ַא ֲחֵרי ִמ ְדָין׃ and from all of Menashe rallied for the pursuit of the Midianites. כד ּו ַמ ְל ָא ִכים שׁ ָ ַלח ִּג ְדעוֹן ְּב ָכ ַל־הר ֶא ְפַרִים Gidon also sent messengers all through the hill 24 ֵלאמֹר ְר ּדו ִל ְקַראת ִמ ְדָין ְו ִל ְכ ּדו ָל ֶהם country of Efraim with this order: “Go down ahead ֶא ַת־ה ַּמִים ַעד ֵּבית ָּבָרה ְו ֶא ַת־הַּיְר ֵ ּדן of the Midianites and seize their access to the water ַוִּי ָּצ ֵעק ָּכ ִל־אישׁ ֶא ְפַרִים ַוִּי ְל ְּכ ּדו ֶאת־ all along the Yarden down to Beth-barah.” So all ַה ַּמִים ַעד ֵּבית ָּבָרה ְו ֶא ַת־הַּיְר ֵ ּדן׃ the men of Efraim rallied and seized the waterside down to Beth-barah by the Yarden.

42 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ח Chapter 8

כה ַוִּי ְל ְּכ ּדו שׁ ְ ֵנ ָי־שׂ ֵרי ִמ ְדָין ֶא ֵת־עֹרב ְו ֶאת־ They pursued the Midianites and captured Midian’s 25 ְז ֵאב ַוַּי ַהְר ּגו ֶא ֵת־עוֹרב ְּב ּצו ֵר־עוֹרב ְו ֶאת־ two generals, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the ְז ֵאב ָהְר ּגו ְבֶי ֶק ְב־ז ֵאב ַוִּיְר ְ ּד ּפו ֶא ִל־מ ְדָין Rock of Oreb and they killed Zeeb at the Winepress ְורֹאשׁ ֵ־עֹרב ּוְז ֵאב ֵה ִב ּיאו ֶא ִּל־ג ְדעוֹן of Zeeb; and they brought the heads of Oreb and ֵמ ֵע ֶבר ַלַּיְר ֵ ּדן׃ .Zeeb from the other side of the Yarden to Gidon ח א ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ֵא ָליו ִאישׁ ֶא ְפַרִים ָמ ַה־ה ָ ּד ָבר And the men of Efraim said to him, “Why did 1 8 ַהֶ ּזה ָע ִשׂ ָית ָּל ּנו ְל ִב ְל ִּתי ְקרֹאות ָל ּנו Judges you do that to us—not calling us when you went ִּכי ָה ַל ְכ ָּת ְל ִה ָּל ֵחם ְּב ִמ ְדָין ַוְיִר ּיבון ִא ּתוֹ to fight the Midianites?” And they rebuked him ְּב ָחְז ָקה׃ .severely ב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ֵל ֶיהם ֶמ ָה־ע ִשׂ ִיתי ַע ָּתה ָּכ ֶכם But he answered them, “After all, what have I 2 ֲהלוֹא טוֹב ְעֹללוֹת ֶא ְפַרִים ִמ ְב ִציר accomplished compared to you? Why, Efraim’s ֲא ִב ֶיעֶזר׃ !gleanings are better than Abiezer’s vintage va-YO-mer a-lay-HEM meh a-SEE-tee a-TAH ka-KHEM ha-LO TOV o-l’-LOT ef-RA-yim miv-TZEER a-vee-E-zer ג ְּבֶי ְד ֶכם ָנ ַתן ֱא ִלֹהים ֶא ָת־שׂ ֵרי ִמ ְדָין ֶאת־ Hashem has delivered the Midianite generals Oreb 3 ֵעֹרב ְו ֶא ְת־ז ֵאב ּו ַמ ָּה־י ְכֹל ִּתי ֲעשׂוֹת ָּכ ֶכם and Zeeb into your hands, and what was I able to ָאז ָר ְפ ָתה ּרו ָחם ֵמ ָע ָליו ְּב ַד ְּברוֹ ַה ָ ּד ָבר do compared to you?” And when he spoke in this ַהֶ ּזה׃ .fashion, their anger against him abated ד ַוָּיבֹא ִג ְדעוֹן ַהַּיְר ֵ ּד ָנה ֵעֹבר ּהוא ּושׁ ְ לֹשׁ ־ Gidon came to the Yarden and crossed it. The three 4 ֵמאוֹת ָה ִאישׁ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִא ּתוֹ ֲעֵי ִפים hundred men with him were famished, but still in ְו ְרֹד ִפים׃ .pursuit ה ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְל ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ֻס ּכוֹת ְּת ּנו ָ־נא ִּכ ְּכרוֹת He said to the people of Succoth, “Please give some 5 ֶל ֶחם ָל ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּבַר ְג ָלי ִּכ ֲי־עֵי ִפים ֵהם ,loaves of bread to the men who are following me ְו ָא ִנֹכי ֵרֹדף ַא ֲחֵרי ֶז ַבח ְו ַצ ְל ֻמ ָנּע ַמ ְל ֵכי for they are famished, and I am pursuing Zebah ִמ ְדָין׃ ”.and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian ו ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָשׂ ֵרי ֻס ּכוֹת ֲה ַכף ֶז ַבח ְו ַצ ְל ֻמ ָנּע But the officials of Succoth replied, “Are Zebah and 6 ַע ָּתה ְּבָי ֶד ָך ִּכ ִי־נ ֵּתן ִל ְצ ָב ֲא ָך ָל ֶחם׃ Zalmunna already in your hands, that we should give bread to your troops?” ז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִּג ְדעוֹן ָל ֵכן ְּב ֵתת ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ֶת־ז ַבח I swear,” declared Gidon, “when Hashem delivers“ 7 ְו ֶא ַת־צ ְל ֻמ ָנּע ְּבָי ִדי ְו ַדשׁ ְ ִּתי ֶא ְּת־ב ַשׂ ְר ֶכם Zebah and Zalmunna into my hands, I’ll thresh ֶא ֵת־קוֹצי ַה ִּמ ְד ָּבר ְו ֶא ַת־ה ַּבְר ֳק ִנים׃ ”!your bodies upon desert thorns and briers

8:2 But he answered them, “After all, what have during the twentieth-century struggle for Jewish I accomplished” Though he has done nothing independence in the Land of Israel, the main Jewish wrong, Gidon nevertheless attempts to pacify the men defense group Haganah fought against the rival group of Efraim who are angry with him, because he recognizes Irgun, which used more extreme measures against the the essential need to avoid civil war. Infighting among British authorities. Although it may have been against the People of Israel always brings disastrous results, such his own narrow interests, the Irgun’s leader, Menachem Prime Minister as the destruction of the second Beit Hamikdash, which, Begin, refused to escalate the violence, saying that civil Menachem Begin according to the Talmud (Yoma 9b), was destroyed war must be avoided at all costs. Begin later became (1913-1992) because of baseless hatred. On a number of occasions Israel’s sixth Prime Minister.

43 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ח Chapter 8

ח ַוַּי ַעל ִמשָּׁ ם ְּפ ּנו ֵאל ַוְי ַד ֵּבר ֲא ֵל ֶיהם ָּכזֹאת From there he went up to Penuel and made the 8 ַוַּי ֲע ּנו אוֹתוֹ ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ְפ ּנו ֵאל ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָע ּנו same request of them; but the people of Penuel ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ֻס ּכוֹת׃ .gave him the same reply as the people of Succoth ט ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ַּג ְם־ל ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ְפ ּנו ֵאל ֵלאמֹר ְּבשׁ ּו ִבי So he also threatened the people of Penuel: “When 9 ְבשׁ ָ לוֹם ֶא ּתֹץ ֶא ַת־ה ִּמ ְג ָ ּדל ַהֶ ּזה׃ ”!I come back safe, I’ll tear down this tower י ְוֶז ַבח ְו ַצ ְל ֻמ ָנּע ַּב ַּקְרקֹר ּו ַמ ֲח ֵנ ֶיהם ִע ָּמם Now Zebah and Zalmunna were at Karkor with 10 Judges ַּכ ֲח ֵמשׁ ֶ ת ָע ָשׂר ֶא ֶלף ּכֹל ַה ָנּוֹתִרים ִמ ּכֹל their army of about 15,000; these were all that ַמ ֲח ֵנה ְב ֵנ ֶי־ק ֶדם ְו ַה ְנֹּפ ִלים ֵמ ָאה ְו ֶע ְשׂ ִרים remained of the entire host of the Kedemites, for ֶא ֶלף ִאישׁ שׁ ֵֹלף ָחֶרב׃ .the slain numbered 120,000 fighting men יא ַוַּי ַעל ִּג ְדעוֹן ֶ ּדֶר ְך ַהשְּׁ ּכו ֵני ָב ֳא ָה ִלים ,Gidon marched up the road of the tent dwellers 11 ִמ ֶּק ֶדם ְל ַנֹבח ְוָי ְג ֳּב ָהה ַוַּי ְך ֶא ַת־ה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה up to east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and routed the ְו ַה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ָהָיה ֶב ַטח׃ .camp, which was off guard יב ַוָּי ּנו ּסו ֶז ַבח ְו ַצ ְל ֻמ ָנּע ַוִּיְר ּדֹף ַא ֲחֵר ֶיהם Zebah and Zalmunna took to flight, withGidon 12 ַוִּי ְל ּכֹד ֶאת־שׁ ְ ֵני ַמ ְל ֵכי ִמ ְדָין ֶא ֶת־ז ַבח in pursuit. He captured Zebah and Zalmunna, the ְו ֶא ַת־צ ְל ֻמ ָנּע ְו ָכ ַל־ה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ֶה ֱחִריד׃ two kings of Midian, and threw the whole army into panic. יג ַוָּישׁ ָ ב ִּג ְדעוֹן ֶּב ָן־יוֹאשׁ ִמ ַן־ה ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה On his way back from the battle at the Ascent of 13 ִמ ְל ַמ ֲע ֵלה ֶה ָחֶרס׃ Heres, Gidon son of Yoash יד ַוִּי ְל ָּכ ַד־נ ַער ֵמ ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ֻס ּכוֹת ַוִּישׁ ְ ָא ֵל ּהו captured a boy from among the people of Succoth 14 ַוִּי ְכ ּתֹב ֵא ָליו ֶא ָת־שׂ ֵרי ֻס ּכוֹת ְו ֶא ְת־ז ֵק ֶנ ָיה and interrogated him. The latter drew up for him a שׁ ִ ְב ִעים ְושׁ ִ ְב ָעה ִאישׁ ׃ -list of the officials and elders of Succoth, seventy seven in number. טו ַוָּיבֹא ֶא ַל־א ְנשׁ ֵ י ֻס ּכוֹת ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִה ֵנּה ֶז ַבח ,Then he came to the people of Succoth and said 15 ְו ַצ ְל ֻמ ָנּע ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֵחַר ְפ ֶּתם ִאוֹתי ֵלאמֹר Here are Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you“ ֲה ַכף ֶז ַבח ְו ַצ ְל ֻמ ָנּע ַע ָּתה ְּבָי ֶד ָך ִּכי ִנ ֵּתן mocked me, saying, ‘Are Zebah and Zalmunna ַל ֲא ָנשׁ ֶ ָיך ַהְּי ֵע ִפים ָל ֶחם׃ already in your hands, that we should give your famished men bread?’” טז ַוִּי ַּקח ֶא ִת־ז ְק ֵני ָה ִעיר ְו ֶא ֵת־קוֹצי ַה ִּמ ְד ָּבר [And he took the elders of the city and, [bringing 16 ְו ֶא ַת־ה ַּבְר ֳק ִנים ַו ּי ַֹדע ָּב ֶהם ֵאת ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י desert thorns and briers, he punished the people of ֻס ּכוֹ ת׃ .Succoth with them יז ְו ֶא ִת־מ ְג ַ ּדל ְּפ ּנו ֵאל ָנ ָתץ ַוַּי ֲהרֹג ֶא ַת־א ְנשׁ ֵ י As for Penuel, he tore down its tower and killed the 17 ָה ִעיר׃ .townspeople יח ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֶא ֶל־ז ַבח ְו ֶא ַל־צ ְל ֻמ ָנּע ֵאיפֹה Then he asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “Those men 18 ָה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֲהַר ְג ֶּתם ְּב ָתבוֹר ַו ּי ֹּאמרו you killed at Tavor, what were they like?” “They ָּכ ָמוֹך ְכ ֶמוֹהם ֶא ָחד ְּכ ַתֹאר ְּב ֵני ַה ֶּמ ֶל ְך׃ looked just like you,” they replied, “like sons of a king.” יט ַו ּי ַֹאמר ַא ַחי ְּב ֵנ ִי־א ִּמי ֵהם ַח ְי־י ָהֹוה ּלו They were my brothers,” he declared, “the sons“ 19 ַה ֲחִי ֶתם ָאוֹתם לֹא ָהַר ְג ִּתי ֶא ְת ֶכם׃ of my mother. As Hashem lives, if you had spared them, I would not kill you.” כ ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְלֶי ֶתר ְּבכוֹרוֹ ּקום ֲהרֹג ָאוֹתם And he commanded his oldest son Jether, “Go kill 20 ְולֹא־שׁ ָ ַלף ַה ַנּ ַער ַחְר ּבוֹ ִּכי ָיֵרא ִּכי ֶעוֹד ּנּו them!” But the boy did not draw his sword, for he ָנ ַער׃ .was timid, being still a boy

44 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ח Chapter 8

כא ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֶז ַבח ְו ַצ ְל ֻמ ָנּע ּקום ַא ָּתה ּו ְפ ַגע־ Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Come, you slay 21 ָּב ּנו ִּכי ָכ ִאישׁ ְּג ּבוָרתוֹ ַוָּי ָקם ִּג ְדעוֹן us; for strength comes with manhood.” So Gidon ַוַּי ֲהרֹג ֶא ֶת־ז ַבח ְו ֶא ַת־צ ְל ֻמ ָנּע ַוִּי ַּקח ֶאת־ went over and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he ַה ַּשׂ ֲה ִרֹנים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּב ַצְּו ֵארי ְג ַמ ֵּל ֶיהם׃ took the crescents that were on the necks of their camels. כב ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִאישׁ ִ־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ִּל־ג ְדעוֹן ְמשׁ ָ ל־ Then the men ofYisrael said to Gidon, “Rule over 22 ָ ָ us—you, your son, and your grandson as well; for ָּב ּנו ַּג ַם־א ָּתה ַּג ִּם־ב ְנך ַּגם ֶּב ְּן־ב ֶנך ִּכי Judges הוֹשׁ ַ ְע ָּת ּנו ִמַּיד ִמ ְדָין׃ ”.you have saved us from the Midianites כג ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ֵל ֶהם ִּג ְדעוֹן ֶלֹא־א ְמשׁ ֹל ֲא ִני ,But Gidon replied, “I will not rule over you myself 23 ָּב ֶכם ְו ִלֹא־י ְמשׁ ֹל ְּב ִני ָּב ֶכם ְי ָהֹוה ִי ְמשׁ ֹל nor shall my son rule over you; Hashem alone shall ָּב ֶכם׃ ”.rule over you כד ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ֵל ֶהם ִּג ְדעוֹן ֶאשׁ ְ ֲא ָלה ִמ ֶּכם And Gidon said to them, “I have a request to make 24 שׁ ְ ֵא ָלה ּו ְת ּנו ִ־לי ִאישׁ ֶנֶזם שׁ ְ ָללוֹ ִּכ ִי־נְז ֵמי of you: Each of you give me the earring he received ָז ָהב ָל ֶהם ִּכי ִישׁ ְ ְמ ֵע ִאלים ֵהם׃ as booty.” (They had golden earrings, for they were Ishmaelites.) כה ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ָנתוֹן ִנ ֵּתן ַוִּי ְפְר ּשׂו ֶא ַת־ה ִּשׂ ְמ ָלה Certainly!” they replied. And they spread out a“ 25 ַוַּישׁ ְ ִל ּיכו שׁ ָ ָּמה ִאישׁ ֶנֶזם שׁ ְ ָללוֹ׃ cloth, and everyone threw onto it the earring he had received as booty. כו ַוְי ִהי ִמשׁ ְ ַקל ִנְז ֵמי ַהָ ּז ָהב ֲאשׁ ֶ ר שׁ ָ ָאל The weight of the golden earrings that he had 26 ֶא ֶלף ּושׁ ְ ַב ֵע־מאוֹת ָז ָהב ְל ַבד ִמן־ requested came to 1,700 shekalim of gold; this ַה ַּשׂ ֲה ִרֹנים ְו ַה ְנּ ִטפוֹת ּו ִב ְג ֵדי ָה ַאְר ָּג ָמן was in addition to the crescents and the pendants שׁ ֶ ַעל ַמ ְל ֵכי ִמ ְדָין ּו ְל ַבד ִמ ָן־ה ֲע ָנקוֹת and the purple robes worn by the kings of Midian ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּב ַצְּו ֵארי ְג ַמ ֵּל ֶיהם׃ and in addition to the collars on the necks of their camels. כז ַוַּי ַעשׂ אוֹתוֹ ִג ְדעוֹן ְל ֵאפוֹד ַוַּי ֵּצג אוֹתוֹ Gidon made an ephod of this gold and set it up in 27 ְב ִעירוֹ ְּב ָע ְפָרה ַוִּיְז ּנו ָכ ִל־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַא ֲחָריו his own town of Ophrah. There allYisrael went שׁ ָ ם ַוְי ִהי ְל ִג ְדעוֹן ּו ְל ֵביתוֹ ְל ֵמוֹקשׁ ׃ astray after it, and it became a snare toGidon and his household. כח ַוִּי ָּכ ַנע ִמ ְדָין ִל ְפ ֵני ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְולֹא ָי ְס ּפו Thus Midian submitted to the Israelites and did not 28 ָל ֵשׂאת רֹאשׁ ָ ם ַו ִּתשׁ ְ קֹט ָה ָאֶרץ ַאְר ָּב ִעים raise its head again; and the land was tranquil for שׁ ָ ָנה ִּב ֵימי ִג ְדעוֹן׃ .forty years in Gidon’s time כט ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ְיֻר ַּב ַעל ֶּב ָן־יוֹאשׁ ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ְּב ֵביתוֹ׃ .So Yerubaal son of Yoash retired to his own house 29 ל ּו ְל ִג ְדעוֹן ָה ּיו שׁ ִ ְב ִעים ָּב ִנים ְיֹצ ֵאי ְיֵרכוֹ Gidon had seventy sons of his own issue, for he had 30 ִּכ ָי־נשׁ ִ ים ַר ּבוֹת ָה ּיו לוֹ׃ .many wives לא ּו ִפ ַיל ְגשׁ וֹ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִּבשׁ ְ ֶכם ָי ְל ָד ּה־לוֹ ַג ִם־היא A son was also born to him by his concubine in 31 ֵּבן ַוָּי ֶשׂם ֶאת־שׁ ְ מוֹ ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך׃ .Shechem, and he named him Avimelech לב ַוָּי ָמת ִּג ְדעוֹן ֶּב ָן־יוֹאשׁ ְּב ֵשׂ ָיבה ָטוֹבה Gidon son of Yoash died at a ripe old age, and was 32 ַוִּי ָּק ֵבר ְּב ֶק ֶבר ָיוֹאשׁ ָא ִביו ְּב ָע ְפָרה ֲא ִבי buried in the tomb of his father Yoash at Ophrah of ָה ֶעְזִרי׃ .the Abiezrites לג ַוְי ִהי ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֵמת ִּג ְדעוֹן ַוָּישׁ ּו ּבו ְּב ֵני After Gidon died, the Israelites again went astray 33 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוִּיְז ּנו ַא ֲחֵרי ַה ְּב ָע ִלים ַוָּי ִשׂ ּימו after the Baalim, and they adopted Baal-berith as a ָל ֶהם ַּב ַעל ְּבִרית ֵל ִאלֹהים׃ .god

45 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ט Chapter 9

לד ְולֹא ָז ְכ ּרו ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְת־י ָהֹוה The Israelites gave no thought toHashem their 34 ֱא ֵלֹה ֶיהם ַה ַּמ ִּציל ָאוֹתם ִמַּיד ָּכל־ God, who saved them from all the enemies around ְאֹי ֵב ֶיהם ִמ ָּס ִביב׃ .them לה ְו ָלֹא־ע ּשׂו ֶח ֶסד ִע ֵּם־בית ְיֻר ַּב ַעל ִּג ְדעוֹן -Nor did they show loyalty to the house of Yerubaal 35 ְּכ ָכ ַל־ה ּט ָוֹבה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָע ָשׂה ִע ִם־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ Gidon in return for all the good that he had done for Yisrael. Judges א ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ֶּב ְן־יֻר ַּב ַעל שׁ ְ ֶכ ָמה Avimelech son of Yerubaal went to his mother’s 1 9 ט ֶא ֲל־א ֵחי ִא ּמוֹ ַוְי ַד ֵּבר ֲא ֵל ֶיהם ְו ֶא ָּל־כל־ brothers in Shechem and spoke to them and to the ִמשׁ ְ ַּפ ַחת ֵּב ֲית־א ִבי ִא ּמוֹ ֵלאמֹר׃ ,whole clan of his mother’s family. He said va-YAY-lekh a-vee-ME-lekh ben y’-ru-BA-al sh’-KHE-mah el a-KHAY i-MO vai-da- BAYR a-lay-HEM v’-el kol mish-PA-khat bayt a-VEE i-MO lay-MOR ב ַ ּד ְּב ּרו ָ־נא ְּב ָאְז ֵני ָכ ַּל־ב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם ַמ ּה־טוֹב :Put this question to all the citizens of Shechem“ 2 ָל ֶכם ַה ְמשׁ ֹל ָּב ֶכם שׁ ִ ְב ִעים ִאישׁ ּכֹל Which is better for you, to be ruled by seventy ְּב ֵני ְיֻר ַּב ַעל ִא ְם־משׁ ֹל ָּב ֶכם ִאישׁ ֶא ָחד men—by all the sons of Yerubaal—or to be ruled ּוְז ַכְר ֶּתם ִּכ ַי־ע ְצ ֵמ ֶכם ּו ְב ַשׂ ְר ֶכם ָא ִני׃ by one man? And remember, I am your own flesh and blood.” ג ַוְי ַד ְּב ּרו ֲא ֵח ִי־א ּמוֹ ָע ָליו ְּב ָאְז ֵני ָּכ ַּל־ב ֲע ֵלי His mother’s brothers said all this in his behalf to 3 שׁ ְ ֶכם ֵאת ָּכ ַל־ה ְ ּד ָבִרים ָה ֵא ֶּלה ַוֵּיט ִל ָּבם all the citizens of Shechem, and they were won over ַא ֲחֵרי ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ִּכי ָא ְמ ּרו ָא ִח ּינו ּהוא׃ ”.to Avimelech; for they thought, “He is our kinsman ד ַוִּי ְּת ּנו־לוֹ שׁ ִ ְב ִעים ֶּכ ֶסף ִמ ֵּב ּית ַב ַעל ְּבִרית They gave him seventy shekalim from the 4 ַוִּי ְשׂ ּכֹר ָּב ֶהם ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ֵר ִיקים temple of Baal-berith; and with this Avimelech ּו ֲפֹחִזים ַוֵּי ְל ּכו ַא ֲחָריו׃ hired some worthless and reckless fellows, and they followed him. ה ַוָּיבֹא ֵב ָית־א ִביו ָע ְפָר ָתה ַוַּי ֲהרֹג ֶאת־ Then he went to his father’s house in Ophrah and 5 ֶא ָחיו ְּב ֵנ ְי־יֻר ַּב ַעל שׁ ִ ְּב ִעים ִאישׁ ַע ֶל־א ֶבן killed his brothers, the sons of Yerubaal, seventy ֶא ָחת ַוִּיָּו ֵתר ָיוֹתם ֶּב ְן־יֻר ַּב ַעל ַה ָּקטֹן ִּכי men on one stone. Only Yotam, the youngest son of ֶנ ְח ָּבא׃ .Yerubaal, survived, because he went into hiding ו ַוֵּי ָא ְס ּפו ָּכ ַּל־ב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם ְו ָכ ֵּל־בית ִמ ּלוֹא All the citizens of Shechem and all Beth-millo 6 ַוֵּי ְל ּכו ַוַּי ְמ ִל ּיכו ֶא ֲת־א ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ְל ֶמ ֶל ְך ִעם־ convened, and they proclaimed Avimelech king at ֵאלוֹן ֻמ ָּצב ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִּבשׁ ְ ֶכם׃ .the terebinth of the pillar at Shechem ז ַוַּי ִּג ּדו ְל ָיוֹתם ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ַוַּי ֲעמֹד ְּברֹאשׁ ַהר־ When Yotam was informed, he went and stood on 7 ְּגִרִזים ַוִּי ָּשׂא קוֹלוֹ ַוִּי ְקָרא ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם top of Mount Gerizim and called out to them in a שׁ ִ ְמ ּעו ֵא ַלי ַּב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם ְוִישׁ ְ ַמע ֲא ֵל ֶיכם loud voice. “Citizens of Shechem!” he cried, “listen ֱא ִלֹהים׃ .to me, that Hashem may listen to you

9:1 Avimelech son of Yerubaal went to his mother’s Yosef in Shechem. Other important sites in Israel were brothers in Shechem The city of Shechem also acquired via purchase, such as the Temple Mount appears many times in the Bible. Yaakov purchases part in Yerushalayim (II Samuel 24) and the cave of Machpelah of the city (Genesis 33:18-20) and later gives it as a in Chevron (Genesis 23). The Rabbis explain that because special gift to his son Yosef (ibid. 49:22-26). Later, when of the public nature of these sales, the entire world must the Children of Israel enter the Land of Israel, they bury recognize Jewish ownership over these three cities. Tomb of Yosef in Shechem

46 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ט Chapter 9

ח ָה ְלוֹך ָה ְל ּכו ָה ֵע ִצים ִל ְמשׁ ַֹח ֲע ֵל ֶיהם ֶמ ֶל ְך Once the trees went to anoint a king over“ 8 ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ַלַ ּזִית מלוכה ָ]מ ְל ָכה[ ָע ֵל ּינו׃ themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’ ט ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם ַהַ ּזִית ֶה ֳח ַד ְל ִּתי ֶא ִ ּת־דשׁ ְ ִני But the olive tree replied, ‘Have I, through whom 9 ֲאשׁ ֶ ִּר־בי ְי ַכ ְּב ּדו ֱא ִלֹהים ַו ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים Hashem and men are honored, stopped yielding my ְו ָה ַל ְכ ִּתי ָל ּנו ַע ַע ָל־ה ֵע ִצים׃ ’?rich oil, that I should go and wave above the trees

י ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ָה ֵע ִצים ַל ְּת ֵא ָנה ְל ִכ ַי־א ְּת ָמ ְל ִכי Judges 10 So the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and ָע ֵל ּינו׃ ’.reign over us יא ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם ַה ְּת ֵא ָנה ֶה ֳח ַד ְל ִּתי ֶאת־ But the fig tree replied, ‘Have I stopped yielding my 11 ָמ ְת ִקי ְו ֶא ְּת־ת ּנו ָב ִתי ַה ּט ָוֹבה ְו ָה ַל ְכ ִּתי sweetness, my delicious fruit, that I should go and ָל ּנו ַע ַע ָל־ה ֵע ִצים׃ ’?wave above the trees יב ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ָה ֵע ִצים ַל ָּג ֶפן ְל ִכ ַי־א ְּת מלוכי So the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign 12 ָ]מ ְל ִכי[ ָע ֵל ּינו׃ ’.over us יג ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם ַה ֶּג ֶפן ֶה ֳח ַד ְל ִּתי ֶאת־ But the vine replied, ‘Have I stopped yielding my 13 ִּתירוֹשׁ ִ י ַה ְמ ַשׂ ֵּמ ַח ֱא ִלֹהים ַו ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים new wine, which gladdens Hashem and men, that I ְו ָה ַל ְכ ִּתי ָל ּנו ַע ַע ָל־ה ֵע ִצים׃ ’?should go and wave above the trees יד ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ָכ ָל־ה ֵע ִצים ֶא ָל־ה ָא ָטד ֵל ְך ַא ָּתה Then all the trees said to the thornbush, ‘You come 14 ְמ ָל ְך ָ־ע ֵל ּינו׃ ’.and reign over us טו ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָה ָא ָטד ֶא ָל־ה ֵע ִצים ִאם ֶּב ֱא ֶמת And the thornbush said to the trees, ‘If you are 15 ַא ֶּתם מֹשׁ ְ ִחים ִאֹתי ְל ֶמ ֶל ְך ֲע ֵל ֶיכם ּב ֹּאו ,acting honorably in anointing me king over you ֲח ּסו ְב ִצ ִּלי ְו ִא ַם־אִין ֵּת ֵצא ֵאשׁ ִמן־ come and take shelter in my shade; but if not, may ָה ָא ָטד ְו ַתֹאכל ֶא ַת־אְרֵזי ַה ְּל ָבנוֹן׃ fire issue from the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!’ טז ְו ַע ָּתה ִא ֶּם־ב ֱא ֶמת ּו ְב ָת ִמים ֲע ִשׂ ֶיתם Now then, if you acted honorably and loyally“ 16 ַו ַּת ְמ ִל ּיכו ֶא ֲת־א ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ְו ִא ָם־טוֹבה in making Avimelech king, if you have done right ֲע ִשׂ ֶיתם ִע ְם־יֻר ַּב ַעל ְו ִע ֵּם־ביתוֹ ְו ִאם־ by Yerubaal and his house and have requited him ִּכ ְג ּמול ָי ָדיו ֲע ִשׂ ֶיתם לוֹ׃ according to his deserts יז ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־נ ְל ַחם ָא ִבי ֲע ֵל ֶיכם ַוַּישׁ ְ ֵל ְך ֶאת־ considering that my father fought for you and saved 17 ַנ ְפשׁ וֹ ִמ ֶנּ ֶגד ַוַּי ֵּצל ֶא ְת ֶכם ִמַּיד ִמ ְדָין׃ ,you from the Midianites at the risk of his life יח ְו ַא ֶּתם ַק ְמ ֶּתם ַע ֵּל־בית ָא ִבי ַה ּיוֹם and now you have turned on my father’s 18 ַו ַּת ַהְר ּגו ֶא ָּת־ב ָניו שׁ ִ ְב ִעים ִאישׁ ַע ֶל־א ֶבן household, killed his sons, seventy men on ֶא ָחת ַו ַּת ְמ ִל ּיכו ֶא ֲת־א ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ֶּב ֲן־א ָמתוֹ one stone, and set up Avimelech, the son of his ַע ַּל־ב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם ִּכי ֲא ִח ֶיכם ּהוא׃ handmaid, as king over the citizens of Shechem just because he is your kinsman יט ְו ִא ֶּם־ב ֱא ֶמת ּו ְב ָת ִמים ֲע ִשׂ ֶיתם ִעם־ if, I say, you have this day acted honorably and 19 ְיֻר ַּב ַעל ְו ִע ֵּם־ביתוֹ ַה ּיוֹם ַהֶ ּזה ִשׂ ְמ ּחו loyally toward Yerubaal and his house, have joy in ַּב ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ְוִי ְשׂ ַמח ַּג ּם־הוא ָּב ֶכם׃ .Avimelech and may he likewise have joy in you כ ְו ִא ַם־אִין ֵּת ֵצא ֵאשׁ ֵמ ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ְו ַתֹאכל But if not, may fire issue fromAvimelech and 20 ֶא ַּת־ב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם ְו ֶא ֵּת־בית ִמ ּלוֹא ְו ֵת ֵצא ,consume the citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo ֵאשׁ ִמ ַּב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם ּו ִמ ֵּבית ִמ ּלוֹא ְו ַתֹאכל and may fire issue from the citizens ofShechem and ֶא ֲת־א ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך׃ ”!Beth-millo and consume Avimelech

47 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ט Chapter 9

כא ַוָּי ָנס ָיוֹתם ַוִּי ְבַרח ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ְּב ֵאָרה ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב שׁ ָ ם With that, Yotam fled. He ran to Beer and stayed 21 ִמ ְּפ ֵני ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ָא ִחיו׃ .there, because of his brother Avimelech כב ַוָּי ַשׂר ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ַע ִל־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל שׁ ָ לֹשׁ שׁ ָ ִנים׃ .Avimelech held sway over Yisrael for three years 22 כג ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ֱא ִלֹהים ּרו ַח ָר ָעה ֵּבין ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ThenHashem sent a spirit of discord between 23 ּו ֵבין ַּב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם ַוִּי ְב ְּג ּדו ַב ֲע ֵלי־שׁ ְ ֶכם Avimelech and the citizens of Shechem, and the ַּב ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך׃ citizens of Shechem broke faith with Avimelech Judges כד ָלבוֹא ֲח ַמס שׁ ִ ְב ִעים ְּב ֵנ ְי־יֻר ָּב ַעל ְו ָד ָמם to the end that the crime committed against the 24 ָל ּשׂום ַע ֲל־א ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ֲא ִח ֶיהם ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָהַרג seventy sons of Yerubaal might be avenged, and ָאוֹתם ְו ַעל ַּב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־חְ ּז ּקו ֶאת־ ,their blood recoil upon their brother Avimelech ָי ָדיו ַל ֲהרֹג ֶא ֶת־א ָחיו׃ who had slain them, and upon the citizens of Shechem, who had abetted him in the slaying of his brothers. כה ַוָּי ִשׂ ּימו לוֹ ַב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם ְמ ָאְר ִבים ַעל The citizens ofShechem planted ambuscades 25 ָראשׁ ֵ י ֶה ָהִרים ַוִּי ְגְז ּלו ֵאת ָּכ ֲל־אשׁ ֶ ר־ against him on the hilltops; and they robbed ַי ֲעבֹר ֲע ֵל ֶיהם ַּב ָ ּדֶר ְך ַוֻּי ַּגד ַל ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך׃ whoever passed by them on the road. Word of this reached Avimelech. כו ַוָּיבֹא ַּג ַעל ֶּב ֶן־ע ֶבד ְו ֶא ָחיו ַוַּי ַע ְב ּרו ִּבשׁ ְ ֶכם Then Gaal son of Ebed and his companions came 26 ַוִּי ְב ְט ּחו־בוֹ ַּב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם׃ passing through Shechem, and the citizens of Shechem gave him their confidence. כז ַוֵּי ְצ ּאו ַה ָּשׂ ֶדה ַוִּי ְב ְצ ּרו ֶא ַּת־כְר ֵמ ֶיהם They went out into the fields, gathered and trod out 27 ַוִּי ְדְר ּכו ַוַּי ֲע ּשׂו ִה ּל ּו ִלים ַוָּי ּבֹאו ֵּבית .the vintage of their vineyards, and made a festival ֱא ֵלֹה ֶיהם ַו ּי ְֹאכ ּלו ַוִּישׁ ְ ּת ּו ַוְי ַק ְל ּלו ֶאת־ They entered the temple of their god, and as they ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך׃ .ate and drank they reviled Avimelech כח ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ַּג ַעל ֶּב ֶן־ע ֶבד ִמ ֲי־א ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ּו ִמי־ Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Avimelech and 28 שׁ ְ ֶכם ִּכי ַנ ַע ְב ֶד ּנּו ֲהלֹא ֶב ְן־יֻר ַּב ַעל ּוְז ֻבל who are [we] Sh’chemites, that we should serve ְּפ ִקידוֹ ִע ְב ּדו ֶא ַת־א ְנשׁ ֵ י ֲחמוֹר ֲא ִבי שׁ ְ ֶכם him? This same son ofYerubaal and his lieutenant ּו ַמ ּד ּו ַע ַנ ַע ְב ֶד ּנּו ֲא ָנ ְח ּנו׃ Zebul once served the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem; so why should we serve him? כט ּו ִמי ִי ֵּתן ֶא ָת־ה ָעם ַהֶ ּזה ְּבָי ִדי ְו ָא ִס ָירה ,Oh, if only this people were under my command 29 ֶא ֲת־א ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ַל ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ַר ֶּבה I would get rid of Avimelech! One would challenge ְצ ָב ֲא ָך ָו ֵצ ָאה׃ ”’!Avimelech, ‘Fill up your ranks and come out here ל ַוִּישׁ ְ ַמע ְז ֻבל ַשׂ ָר־ה ִעיר ֶא ִ ּת־ד ְבֵרי ַּג ַעל When Zebul, the governor of the city, heard the 30 ֶּב ָן־ע ֶבד ַוִּי ַחר ַא ּפוֹ׃ .words of Gaal son of Ebed, he was furious לא ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ַמ ְל ָא ִכים ֶא ֲל־א ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ְּב ָתְר ָמה ,He sent messages to Avimelech at Tormah to say 31 ֵלאמֹר ִה ֵנּה ַג ַעל ֶּב ֶן־ע ֶבד ְו ֶא ָחיו ָּב ִאים Gaal son of Ebed and his companions have come“ שׁ ְ ֶכ ָמה ְו ִה ָנּם ָצִרים ֶא ָת־ה ִעיר ָע ֶל ָיך׃ to Shechem and they are inciting the city against you. לב ְו ַע ָּתה ּקום ַלְי ָלה ַא ָּתה ְו ָה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ר־ Therefore, set out at night with the forces you have 32 ִא ָּת ְך ֶו ֱארֹב ַּב ָּשׂ ֶדה׃ .with you and conceal yourself in the fields לג ְו ָהָיה ַב ּב ֶֹקר ִּכְז ַרֹח ַהשֶּׁ ֶמשׁ ַּתשׁ ְ ִּכים Early next morning, as the sun rises, advance on 33 ּו ָפשׁ ַ ְט ָּת ַע ָל־ה ִעיר ְו ִה ֵנּ ּה־הוא ְו ָה ָעם the city. He and his men will thereupon come out ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־א ּתוֹ ְיֹצ ִאים ֵא ֶל ָיך ְו ָע ִשׂ ָית ּלוֹ against you, and you will do to him whatever you ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִּת ְמ ָצא ָי ֶד ָך׃ ”.find possible 48 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק ט Chapter 9

לד ַוָּי ָקם ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ְו ָכ ָל־ה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־ע ּמוֹ Avimelech and all the men with him set out at night 34 ָלְי ָלה ַוֶּי ֶאְר ּבו ַעל־שׁ ְ ֶכם ַאְר ָּב ָעה and disposed themselves against Shechem in four ָראשׁ ִ ים׃ .hiding places לה ַוֵּי ֵצא ַּג ַעל ֶּב ֶן־ע ֶבד ַוַּי ֲעמֹד ֶּפ ַתח שׁ ַ ַער When Gaal son of Ebed came out and stood at the 35 ָה ִעיר ַוָּי ָקם ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ְו ָה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־א ּתוֹ entrance to the city gate, Avimelech and the army ִמ ַן־ה ַּמ ְאָרב׃ .with him emerged from concealment

לו ַוַּיְר ַּא־ג ַעל ֶא ָת־ה ָעם ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֶא ְל־ז ֻבל Judges 36 Gaal saw the army and said to Zebul, “That’s an ִה ֵנּ ָה־עם ֵיוֹרד ֵמָראשׁ ֵ י ֶה ָהִרים ַו ּי ֶֹאמר army marching down from the hilltops!” But Zebul ֵא ָליו ְז ֻבל ֵאת ֵצל ֶה ָהִרים ַא ָּתה ֶרֹאה said to him, “The shadows of the hills look to you ָּכ ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים׃ ”.like men לז ַו ּי ֶֹסף עוֹד ַּג ַעל ְל ַד ֵּבר ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִה ֵנּ ָה־עם Gaal spoke up again, “Look, an army is marching 37 ְיוֹר ִדים ֵמ ִעם ַט ּב ּור ָה ָאֶרץ ְורֹאשׁ ֶ־א ָחד down from Tabbur-erez, and another column is ָּבא ִמ ֶ ּדֶר ְך ֵאלוֹן ְמ ְעוֹנ ִנים׃ ”.coming from the direction of Elon-meonenim לח ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ְז ֻבל ַאֵּיה ֵאפוֹא ִפ ָיך ֲאשׁ ֶ ר Well,” replied Zebul, “where is your boast, ‘Who“ 38 ּת ַֹאמר ִמי ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ִּכי ַנ ַע ְב ֶד ּנּו ֲהלֹא ֶזה is Avimelech that we should serve him’? There is the ָה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָמ ַא ְס ָּתה ּבוֹ ֵצ ָא־נא ַע ָּתה ”!army you sneered at; now go out and fight it ְו ִה ָ ּל ֶחם ּבוֹ ׃ לט ַוֵּי ֵצא ַג ַעל ִל ְפ ֵני ַּב ֲע ֵלי שׁ ְ ֶכם ַוִּי ָּל ֶחם So Gaal went out at the head of the citizens of 39 ַּב ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך׃ . Shechem and gave battle toAvimelech מ ַוִּיְר ְ ּד ֵפ ּהו ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ַוָּי ָנס ִמ ָּפ ָניו ַוִּי ְּפ ּלו But he had to flee before him, andAvimelech 40 ֲח ָל ִלים ַר ִּבים ַע ֶּד־פ ַתח ַהשָּׁ ַער׃ pursued him, and many fell slain, all the way to the entrance of the gate. מא ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ָּב ּארו ָמה ַוְי ָגֶרשׁ ְז ֻבל ThenAvimelech stayed in Arumah, while Zebul 41 ֶא ַּת־ג ַעל ְו ֶא ֶת־א ָחיו ִמשֶּׁ ֶבת ִּבשׁ ְ ֶכם׃ expelled Gaal and his companions and kept them out of Shechem. מב ַוְי ִהי ִמ ָּמ ֳחָרת ַוֵּי ֵצא ָה ָעם ַה ָּשׂ ֶדה ַוַּי ִּג ּדו ,The next day, when people went out into the fields 42 ַל ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך׃ .Avimelech was informed מג ַוִּי ַּקח ֶא ָת־ה ָעם ַוֶּי ֱח ֵצם ִלשׁ ְ לֹשׁ ָ ה Taking the army, he divided it into three columns 43 ָראשׁ ִ ים ַוֶּי ֱארֹב ַּב ָּשׂ ֶדה ַוַּיְרא ְו ִה ֵנּה ָה ָעם and lay in ambush in the fields; and when he saw ֵיֹצא ִמ ָן־ה ִעיר ַוָּי ָקם ֲע ֵל ֶיהם ַוַּי ֵּכם׃ the people coming out of the city, he pounced upon them and struck them down. מד ַו ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ְו ָהָראשׁ ִ ים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִע ּמוֹ While Avimelech and the column that followed 44 ָּפשׁ ְ ּטו ַוַּי ַע ְמ ּדו ֶּפ ַתח שׁ ַ ַער ָה ִעיר ּושׁ ְ ֵני him dashed ahead and took up a position at the ָהָראשׁ ִ ים ָּפשׁ ְ ּטו ַע ָּל־כ ֲל־אשׁ ֶ ר ַּב ָּשׂ ֶדה entrance of the city gate, the other two columns ַוַּי ּכ ּום׃ rushed upon all that were in the open and struck them down. מה ַו ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ִנ ְל ָחם ָּב ִעיר ּכֹל ַה ּיוֹם ַה ּהוא Avimelech fought against the city all that day. He 45 ַוִּי ְל ּכֹד ֶא ָת־ה ִעיר ְו ֶא ָת־ה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ָּר־ב ּה captured the city and massacred the people in it; he ָהָרג ַוִּי ּתֹץ ֶא ָת־ה ִעיר ַוִּיְזָר ֶע ָה ֶמ ַלח׃ .razed the town and sowed it with salt מו ַוִּישׁ ְ ְמ ּעו ָּכ ַּל־ב ֲע ֵלי ִמ ְג ַ ּדל־שׁ ְ ֶכם ַוָּי ּבֹאו When all the citizens of the Tower of Shechem 46 ֶא ְל־צִר ַיח ֵּבית ֵאל ְּבִרית׃ learned of this, they went into the tunnel of the temple of El-berith.

49 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק י Chapter 10

מז ַוֻּי ַּגד ַל ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ִּכי ִה ְת ַק ְּב ּצו ָּכ ַּל־ב ֲע ֵלי When Avimelech was informed that all the citizens 47 ִמ ְג ַ ּדל־שׁ ְ ֶכם׃ ,[of the Tower of Shechem had gathered [there מח ַוַּי ַעל ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ַה ַר־צ ְלמוֹן ּהוא ְו ָכל־ Avimelech and all the troops he had with him 48 ָה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־א ּתוֹ ַוִּי ַּקח ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ֶאת־ went up on Mount Zalmon. Taking an ax in his ַה ַּקְר ֻ ּד ּמוֹת ְּבָידוֹ ַוִּי ְכרֹת ַשׂוֹכת ֵע ִצים hand, Avimelech lopped off a tree limb and lifted it ַוִּי ָּשׂ ֶא ָה ַוָּי ֶשׂם ַעל־שׁ ִ ְכמוֹ ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֶאל־ onto his shoulder. Then he said to the troops that

Judges ָה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־ע ּמוֹ ָמה ְר ִא ֶיתם ָע ִשׂ ִיתי ,accompanied him, “What you saw me do—quick ַמ ֲה ּרו ֲע ּשׂו ָכ ִמוֹני׃ ”!do the same מט ַוִּי ְכְר ּתו ַג ָּם־כ ָל־ה ָעם ִאישׁ שׂוֹכֹה ַוֵּי ְל ּכו So each of the troops also lopped off a bough; then 49 ַא ֲחֵרי ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ַוָּי ִשׂ ּימו ַע ַל־ה ְּצִר ַיח they marched behind Avimelech and laid them ַוַּי ִּצ ּיתו ֲע ֵל ֶיהם ֶא ַת־ה ְּצִר ַיח ָּב ֵאשׁ ַוָּי ֻמ ּתו against the tunnel, and set fire to the tunnel over ַּגם ָּכ ַל־א ְנשׁ ֵ י ִמ ְג ַ ּדל־שׁ ְ ֶכם ְּכ ֶא ֶלף ִאישׁ their heads. Thus all the people of the Tower of ְ ו ִ א שׁ ּ ָ ה ׃ Shechem also perished, about a thousand men and women. נ ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ֶא ֵּל־ת ֵבץ ַוִּי ַחן ְּב ֵת ֵבץ Avimelech proceeded to Thebez; he encamped at 50 ַוִּי ְל ְּכ ָד ּה׃ .Thebez and occupied it נא ּו ִמ ְג ַ ּדל־עֹז ָהָיה ְב ְתוֹך ָ־ה ִעיר ַוָּי ֻנ ּסו שׁ ָ ָּמה Within the town was a fortified tower; and all the 51 ָּכ ָל־ה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ְו ַה ָנּשׁ ִ ים ְוכֹל ַּב ֲע ֵלי ָה ִעיר citizens of the town, men and women, took refuge ַוִּי ְס ְּג ּרו ַּב ֲע ָדם ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ַע ַּל־גג ַה ִּמ ְג ָ ּדל׃ there. They shut themselves in, and went up on the roof of the tower. נב ַוָּיבֹא ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ַע ַד־ה ִּמ ְג ָ ּדל ַוִּי ָּל ֶחם ּבוֹ Avimelech pressed forward to the tower and 52 ַוִּי ַּגשׁ ַע ֶּד־פ ַתח ַה ִּמ ְג ָ ּדל ְל ָשׂ ְרפוֹ ָב ֵאשׁ ׃ attacked it. He approached the door of the tower to set it on fire. נג ַו ַּתשׁ ְ ֵל ְך ִאשָּׁ ה ַא ַחת ֶּפ ַלח ֶר ֶכב ַעל־רֹאשׁ But a woman dropped an upper millstone on 53 ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ַו ָּתִרץ ֶא ֻּת־ג ְל ָּג ְל ּתוֹ׃ .Avimelech’s head and cracked his skull נד ַוִּי ְקָרא ְמ ֵהָרה ֶא ַל־ה ַנּ ַער ֵנֹשׂא ֵכ ָליו He immediately cried out to his attendant, his 54 ַו ּי ֶֹאמר לוֹ שׁ ְ לֹף ַחְר ְּב ָך ּו ְמוֹת ֵת ִני ֶּפן־ ,arms-bearer, “Draw your dagger and finish me off ְיֹאמ ּרו ִלי ִאשָּׁ ה ֲהָר ָג ְת ּהו ַוִּי ְד ְקֵר ּהו ַנ ֲערוֹ ”’!that they may not say of me, ‘A woman killed him ַוָּימֹת׃ .So his attendant stabbed him, and he died נה ַוִּיְר ּאו ִאישׁ ִ־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִּכי ֵמת ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך When the men of Yisrael saw that Avimelech was 55 ַוֵּי ְל ּכו ִאישׁ ִל ְמקֹמוֹ׃ .dead, everyone went home נו ַוָּישׁ ֶ ב ֱא ִלֹהים ֵאת ָר ַעת ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ThusHashem repaid Avimelech for the evil he had 56 ָע ָשׂה ְל ָא ִביו ַל ֲהרֹג ֶאת־שׁ ִ ְב ִעים ֶא ָחיו׃ ;done to his father by slaying his seventy brothers נז ְו ֵאת ָּכ ָל־ר ַעת ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י שׁ ְ ֶכם ֵהשׁ ִ יב and Hashem likewise repaid the men of Shechem for 57 ֱא ִלֹהים ְּברֹאשׁ ָ ם ַו ָּתבֹא ֲא ֵל ֶיהם ִק ֲל ַלת all their wickedness. And so the curse of Yotam son ָיוֹתם ֶּב ְן־יֻר ָּב ַעל׃ .of Yerubaal was fulfilled upon them א ַוָּי ָקם ַא ֲחֵרי ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך ְלהוֹשׁ ִ ַיע ֶאת־ After Avimelech, Tola son of Puah son of Dodo, a 1 10 י ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ּת ָוֹלע ֶּב ּן־פ ּו ָאה ֶּב ּן־דוֹדוֹ ִאישׁ man of Yissachar, arose to deliver Yisrael. He lived ִי ָּשׂ ָשכר ְו ּהוא־יֹשׁ ֵ ב ְּבשׁ ָ ִמיר ְּב ַהר .at Shamir in the hill country of Efraim ֶא ְפָרִים׃ ב ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶע ְשׂ ִרים ְושׁ ָ לֹשׁ He led Yisrael for twenty-three years; then he died 2 שׁ ָ ָנה ַוָּי ָמת ַוִּי ָּק ֵבר ְּבשׁ ָ ִמיר׃ .and was buried at Shamir

50 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק י Chapter 10

ג ַוָּי ָקם ַא ֲחָריו ָי ִאיר ַה ִּג ְל ָע ִדי ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט ֶאת־ After him aroseYair the Giladite, and he led Yisrael 3 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶע ְשׂ ִרים ּושׁ ְ ַּתִים שׁ ָ ָנה׃ .for twenty-two years ד ַוְי ִהי־לוֹ שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ָּב ִנים ְרֹכ ִבים ַעל־ He had thirty sons, who rode on thirty burros and) 4 שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ֲעָיִרים ּושׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ֲעָיִרים ָל ֶהם owned thirty boroughs in the region of Gilad; these ָל ֶהם ִי ְקְר ּאו ַח ּוׂת ָי ִאיר ַעד ַה ּיוֹם ַהֶ ּזה (.are called Havvoth-jair to this day ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּב ֶאֶרץ ַה ִּג ְל ָעד׃

ה ַוָּי ָמת ָי ִאיר ַוִּי ָּק ֵבר ְּב ָקמוֹן׃ .Judges 5 ThenYair died and was buried at Kamon ו ַו ּי ִֹס ּפו ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַל ֲעשׂוֹת ָהַרע ְּב ֵע ֵיני The Israelites again did what was offensive 6 ְי ָהֹוה ַוַּי ַע ְב ּדו ֶא ַת־ה ְּב ָע ִלים ְו ֶאת־ to Hashem. They served the Baalim and the ָה ַעשׁ ְ ָּתרוֹת ְו ֶא ֱת־א ֵלֹהי ֲאָרם ְו ֶא ֱת־א ֵלֹהי Ashtaroth, and the gods of Aram, the gods ִצידוֹן ְו ֵאת ֱא ֵלֹהי ָמוֹאב ְו ֵאת ֱא ֵלֹהי of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the ְב ֵנ ַי־ע ּמוֹן ְו ֵאת ֱא ֵלֹהי ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ַוַּי ַעְז ּבו Ammonites, and the gods of the Philistines; they ֶא ְת־י ָהֹוה ְולֹא ֲע ָב ּדו ּהו׃ .forsook Hashem and did not serve Him ז ַוִּי ַח ַר־אף ְי ָהֹוה ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוִּי ְמ ְּכֵרם ְּבַיד־ And Hashem, incensed with Yisrael, surrendered 7 ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ּו ְבַיד ְּב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן׃ .them to the Philistines and to the Ammonites va-yi-khar AF a-do-NAI b’-yis-ra-AYL va-yim-k’-RAYM b’-yad p’-lish-TEEM u-v’- YAD b’-NAY a-MON ח ַוִּיְר ֲע ּצו ַוְי ְרֹצ ּצו ֶא ְּת־ב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַּבשָּׁ ָנה That year they battered and shattered the 8 ַה ִהיא שׁ ְ ֶמֹנה ֶע ְשׂ ֵרה שׁ ָ ָנה ֶא ָּת־כ ְּל־ב ֵני Israelites—for eighteen years—all the Israelites ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּב ֵע ֶבר ַהַּיְר ֵ ּדן ְּב ֶאֶרץ beyond the Yarden, in [what had been] the land of ָה ֱא ִמֹרי ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַּב ִּג ְל ָעד׃ .the Amorites in Gilad ט ַוַּי ַע ְב ּרו ְב ֵנ ַי־ע ּמוֹן ֶא ַת־הַּיְר ֵ ּדן ְל ִה ָּל ֵחם The Ammonites also crossed theYarden to make 9 ַּג ִּם־ב ּיהו ָדה ּו ְב ִב ְנָי ִמין ּו ְב ֵבית ֶא ְפָרִים .war on Yehuda, Binyamin, and the House of Efraim ַו ֵּת ֶצר ְלִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְמאֹד׃ .Yisrael was in great distress י ַוִּיְז ֲע ּקו ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ֵלאמֹר Then the Israelites cried out toHashem , “We stand 10 ָח ָט ּאנו ָל ְך ְו ִכי ָעַז ְב ּנו ֶא ֱת־א ֵלֹה ּינו ַו ַנּ ֲעבֹד guilty before You, for we have forsaken our God ֶא ַת־ה ְּב ָע ִלים׃ ”.and served the Baalim יא ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ְּל־ב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֲהלֹא But Hashem said to the Israelites, “[I have rescued 11 ִמ ִּמ ְצַרִים ּו ִמ ָן־ה ֱא ִמֹרי ּו ִמ ְּן־ב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן you] from the Egyptians, from the Amorites, from ּו ִמ ְּן־פ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים׃ .the Ammonites, and from the Philistines יב ְו ִצ ִידוֹנים ַו ֲע ָמ ֵלק ּו ָמעוֹן ָל ֲח ּצו ֶא ְת ֶכם The Sidonians, Amalek, and Maon also oppressed 12 ַו ִּת ְצ ֲע ּקו ֵא ַלי ָואוֹשׁ ִ ָיעה ֶא ְת ֶכם ִמָּי ָדם׃ you; and when you cried out to Me, I saved you from them. יג ְו ַא ֶּתם ֲעַז ְב ֶּתם ִאוֹתי ַו ַּת ַע ְב ּדו ֱא ִלֹהים Yet you have forsaken Me and have served other 13 ֲא ֵחִרים ָל ֵכן ִלֹא־אוֹסיף ְלהוֹשׁ ִ ַיע ֶא ְת ֶכם׃ .gods. No, I will not deliver you again

10:7 Surrendered them to the Philistines The Philistines nor the recipients of God’s promise of the land, they are one of the Israelites’ long-term enemies. It is often succeed in persecuting the Children of Israel and interesting to note, however, that they are not among holding large amounts of territory in its land. However, the seven Canaanite nations who initially inhabited in every case, Hashem eventually saves the People of the land. Rather, they are a foreign nation that invaded Israel from their enemy. Eretz Yisrael via sea. Yet despite being neither natives

51 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק אי Chapter 11

יד ְל ּכו ְוַז ֲע ּקו ֶא ָל־ה ֱא ִלֹהים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּב ַחְר ֶּתם Go cry to the gods you have chosen; let them 14 ָּבם ֵה ָּמה יוֹשׁ ִ ּיעו ָל ֶכם ְּב ֵעת ָצַר ְת ֶכם׃ ”!deliver you in your time of distress טו ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ָח ָט ּאנו But the Israelites implored Hashem: “We stand 15 ֲע ֵשׂ ַה־א ָּתה ָל ּנו ְּכ ָכ ַל־ה ּטוֹב ְּב ֵע ֶינ ָיך ַא ְך guilty. Do to us as You see fit; only save us this ַה ִּצ ֵיל ּנו ָנא ַה ּיוֹם ַהֶ ּזה׃ ”!day טז ַוָּי ִס ּירו ֶא ֱת־א ֵלֹהי ַה ֵנּ ָכר ִמ ִּקְר ָּבם ַוַּי ַע ְב ּדו They removed the alien gods from among them 16 Judges ֶא ְת־י ָהֹוה ַו ִּת ְק ַצר ַנ ְפשׁ וֹ ַּב ֲע ַמל ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ and served Hashem; and He could not bear the miseries of Yisrael. יז ַוִּי ָּצ ֲע ּקו ְּב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן ַוַּי ֲח ּנו ַּב ִּג ְל ָעד ַוֵּי ָא ְס ּפו The Ammonites mustered and they encamped 17 ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוַּי ֲח ּנו ַּב ִּמ ְצ ָּפה׃ in Gilad; and the Israelites massed and they encamped at Mitzpa. יח ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ָה ָעם ָשׂ ֵרי ִג ְל ָעד ִאישׁ ֶא ֵל־ר ֵע ּהו The troops—the officers Giladof —said to one 18 ִמי ָה ִאישׁ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָי ֵחל ְל ִה ָּל ֵחם ִּב ְב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן another, “Let the man who is the first to fight the ִי ְהֶיה ְלרֹאשׁ ְלכֹל יֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ִג ְל ָעד׃ Ammonites be chieftain over all the inhabitants of Gilad.” א ְוִי ְפ ָּתח ַה ִּג ְל ָע ִדי ָהָיה ִּג ּבוֹר ַחִיל ְו ּהוא ֶּבן־ Yiftach the Giladite was an able warrior, who was 1 11 יא ִאשָּׁ ה ָזוֹנה ַו ּי ֶוֹלד ִּג ְל ָעד ֶא ִת־י ְפ ָּתח׃ ;the son of a prostitute. Yiftach’s father was Gilad ב ַו ֵּת ֶלד ֵאשׁ ֶ ִּת־ג ְל ָעד לוֹ ָּב ִנים ַוִּי ְג ְ ּד ּלו but Gilad also had sons by his wife, and when the 2 ְב ֵנ ָי־ה ִאשָּׁ ה ַוְי ָגְרשׁ ּו ֶא ִת־י ְפ ָּתח ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו wife’s sons grew up, they drove Yiftach out. They לוֹ ִלֹא־ת ְנ ַחל ְּב ֵב ָית־א ִב ּינו ִּכי ֶּב ִן־אשָּׁ ה said to him, “You shall have no share in our father’s ַא ֶחֶרת ָא ָּתה׃ ”.property, for you are the son of an outsider ג ַוִּי ְבַרח ִי ְפ ָּתח ִמ ְּפ ֵני ֶא ָחיו ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ְּב ֶאֶרץ So Yiftach fled from his brothers and settled in the 3 טוֹב ַוִּי ְת ַל ְּק ּטו ֶא ִל־י ְפ ָּתח ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ֵר ִיקים Tob country. Men of low character gathered about ַוֵּי ְצ ּאו ִע ּמוֹ׃ .Yiftach and went out raiding with him ד ַוְי ִהי ִמָּי ִמים ַוִּי ָּל ֲח ּמו ְב ֵנ ַי־ע ּמוֹן ִעם־ Some time later, the Ammonites went to war 4 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ .against Yisrael ה ַוְי ִהי ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־נ ְל ֲח ּמו ְב ֵנ ַי־ע ּמוֹן ִעם־ And when the Ammonites attackedYisrael , the 5 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוֵּי ְל ּכו ִז ְק ֵני ִג ְל ָעד ָל ַק ַחת ֶאת־ elders of Gilad went to bring Yiftach back from the ִי ְפ ָּתח ֵמ ֶאֶרץ טוֹב׃ .Tob country ו ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ְלִי ְפ ָּתח ְל ָכה ְו ָהִי ָיתה ָּל ּנו ְל ָק ִצין They said toYiftach , “Come be our chief, so that we 6 ְו ִנ ָּל ֲח ָמה ִּב ְב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן׃ ”.can fight the Ammonites ז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִי ְפ ָּתח ְלִז ְק ֵני ִג ְל ָעד ֲהלֹא ַא ֶּתם Yiftach replied to the elders of Gilad, “You are the 7 ְשׂ ֵנ ֶאתם ִאוֹתי ַו ְּת ָגְרשׁ ּו ִני ִמ ֵּבית ָא ִבי very people who rejected me and drove me out of ּו ַמ ּד ּו ַע ָּב ֶאתם ֵא ַלי ַע ָּתה ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַצר my father’s house. How can you come to me now ָל ֶכם׃ ”?when you are in trouble ח ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִז ְק ֵני ִג ְל ָעד ֶא ִל־י ְפ ָּתח ָל ֵכן ַע ָּתה The elders ofGilad said to Yiftach, “Honestly, we 8 שׁ ַ ְב ּנו ֵא ֶל ָיך ְו ָה ַל ְכ ָּת ִע ָּמ ּנו ְו ִנ ְל ַח ְמ ָּת have now turned back to you. If you come with ִּב ְב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן ְו ָהִי ָית ָּל ּנו ְלרֹאשׁ ְלכֹל יֹשׁ ְ ֵבי us and fight the Ammonites, you shall be our ִג ְל ָעד׃ ”.commander over all the inhabitants of Gilad

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ט ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִי ְפ ָּתח ֶא ִל־ז ְק ֵני ִג ְל ָעד ִאם־ Yiftach said to the elders of Gilad, “[Very well,] if 9 ְמשׁ ִ ִיבים ַא ֶּתם ִאוֹתי ְל ִה ָּל ֵחם ִּב ְב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן you bring me back to fight the Ammonites and ְו ָנ ַתן ְי ָהֹוה ָאוֹתם ְל ָפ ָני ָא ִנֹכי ֶא ְהֶיה ָל ֶכם Hashem delivers them to me, I am to be your ְלרֹאשׁ ׃ ”.commander י ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִז ְק ֵנ ִי־ג ְל ָעד ֶא ִל־י ְפ ָּתח ְי ָהֹוה And the elders of Gilad answered Jepthah, “Hashem 10 ִי ְהֶיה שׁ ֵֹמ ַע ֵּב ֵינוֹת ּינו ִאם־לֹא ִכ ְד ָבְר ָך ֵּכן Himself shall be witness between us: we will do

ַנ ֲע ֶשׂ ה׃ ”.Judges just as you have said יא ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ִי ְפ ָּתח ִע ִם־ז ְק ֵני ִג ְל ָעד ַוָּי ִשׂ ּימו Yiftach went with the elders of Gilad, and the 11 ָה ָעם אוֹתוֹ ֲע ֵל ֶיהם ְלרֹאשׁ ּו ְל ָק ִצין people made him their commander and chief. And ַוְי ַד ֵּבר ִי ְפ ָּתח ֶא ָּת־כ ְ ּל־ד ָבָריו ִל ְפ ֵני ְי ָהֹוה Yiftach repeated all these terms before Hashem at ַּב ִּמ ְצ ָּפה׃ .Mitzpa יב ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ִי ְפ ָּתח ַמ ְל ָא ִכים ֶא ֶל־מ ֶל ְך ְּב ֵני־ Yiftach then sent messengers to the king of the 12 ַע ּמוֹן ֵלאמֹר ַמ ִּה־לי ָו ָל ְך ִּכ ָי־ב ָאת ֵא ַלי Ammonites, saying, “What have you against me ְל ִה ָּל ֵחם ְּב ַאְר ִצי׃ ”?that you have come to make war on my country va-yish-LAKH yif-TAKH mal-a-KHEEM el ME-lekh b’-nay a-MON lay-MOR mah LEE va-LAKH kee VA-ta ay-LAI l’-hi-la-KHAYM b’-ar-TZEE יג ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֶמ ֶל ְך ְּב ֵנ ַי־ע ּמוֹן ֶא ַל־מ ְל ֲא ֵכי ִי ְפ ָּתח The king of the Ammonites replied toYiftach ’s 13 ִּכ ָי־ל ַקח ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ַת־אְר ִצי ַּב ֲעלוֹתוֹ messengers, “When Yisrael came from Egypt, they ִמ ִּמ ְצַרִים ֵמ ַאְרנוֹן ְו ַע ַד־הַּי ּבֹק ְו ַע ַד־הַּיְר ֵ ּדן seized the land which is mine, from the Arnon to ְו ַע ָּתה ָהשׁ ִ ָיבה ֶא ְת ֶהן ְּבשׁ ָ לוֹם׃ the Jabbok as far as the Yarden. Now, then, restore it peaceably.” יד ַו ּי ֶוֹסף עוֹד ִי ְפ ָּתח ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ַמ ְל ָא ִכים ֶאל־ Yiftach again sent messengers to the king of the 14 ֶמ ֶל ְך ְּב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן׃ .Ammonites טו ַו ּי ֶֹאמר לוֹ ּכֹה ָא ַמר ִי ְפ ָּתח ָלֹא־ל ַקח He said to him, “Thus saidYiftach : Yisrael did 15 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ֶת־אֶרץ ָמוֹאב ְו ֶא ֶת־אֶרץ ְּב ֵני not seize the land of Moab or the land of the ַע ּמוֹ ן׃ .Ammonites טז ִּכי ַּב ֲע ָלוֹתם ִמ ִּמ ְצָרִים ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל When they left Egypt,Yisrael traveled through 16 ַּב ִּמ ְד ָּבר ַע ַד־י ּם־סוף ַוָּיבֹא ָק ֵדשׁ ָ ה׃ the wilderness to the Sea of Reeds and went on to Kadesh. יז ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַמ ְל ָא ִכים ֶא ֶל־מ ֶל ְך ֱאדוֹם ,Yisrael then sent messengers to the king of Edom 17 ֵלאמֹר ֶא ְע ְּבָר ָה־נּא ְב ַאְר ֶצ ָך ְולֹא שׁ ָ ַמע saying, ‘Allow us to cross your country.’ But the ֶמ ֶל ְך ֱאדוֹם ְו ַגם ֶא ֶל־מ ֶל ְך ָמוֹאב שׁ ָ ַלח king of Edom would not consent. They also sent ְולֹא ָא ָבה ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְּב ָק ֵדשׁ ׃ a mission to the king of Moab, and he refused. So Yisrael, after staying at Kadesh,

Yiftach then sent messengers to the king any price. In his message to the Ammonites, Yiftach 11:12 בארצי of the Ammonites As Moshe and Yehoshua did emphasized that they were seeking to make war b’artzee meaning ‘on my country’ or, more literally, ‘in my ,(בארצי) before him, Yiftach tries to avoid war by sending a message to the enemy. The Children of Israel always land.’ Hashem has given the Land of Israel to the Children offer their adversaries a choice between three options: of Israel, and therefore their struggle to possess it is by make peace, flee the land, or fight. Although war is the divine right. least desirable choice, peace is not to be obtained at

53 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק אי Chapter 11

יח ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ַּב ִּמ ְד ָּבר ַוָּי ָסב ֶא ֶת־אֶרץ ֱאדוֹם ְו ֶאת־ traveled on through the wilderness, skirting the land 18 ֶאֶרץ ָמוֹאב ַוָּיבֹא ִמ ִּמְזַרח־שׁ ֶ ֶמשׁ ְל ֶאֶרץ of Edom and the land of Moab. They kept to the ָמוֹאב ַוַּי ֲח ּנון ְּב ֵע ֶבר ַאְרנוֹן ְו ָלֹא־ב ּאו east of the land of Moab until they encamped on the ִּב ְג ּבול ָמוֹאב ִּכי ַאְרנוֹן ְּג ּבול ָמוֹאב׃ other side of the Arnon; and, since Moab ends at the Arnon, they never entered Moabite territory. יט ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַמ ְל ָא ִכים ֶא ִל־סיחוֹן ThenYisrael sent messengers to Sihon king of“ 19 ְ ְ ּ the Amorites, the king of Heshbon. Yisrael said to Judges ֶמ ֶלך ָ־ה ֱא ִמֹרי ֶמ ֶלך ֶחשׁ ְ ּבוֹן ַוי ֶֹאמר לוֹ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַנ ְע ְּבָר ָה־נּא ְב ַאְר ְצ ָך ַע ְד־מ ִקוֹמי׃ him, ‘Allow us to cross through your country to our homeland.’ כ ְו ֶלֹא־ה ֱא ִמין ִסיחוֹן ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֲעבֹר But Sihon would not trust Yisrael to pass through 20 ִּב ְג ֻבלוֹ ַוֶּי ֱאסֹף ִסיחוֹן ֶא ָּת־כ ַל־ע ּמוֹ ַוַּי ֲח ּנו his territory. Sihon mustered all his troops, and ְּבָי ְה ָצה ַוִּי ָּל ֶחם ִע ִם־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ they encamped at Jahaz; he engaged Yisrael in battle. כא ַוִּי ֵּתן ְי ָהֹוה ֱא ֵלֹה ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ִת־סיחוֹן But Hashem, the God of Yisrael, delivered Sihon 21 ְו ֶא ָּת־כ ַל־ע ּמוֹ ְּבַיד ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוַּי ּכ ּום ַוִּי ַירשׁ and all his troops into Yisrael’s hands, and they ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֵאת ָּכ ֶל־אֶרץ ָה ֱא ִמֹרי יוֹשׁ ֵ ב defeated them; and Yisrael took possession of all ָה ָאֶרץ ַה ִהיא׃ the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that land. כב ַוִּי ְירשׁ ּו ֵאת ָּכ ְּל־ג ּבול ָה ֱא ִמֹרי ֵמ ַאְרנוֹן Thus they possessed all the territory of the 22 ְו ַע ַד־הַּי ּבֹק ּו ִמ ַן־ה ִּמ ְד ָּבר ְו ַע ַד־הַּיְר ֵ ּדן׃ Amorites from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the wilderness to the Yarden. כג ְו ַע ָּתה ְי ָהֹוה ֱא ֵלֹהי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִהוֹרישׁ ,Now, then, Hashem, the God of Yisrael“ 23 ֶא ָת־ה ֱא ִמֹרי ִמ ְּפ ֵני ַע ּמוֹ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְו ַא ָּתה dispossessed the Amorites before His people ִ ּ ת י ָר שׁ ֶ ּ נ ּו ׃ ?Yisrael; and should you possess their land כד ֲהלֹא ֵאת ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִיוֹרישׁ ְ ָך ְּכמוֹשׁ ֱא ֶלֹה ָיך Do you not hold what Chemosh your god gives 24 אוֹתוֹ ִת ָירשׁ ְו ֵאת ָּכ ֲל־אשׁ ֶ ר ִהוֹרישׁ ְי ָהֹוה you to possess? So we will hold on to everything ֱא ֵלֹה ּינו ִמ ָּפ ֵנ ּינו אוֹתוֹ ִנ ָירשׁ ׃ .that Hashem our God has given us to possess כה ְו ַע ָּתה ֲהטוֹב טוֹב ַא ָּתה ִמ ָּב ָלק ֶּב ִן־צ ּפוֹר Besides, are you any better than Balak son of“ 25 ֶמ ֶל ְך ָמוֹאב ֲהרוֹב ָרב ִע ִם־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִאם־ Zippor, king of Moab? Did he start a quarrel with ִנ ְלחֹם ִנ ְל ַחם ָּבם׃ ?Yisrael or go to war with them כו ְּבשׁ ֶ ֶבת ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְּב ֶחשׁ ְ ּבוֹן ּו ִב ְב ֶנוֹת ָיה While Yisrael has been inhabiting Heshbon and its“ 26 ּו ְב ַעְרעוֹר ּו ִב ְב ֶנוֹת ָיה ּו ְב ָכ ֶל־ה ָעִרים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר dependencies, and Aroer and its dependencies, and ַע ְל־י ֵדי ַאְרנוֹן שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֵמאוֹת שׁ ָ ָנה ּו ַמ ּד ּו ַע all the towns along the Arnon for three hundred ִלֹא־ה ַּצ ְל ֶּתם ָּב ֵעת ַה ִהיא׃ years, why have you not tried to recover them all this time? כז ְו ָא ִנֹכי ָלֹא־ח ָט ִאתי ָל ְך ְו ַא ָּתה ֶעֹשׂה ִא ִּתי I have done you no wrong; yet you are doing me 27 ָר ָעה ְל ִה ָּל ֶחם ִּבי ִישׁ ְ ּפֹט ְי ָהֹוה ַהשּׁ ֵֹפט harm and making war on me. May Hashem, who ַה ּיוֹם ֵּבין ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ּו ֵבין ְּב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן׃ judges, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites!” כח ְולֹא שׁ ָ ַמע ֶמ ֶל ְך ְּב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן ֶא ִ ּל־ד ְבֵרי But the king of the Ammonites paid no heed to the 28 ִי ְפ ָּתח ֲאשׁ ֶ ר שׁ ָ ַלח ֵא ָליו׃ .message that Yiftach sent him

54 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק אי Chapter 11

כט ַו ְּת ִהי ַע ִל־י ְפ ָּתח ּרו ַח ְי ָהֹוה ַוַּי ֲעבֹר ֶאת־ Then the spirit ofHashem came upon Yiftach. He 29 ַה ִּג ְל ָעד ְו ֶא ְת־מ ַנשֶּׁ ה ַוַּי ֲעבֹר ֶא ִת־מ ְצ ֵּפה marched through Gilad and Menashe, passing ִג ְל ָעד ּו ִמ ִּמ ְצ ֵּפה ִג ְל ָעד ָע ַבר ְּב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן׃ Mizpeh of Gilad; and from Mizpeh of Gilad he crossed over [to] the Ammonites. ל ַוִּי ַ ּדר ִי ְפ ָּתח ֶנ ֶדר ַל ָיהֹוה ַו ּי ַֹאמר ִא ָם־נתוֹן And Yiftach made the following vow to Hashem: “If 30 ִּת ֵּתן ֶא ְּת־ב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן ְּבָי ִדי׃ ,you deliver the Ammonites into my hands

לא ְו ָהָיה ַה ּי ֵוֹצא ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֵי ֵצא ִמ ַ ּד ְל ֵתי ֵב ִיתי Judges 31 then whatever comes out of the door of my house ִל ְקָר ִאתי ְּבשׁ ּו ִבי ְבשׁ ָ לוֹם ִמ ְּב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן to meet me on my safe return from the Ammonites ְו ָהָיה ַל ָיהֹוה ְו ַה ֲע ִל ִית ּהו ָעוֹלה׃ shall be Hashem’s and shall be offered by me as a burnt offering.” לב ַוַּי ֲעבֹר ִי ְפ ָּתח ֶא ְּל־ב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן ְל ִה ָּל ֶחם ָּבם Yiftach crossed over to the Ammonites and attacked 32 ַוִי ְּת ֵנם ְי ָהֹוה ְּבָידוֹ׃ .them, and Hashem delivered them into his hands לג ַוַּי ֵּכם ֵמ ֲע ֵרוֹער ְו ַע ּד־ב ֲוֹא ָך ִמ ִנּית ֶע ְשׂ ִרים He utterly routed them—from Aroer as far as 33 ִעיר ְו ַעד ָא ֵבל ְּכָר ִמים ַמ ָּכה ְּג ָדוֹלה ְמאֹד -Minnith, twenty towns—all the way to Abel ַוִּי ָּכ ְנ ּעו ְּב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן ִמ ְּפ ֵני ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ cheramim. So the Ammonites submitted to the Israelites. לד ַוָּיבֹא ִי ְפ ָּתח ַה ִּמ ְצ ָּפה ֶא ֵּל־ביתוֹ ְו ִה ֵנּה When Yiftach arrived at his home in Mitzpa, there 34 ִב ּתוֹ ֵיֹצאת ִל ְקָראתוֹ ְב ֻת ִּפים ּו ִב ְמחֹלוֹת was his daughter coming out to meet him, with ְוַרק ִהיא ְי ִח ָידה ֵאין־לוֹ ִמ ֶּמ ּנּו ֵּבן ַאוֹ־בת׃ timbrel and dance! She was an only child; he had no other son or daughter. לה ַוְי ִהי ִכְראוֹתוֹ ָאוֹת ּה ַוִּי ְקַרע ֶא ְּת־ב ָג ָדיו ,On seeing her, he rent his clothes and said, “Alas 35 ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ָה ּה ִּב ִּתי ַה ְכֵר ַע ִה ְכַר ְע ִּת ִני ְו ַא ְּת daughter! You have brought me low; you have ָהִי ְית ְּב ְעֹכָרי ְו ָא ִנֹכי ָּפ ִצ ִית ִי־פי ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה become my troubler! For I have uttered a vow to ְולֹא ּאו ַכל ָלשׁ ּוב׃ ”.Hashem and I cannot retract לו ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ָא ִבי ָּפ ִצ ָיתה ֶא ִּת־פ ָיך ֶאל־ Father,” she said, “you have uttered a vow to“ 36 ְי ָהֹוה ֲע ֵשׂה ִלי ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָי ָצא ִמ ִּפ ָיך ַא ֲחֵרי Hashem; do to me as you have vowed, seeing that ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָע ָשׂה ְל ָך ְי ָהֹוה ְנ ָקמוֹת ֵמ ְאֹי ֶב ָיך ,Hashem has vindicated you against your enemies ִמ ְּב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן׃ ”.the Ammonites לז ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ֶא ָל־א ִב ָיה ֵי ָע ֶשׂה ִּלי ַה ָ ּד ָבר ַהֶ ּזה She further said to her father, “Let this be done for 37 ַהְר ֵּפה ִמ ֶּמ ִנּי שׁ ְ ַנִים ֳח ָדשׁ ִ ים ְו ֵא ְל ָכה me: let me be for two months, and I will go with ְוָיַר ְד ִּתי ַע ֶל־ה ָהִרים ְו ֶא ְב ֶּכה ַע ְּל־ב ּתו ַלי my companions and lament upon the hills and ָא ִנֹכי ורעיתי ְ]וֵר ָעוֹתי׃[ ”.there bewail my maidenhood לח ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵל ִכי ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ָאוֹת ּה שׁ ְ ֵני ֳח ָדשׁ ִ ים Go,” he replied. He let her go for two months, and“ 38 ַו ֵּת ֶל ְך ִהיא ְוֵר ֶעוֹת ָיה ַו ֵּת ְב ְּך ַע ְּל־ב ּתו ֶל ָיה she and her companions went and bewailed her ַע ֶל־ה ָהִרים׃ .maidenhood upon the hills לט ַוְי ִהי ִמ ֵּקץ שׁ ְ ַנִים ֳח ָדשׁ ִ ים ַו ָּתשׁ ָ ב ,After two months’ time, she returned to her father 39 ֶא ָל־א ִב ָיה ַוַּי ַעשׂ ָל ּה ֶא ִת־נ ְדרוֹ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר and he did to her as he had vowed. She had never ָנ ָדר ְו ִהיא ָלֹא־י ְד ָעה ִאישׁ ַו ְּת ִהי־חֹק known a man. So it became a custom in Yisrael ְ ּב ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ מ ִמָּי ִמים ָי ִמ ָימה ֵּת ַל ְכ ָנה ְּבנוֹת ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל for the maidens of Yisrael to go every year, for four 40 ְל ַתנּוֹת ְל ַב ִת־י ְפ ָּתח ַה ִּג ְל ָע ִדי ַאְר ַּב ַעת days in the year, and chant dirges for the daughter ָי ִמים ַּבשָּׁ ָנה׃ .of Yiftach the Giladite

55 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק בי Chapter 12

א ַוִּי ָּצ ֵעק ִאישׁ ֶא ְפַרִים ַוַּי ֲעבֹר ָצ ָפוֹנה The men ofEfraim mustered and crossed [the 1 12 יב ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ְלִי ְפ ָּתח ַמ ּד ּו ַע ָע ַבְר ָּת ְל ִה ָּל ֵחם Yarden] to Zaphon. They said toYiftach , “Why did ִּב ְב ֵנ ַי־ע ּמוֹן ְו ָל ּנו לֹא ָקָר ָאת ָל ֶל ֶכת ִע ָּמ ְך you march to fight the Ammonites without calling ֵּב ְית ָך ִנ ְשׂרֹף ָע ֶל ָיך ָּב ֵאשׁ ׃ us to go with you? We’ll burn your house down over you!” ב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִי ְפ ָּתח ֲא ֵל ֶיהם ִאישׁ ִריב ָהִי ִיתי Yiftach answered them, “I and my people were 2 in a bitter conflict with the Ammonites; and I Judges ֲא ִני ְו ַע ִּמי ּו ְב ֵנ ַי־ע ּמוֹן ְמאֹד ָו ֶאְז ַעק ֶא ְת ֶכם ְולֹא־הוֹשׁ ַ ְע ֶּתם ִאוֹתי ִמָּי ָדם׃ .summoned you, but you did not save me from them ג ָו ֶאְר ֶאה ִּכ ֵי־א ְינ ָך מוֹשׁ ִ יע ָו ָא ִשׂ ָימה ַנ ְפשׁ ִ י When I saw that you were no saviors, I risked my 3 ְב ַכ ִּפי ָו ֶא ְע ְּבָרה ֶא ְּל־ב ֵני ַע ּמוֹן ַוִּי ְּת ֵנם life and advanced against the Ammonites; and ְי ָהֹוה ְּבָי ִדי ְו ָל ָמה ֲע ִל ֶיתם ֵא ַלי ַה ּיוֹם ַהֶ ּזה Hashem delivered them into my hands. Why have ְל ִה ָּל ֶחם ִּבי׃ ”?you come here now to fight against me ד ַוִּי ְק ּבֹץ ִי ְפ ָּתח ֶא ָּת־כ ַל־א ְנשׁ ֵ י ִג ְל ָעד And Yiftach gathered all the men of Gilad and 4 ַוִּי ָּל ֶחם ֶא ֶת־א ְפָרִים ַוַּי ּכ ּו ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ִג ְל ָעד fought the Ephraimites. The men ofGilad defeated ֶא ֶת־א ְפַרִים ִּכי ָא ְמ ּרו ְּפ ִל ֵיטי ֶא ְפַרִים the Ephraimites; for they had said, “You Giladites ַא ֶּתם ִּג ְל ָעד ְּב ְתוֹך ֶא ְפַרִים ְּב ְתוֹך ְמ ַנשֶּׁ ה׃ are nothing but fugitives from Efraim—being in Menashe is like being in Efraim.” ה ַוִּי ְל ּכֹד ִּג ְל ָעד ֶא ַת־מ ְע ְּברוֹת ַהַּיְר ֵ ּדן The Giladites held the fords of theYarden against 5 ְל ֶא ְפָרִים ְו ָהָיה ִּכי ְיֹאמ ּרו ְּפ ִל ֵיטי ֶא ְפַרִים the Ephraimites. And when any fugitive from ֶא ֱע ָבֹרה ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו לוֹ ַא ְנשׁ ֵ ִי־ג ְל ָעד Efraim said, “Let me cross,” the men of Gilad would ַה ֶא ְפָר ִתי ַא ָּתה ַו ּי ֶֹאמר לֹא׃ ”,ask him, “Are you an Ephraimites?”; if he said “No ו ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו לוֹ ֱא ָמ ָר־נא שׁ ִ ּב ֶֹלת ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ;”they would say to him, “Then say shibboleth 6 ִס ּב ֶֹלת ְולֹא ָי ִכין ְל ַד ֵּבר ֵּכן ַו ּי ֲֹאח ּזו אוֹתוֹ but he would say “sibboleth,” not being able to ַוִּישׁ ְ ָח ּטו ּהו ֶא ַל־מ ְע ְּברוֹת ַהַּיְר ֵ ּדן ַוִּי ּפֹל pronounce it correctly. Thereupon they would seize ָּב ֵעת ַה ִהיא ֵמ ֶא ְפַרִים ַאְר ָּב ִעים ּושׁ ְ ַנִים -him and slay him by the fords of the Yarden. Forty ָא ֶלף׃ .two thousand Ephraimites fell at that time ז ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט ִי ְפ ָּתח ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל שׁ ֵ שׁ שׁ ָ ִנים Yiftach led Yisrael six years. ThenYiftach the 7 ַו ָּי ָמת ִי ְפ ָּתח ַה ִּג ְל ָע ִדי ַו ִּי ָּק ֵבר ְּב ָעֵרי ִג ְל ָעד׃ Giladite died and he was buried in one of the towns of Gilad. ח ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט ַא ֲחָריו ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִא ְב ָצן .After him,Ivtzan of Beit Lechem led Yisrael 8 ִמ ֵּבית ָל ֶחם׃ va-yish-POT a-kha-RAV et yis-ra-AYL iv-TZAN mi-BAYT LA-khem ט ַוְי ִהי־לוֹ שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ָּב ִנים ּושׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ָּבנוֹת He had thirty sons, and he married off thirty 9 שׁ ִ ַּלח ַה ּחו ָצה ּושׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ָּבנוֹת ֵה ִביא daughters outside the clan and brought in thirty ְל ָב ָניו ִמ ַן־ה ּחוץ ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל girls from outside the clan for his sons. He led שׁ ֶ ַבע שׁ ָ ִנים׃ .Yisrael seven years

12:8 Ivtzan of Beit Lechem led Yisrael According will ultimately also include the righteous Mashiach. to the Talmud (Bava Batra 91a), the judge called Ivtzan has sixty children. But it is a unique child, born as Ivtzan mentioned in this verse is none other than Boaz, a result of his kindness to a poor convert, who is the one of the heroes of Megillat Rut. At the climax of that ancestor of the redeemer of Israel. Hashem indeed finds dramatic narrative, Boaz marries the poor Moabite many ways to take care of the People of Israel, and to convert Rut. Their descendants include King David, and reward acts of kindness.

56 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק גי Chapter 13

י ַוָּי ָמת ִא ְב ָצן ַוִּי ָּק ֵבר ְּב ֵבית ָל ֶחם׃ .ThenIvtzan died and was buried in Beit Lechem 10 יא ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט ַא ֲחָריו ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֵאילוֹן After him,Eilon the Zebulunite led Yisrael; he led 11 ַהְ ּז ּבו ִלֹני ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶע ֶשׂר .Yisrael for ten years שׁ ָ ִנים׃ יב ַוָּי ָמת ֵאלוֹן ַהְ ּז ּבו ִלֹני ַוִּי ָּק ֵבר ְּב ַאָּילוֹן ThenEilon the Zebulunite died and was buried in 12 ְּב ֶאֶרץ ְז ּבו ֻלן׃ .Aijalon, in the territory of Zevulun Judges יג ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט ַא ֲחָריו ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַע ְב ּדוֹן ֶּבן־ After him,Avdon son of Hillel the Pirathonite led 13 ִה ֵּלל ַה ִּפְר ָע ִתוֹני׃ .Yisrael יד ַוְי ִהי־לוֹ ַאְר ָּב ִעים ָּב ִנים ּושׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ְּב ֵני He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode 14 ָב ִנים ְרֹכ ִבים ַעל־שׁ ִ ְב ִעים ֲעָיִרם ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט .on seventy jackasses. He led Yisrael for eight years ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל שׁ ְ ֶמֹנה שׁ ָ ִנים׃ טו ַוָּי ָמת ַע ְב ּדוֹן ֶּב ִן־ה ֵּלל ַה ִּפְר ָע ִתוֹני ַוִּי ָּק ֵבר ThenAvdon son of Hillel the Pirathonite died. He 15 ְּב ִפְר ָעתוֹן ְּב ֶאֶרץ ֶא ְפַרִים ְּב ַהר ָה ֲע ָמ ֵל ִקי׃ ,was buried in Pirathon, in the territory of Efraim on the hill of the Amalekites. א ַו ּי ִֹס ּפו ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַל ֲעשׂוֹת ָהַרע ְּב ֵע ֵיני B’nei Yisrael again did what was offensive to 1 13 יג ְי ָהֹוה ַוִּי ְּת ֵנם ְי ָהֹוה ְּבַי ְּד־פ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים Hashem, and Hashem delivered them into the ַאְר ָּב ִעים שׁ ָ ָנה׃ .hands of the Philistines for forty years ב ַוְי ִהי ִאישׁ ֶא ָחד ִמ ָּצְר ָעה ִמ ִּמשׁ ְ ַּפ ַחת There was a certain man fromTzora , of the stock 2 ַה ָ ּד ִני ּושׁ ְ מוֹ ָמ ַנוֹח ְו ִאשׁ ְ ּתוֹ ֲע ָקָרה ְולֹא of Dan, whose name was Manoach. His wife was ָי ָל ָדה׃ .barren and had borne no children ג ַוֵּיָרא ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְ־י ָהֹוה ֶא ָל־ה ִאשָּׁ ה ַו ּי ֶֹאמר An angel of Hashem appeared to the woman and 3 ֵא ֶל ָיה ִה ֵנּ ָה־נא ַא ְּת ֲ־ע ָקָרה ְולֹא ָי ַל ְד ְּת said to her, “You are barren and have borne no ְו ָהִרית ְוָי ַל ְד ְּת ֵּבן׃ .children; but you shall conceive and bear a son ד ְו ַע ָּתה ִהשָּׁ ְמִרי ָנא ְו ַא ִּל־תשׁ ְ ִּתי ַיִין ְושׁ ֵ ָכר Now be careful not to drink wine or other 4 ְו ַא ּל־ת ְֹאכ ִלי ָּכ ָל־ט ֵמא׃ .intoxicant, or to eat anything unclean ה ִּכי ִה ָנּ ְך ָהָרה ְו ַיֹל ְד ְּת ֵּבן ּו ָמוֹרה לֹא־ ;For you are going to conceive and bear a son 5 ַי ֲע ֶלה ַעל־רֹאשׁ וֹ ִּכ ְי־נִזיר ֱא ִלֹהים ִי ְהֶיה let no razor touch his head, for the boy is to be a ַה ַנּ ַער ִמ ַן־ה ָּב ֶטן ְו ּהוא ָי ֵחל ְלהוֹשׁ ִ ַיע nazirite to Hashem from the womb on. He shall be ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִמַּיד ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים׃ ”.the first to deliverYisrael from the Philistines KEE hi-NAKH ha-RAH v’-yo-LAD-t’ BAYN u-mo-RAH lo ya-a-LEH al ro-SHO kee n’-ZEER e-lo-HEEM yih-YEH ha-NA-ar min ha-BA-ten v’-HU ya-KHAYL l’- ho-SHEE-a et yis-ra-AYL mi-YAD p’-lish-TEEM

13:5 For the boy is to be a nazirite to Hashem from Yisrael, Rabbi Cohen also refused to leave Jerusalem. the womb on The promised child, who will be Along with Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook, he was brought by the strong and fearless judge Shimshon, is to be a his students serving in the Israeli Army to the Western nazirite from birth. This is an unusual situation; most Wall shortly after its liberation during the Six Day War. nazirites choose this status temporarily, for a limited When secular Israeli soldiers saw Rabbis Cohen and Kook period. Though typically people do not take such vows at the Kotel in the midst of the war, they gasped and nowadays, a famous exception was Rabbi David Cohen pointed, assuming the two saintly rabbis were none Rabbi David Cohen, Nazir of Jerusalem (1887-1972). Known as “The Nazir,” ‘nazirite,’ he was a other than the Mashiach and the Prophet Eliyahu. The (1887-1972) close student of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, and was a Nazir of Yerushalayim was a reminder of the holiness nazirite for most of his life. Following his move to Eretz that special people can achieve, even today.

57 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק גי Chapter 13

ו ַו ָּתבֹא ָה ִאשָּׁ ה ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ְל ִאישׁ ָ ּה ֵלאמֹר The woman went and told her husband, “A man 6 ִאישׁ ָה ֱא ִלֹהים ָּבא ֵא ַלי ּו ַמְר ֵא ּהו of Hashem came to me; he looked like an angel of ְּכ ַמְר ֵאה ַמ ְל ַא ְך ָה ֱא ִלֹהים ָנוֹרא ְמאֹד Hashem, very frightening. I did not ask him where ְולֹא שׁ ְ ִא ְל ִּת ּיהו ֵא ִי־מֶ ּזה ּהוא ְו ֶאת־שׁ ְ מוֹ .he was from, nor did he tell me his name ִלֹא־ה ִּגיד ִלי׃ ז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִלי ִה ָנּ ְך ָהָרה ְו ַיֹל ְד ְּת ֵּבן ְו ַע ָּתה He said to me, ‘You are going to conceive and bear 7

Judges ַא ִּל־תשׁ ְ ִּתי ַיִין ְושׁ ֵ ָכר ְו ַא ּל־ת ְֹאכ ִלי ָּכל־ a son. Drink no wine or other intoxicant, and eat ֻט ְמ ָאה ִּכ ְי־נִזיר ֱא ִלֹהים ִי ְהֶיה ַה ַנּ ַער ִמן־ nothing unclean, for the boy is to be a nazirite to ַה ֶּב ֶטן ַעד־יוֹם מוֹתוֹ׃ ”’!Hashem from the womb to the day of his death ח ַוֶּי ְע ַּתר ָמ ַנוֹח ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ַו ּי ַֹאמר ִּבי ֲא ָדוֹני Manoach pleaded with Hashem. “Oh, my Lord!” he 8 ִאישׁ ָה ֱא ִלֹהים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר שׁ ָ ַל ְח ָּת ָי ָבוֹא־נא said, “please let the man of Hashem that You sent עוֹד ֵא ֵל ּינו ְו ֵיוֹר ּנו ַמ ַה־נּ ֲע ֶשׂה ַל ַנּ ַער come to us again, and let him instruct us how to act ַה ּי ּו ָּלד׃ ”.with the child that is to be born ט ַוִּישׁ ְ ַמע ָה ֱא ִלֹהים ְּבקוֹל ָמ ַנוֹח ַוָּיבֹא Hashem heeded Manoach’s plea, and the angel of 9 ַמ ְל ַא ְך ָה ֱא ִלֹהים עוֹד ֶא ָל־ה ִאשָּׁ ה ְו ִהיא Hashem came to the woman again. She was sitting יוֹשׁ ֶ ֶבת ַּב ָּשׂ ֶדה ּו ָמ ַנוֹח ִאישׁ ָ ּה ֵאין ִע ָּמ ּה׃ in the field and her husbandManoach was not with her. י ַו ְּת ַמ ֵהר ָה ִאשָּׁ ה ַו ָּתָרץ ַו ַּת ֵּגד ְל ִאישׁ ָ ּה The woman ran in haste to tell her husband. She 10 ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ִה ֵנּה ִנְר ָאה ֵא ַלי ָה ִאישׁ said to him, “The man who came to me before has ֲאשׁ ֶ ָּר־בא ַב ּיוֹם ֵא ָלי׃ ”.just appeared to me יא ַוָּי ָקם ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ָמ ַנוֹח ַא ֲחֵרי ִאשׁ ְ ּתוֹ ַוָּיבֹא ֶאל־ Manoach promptly followed his wife. He came to 11 ָה ִאישׁ ַו ּי ֶֹאמר לוֹ ַה ַא ָּתה ָה ִאישׁ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר־ the man and asked him: “Are you the man who ִ ּד ַּבְר ָּת ֶא ָל־ה ִאשָּׁ ה ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָא ִני׃ .spoke to my wife?” “Yes,” he answered יב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָמ ַנוֹח ַע ָּתה ָיבֹא ְד ָבֶר ָיך ַמ ִּה־י ְהֶיה ThenManoach said, “May your words soon come 12 ִמשׁ ְ ַּפ ַט־ה ַנּ ַער ּו ַמ ֲע ֵשׂ ּהו׃ ”?true! What rules shall be observed for the boy יג ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ָל־מ ַנוֹח ִמ ּכֹל The angel ofHashem said to Manoach, “The woman 13 ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־א ַמְר ִּתי ֶא ָל־ה ִאשָּׁ ה ִּתשָּׁ ֵמר׃ must abstain from all the things against which I warned her. יד ִמ ּכֹל ֲאשׁ ֶ ֵר־י ֵצא ִמ ֶּג ֶפן ַהַּיִין לֹא ַתֹאכל She must not eat anything that comes from the 14 ְוַיִין ְושׁ ֵ ָכר ַא ֵּל־תשׁ ְ ְּת ְו ָכ ֻל־ט ְמ ָאה ַאל־ grapevine, or drink wine or other intoxicant, or ּת ַֹאכל ּכֹל ֲאשׁ ֶ ִר־צִּו ִית ָיה ִּתשׁ ְ מֹר׃ eat anything unclean. She must observe all that I commanded her.” טו ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָמ ַנוֹח ֶא ַל־מ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ַנ ְע ְצָרה־ Manoach said to the angel of Hashem, “Let us 15 ָנּא ָאוֹת ְך ְו ַנ ֲע ֶשׂה ְל ָפ ֶנ ָיך ְּג ִדי ִעִ ּזים׃ ”.detain you and prepare a kid for you טז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ָל־מ ַנוֹח ִאם־ But the angel of Hashem said to Manoach, “If you 16 ַּת ְע ְצֵר ִני ַלֹא־אֹכל ְּב ַל ְח ֶמ ָך ְו ִא ַּם־ת ֲע ֶשׂה detain me, I shall not eat your food; and if you ָעֹלה ַל ָיהֹוה ַּת ֲע ֶל ָנּה ִּכי ָלֹא־י ַדע ָמ ַנוֹח present a burnt offering, offer it toHashem .”—For ִּכ ַי־מ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ּהוא׃ Manoach did not know that he was an angel of Hashem. יז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָמ ַנוֹח ֶא ַל־מ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ִמי שׁ ְ ֶמ ָך So Manoach said to the angel of Hashem, “What 17 ִּכ ָי־יבֹא דבריך ְ]ד ָבְר ָך[ ְו ִכ ַּב ְד ּנו ָך׃ is your name? We should like to honor you when your words come true.”

58 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק די Chapter 14

יח ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ּלוֹ ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ָל ָּמה ֶ ּזה ִּתשׁ ְ ַאל The angel said to him, “You must not ask for my 18 ִלשׁ ְ ִמי ְו ּהו ֶא־פ ִלאי׃ ”!name; it is unknowable יט ַוִּי ַּקח ָמ ַנוֹח ֶא ְּת־ג ִדי ָה ִעִ ּזים ְו ֶאת־ Manoach took the kid and the meal offering and 19 ַה ִּמ ְנ ָחה ַוַּי ַעל ַע ַל־ה ּצ ּור ַל ָיהֹוה ּו ַמ ְפ ִלא offered them up on the rock toHashem ; and a ַל ֲעשׂוֹת ּו ָמ ַנוֹח ְו ִאשׁ ְ ּתוֹ ִרֹאים׃ marvelous thing happened while Manoach and his wife looked on.

כ ַוְי ִהי ַב ֲעלוֹת ַה ַּל ַהב ֵמ ַעל ַה ִּמְז ֵּב ַח Judges 20 As the flames leaped up from themizbayach toward ַהשָּׁ ַמְי ָמה ַוַּי ַעל ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְ־י ָהֹוה ְּב ַל ַהב the sky, the angel of Hashem ascended in the flames ַה ִּמְז ֵּב ַח ּו ָמ ַנוֹח ְו ִאשׁ ְ ּתוֹ ִרֹאים ַוִּי ְּפ ּלו ַעל־ of the mizbayach, while Manoach and his wife ְּפ ֵנ ֶיהם ָאְר ָצה׃ looked on; and they flung themselves on their faces to the ground. כא ְו ָלֹא־י ַסף עוֹד ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ְל ֵהָראֹה The angel ofHashem never appeared again to 21 ֶא ָל־מ ַנוֹח ְו ֶא ִל־אשׁ ְ ּתוֹ ָאז ָי ַדע ָמ ַנוֹח ִּכי־ Manoach and his wife.—Manoach then realized ַמ ְל ַא ְך ְי ָהֹוה ּהוא׃ .that it had been an angel of Hashem כב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָמ ַנוֹח ֶא ִל־אשׁ ְ ּתוֹ מוֹת ָנ ּמות ִּכי ,And Manoach said to his wife, “We shall surely die 22 ֱא ִלֹהים ָר ִא ּינו׃ ”.for we have seen a divine being כג ַו ּת ֶֹאמר לוֹ ִאשׁ ְ ּתוֹ ּלו ָח ֵפץ ְי ָהֹוה But his wife said to him, “Had Hashem meant to 23 ַל ֲה ִמ ֵית ּנו ָלֹא־ל ַקח ִמָּי ֵד ּנו ָעֹלה ּו ִמ ְנ ָחה take our lives, He would not have accepted a burnt ְולֹא ֶהְר ָא ּנו ֶא ָּת־כ ֵל־א ֶּלה ְו ָכ ֵעת לֹא offering and meal offering from us, nor let us see all ִהשׁ ְ ִמ ָיע ּנו ָּכזֹאת׃ these things; and He would not have made such an announcement to us.” כד ַו ֵּת ֶלד ָה ִאשָּׁ ה ֵּבן ַו ִּת ְקָרא ֶאת־שׁ ְ מוֹ The woman bore a son, and she named him 24 שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ַוִּי ְג ַ ּדל ַה ַנּ ַער ַוְי ָבְר ֵכ ּהו ְי ָהֹוה׃ .Shimshon. The boy grew up, andHashem blessed him כה ַו ָּת ֶחל ּרו ַח ְי ָהֹוה ְל ַפ ֲעמוֹ ְּב ַמ ֲח ֵנ ָה־דן ֵּבין The spirit ofHashem first moved him in the 25 ָצְר ָעה ּו ֵבין ֶאשׁ ְ ָּתאֹל׃ .encampment of Dan, between Tzora and Eshtaol א ַוֵּיֶרד שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ִּת ְמ ָנ ָתה ַוַּיְרא ִאשָּׁ ה Once Shimshon went down to Timnah; and while 1 14 יד ְּב ִת ְמ ָנ ָתה ִמ ְּבנוֹת ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים׃ in Timnah, he noticed a girl among the Philistine women. ב ַוַּי ַעל ַוַּי ֵּגד ְל ָא ִביו ּו ְל ִא ּמוֹ ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִאשָּׁ ה On his return, he told his father and mother, “I 2 ָר ִא ִיתי ְב ִת ְמ ָנ ָתה ִמ ְּבנוֹת ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ;noticed one of the Philistine women in Timnah ְו ַע ָּתה ְק ּחו ָ־אוֹת ּה ִּלי ְל ִאשָּׁ ה׃ ”.please get her for me as a wife ג ַו ּי ֶֹאמר לוֹ ָא ִביו ְו ִא ּמוֹ ַה ֵאין ִּב ְבנוֹת ַא ֶח ָיך His father and mother said to him, “Is there no one 3 ּו ְב ָכ ַל־ע ִּמי ִאשָּׁ ה ִּכ ַי־א ָּתה ֵהוֹל ְך ָל ַק ַחת among the daughters of your own kinsmen and ִאשָּׁ ה ִמ ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ָה ֲעֵר ִלים ַו ּי ֶֹאמר among all our people, that you must go and take שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ֶא ָל־א ִביו ָאוֹת ּה ַק ִח־לי ִּכ ִי־היא a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But ָישׁ ְ ָרה ְב ֵע ָיני׃ Shimshon answered his father, “Get me that one, for she is the one that pleases me.” ד ְו ָא ִביו ְו ִא ּמוֹ לֹא ָי ְד ּעו ִּכי ֵמְי ָהֹוה ִהיא ִּכי־ His father and mother did not realize that this was 4 ֲתֹא ָנה ּהו ְא־מ ַב ֵּקשׁ ִמ ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ּו ָב ֵעת Hashem’s doing: He was seeking a pretext against ַה ִהיא ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים מֹשׁ ְ ִלים ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ the Philistines, for the Philistines were ruling over Yisrael at that time.

59 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק די Chapter 14

ה ַוֵּיֶרד שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ְו ָא ִביו ְו ִא ּמוֹ ִּת ְמ ָנ ָתה ַוָּי ּבֹאו So Shimshon and his father and mother went down 5 ַע ַּד־כְר ֵמי ִת ְמ ָנ ָתה ְו ִה ֵנּה ְּכ ִפיר ֲאָריוֹת to Timnah.When he came to the vineyards of שׁ ֵֹאג ִל ְקָראתוֹ׃ Timnah [for the first time], a full-grown lion came roaring at him. ו ַו ִּת ְצ ַלח ָע ָליו ּרו ַח ְי ָהֹוה ַוְישׁ ַ ְּס ֵע ּהו The spirit ofHashem gripped him, and he tore him 6 ְּכשׁ ַ ַּסע ַה ְּג ִדי ּו ְמ ּאו ָמה ֵאין ְּבָידוֹ ְולֹא asunder with his bare hands as one might tear a kid ּ asunder; but he did not tell his father and mother Judges ִה ִגיד ְל ָא ִביו ּו ְל ִא ּמוֹ ֵאת ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָע ָשׂה׃ what he had done. ז ַוֵּיֶרד ַוְי ַד ֵּבר ָל ִאשָּׁ ה ַו ִּתישׁ ַ ר ְּב ֵע ֵיני Then he went down and spoke to the woman, and 7 שׁ ִ ְ מ שׁ ֹ ו ן ׃ .she pleased Shimshon ח ַוָּישׁ ָ ב ִמָּי ִמים ְל ַק ְח ָּת ּה ַוָּי ַסר ִלְראוֹת Returning the following year to marry her, he 8 ֵאת ַמ ֶּפ ֶלת ָה ַאְרֵיה ְו ִה ֵנּה ֲע ַדת ְ ּד ִבוֹרים turned aside to look at the remains of the lion; and ִּב ְגִוַּית ָה ַאְרֵיה ּו ְד ָבשׁ ׃ in the lion’s skeleton he found a swarm of bees, and honey. ט ַוִּיְר ֵ ּד ּהו ֶא ַּל־כ ָּפיו ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ָה ְלוֹך ְו ָאכֹל ַוֵּי ֶל ְך He scooped it into his palms and ate it as he went 9 ֶא ָל־א ִביו ְו ֶא ִל־א ּמוֹ ַוִּי ֵּתן ָל ֶהם ַו ּי ֵֹאכ ּלו along. When he rejoined his father and mother, he ְו ִלֹא־ה ִּגיד ָל ֶהם ִּכי ִמ ְּגִוַּית ָה ַאְרֵיה ָר ָדה gave them some and they ate it; but he did not tell ַ ה ְ ּ ד ָ ב שׁ ׃ them that he had scooped the honey out of a lion’s skeleton. י ַוֵּיֶרד ָא ִב ּיהו ֶא ָל־ה ִאשָּׁ ה ַוַּי ַעשׂ שׁ ָ ם So his father came down to the woman, and 10 שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ִמשׁ ְ ֶּתה ִּכי ֵּכן ַי ֲע ּשׂו ַה ַּב ּחוִרים׃ Shimshon made a feast there, as young men used to do. יא ַוְי ִהי ִּכְר ָאוֹתם אוֹתוֹ ַוִּי ְק ּחו שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים When they saw him, they designated thirty 11 ֵמֵר ִעים ַוִּי ְה ּיו ִא ּתוֹ׃ .companions to be with him יב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ָא ּחו ָד ָה־נּא ָל ֶכם ThenShimshon said to them, “Let me propound a 12 ִח ָידה ִא ַם־ה ֵּגד ַּת ִּג ּידו ָאוֹת ּה ִלי שׁ ִ ְב ַעת riddle to you. If you can give me the right answer ְי ֵמי ַה ִּמשׁ ְ ֶּתה ּו ְמ ָצ ֶאתם ְו ָנ ַת ִּתי ָל ֶכם during the seven days of the feast, I shall give you שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ְס ִד ִינים ּושׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ֲח ִלפֹת ;thirty linen tunics and thirty sets of clothing ְּב ָג ִדים׃ יג ְו ִאם־לֹא ּתו ְכ ּלו ְל ַה ִּגיד ִלי ּו ְנ ַת ֶּתם ַא ֶּתם but if you are not able to tell it to me, you must give 13 ִלי שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ְס ִד ִינים ּושׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ֲח ִליפוֹת ”.me thirty linen tunics and thirty sets of clothing ְּב ָג ִדים ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו לוֹ ּחו ָדה ִח ָיד ְת ָך And they said to him, “Ask your riddle and we will ְ ו ִ נ שׁ ְ ָ מ ֶ ע ָּ נ ה ׃ ”.listen יד ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם ֵמ ָה ֵאֹכל ָי ָצא ַמ ֲא ָכל ּו ֵמ ַעז So he said to them: “Out of the eater came 14 ָי ָצא ָמתוֹק ְולֹא ָי ְכ ּלו ְל ַה ִּגיד ַה ִח ָידה something to eat, Out of the strong came שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֶ ת ָי ִמים׃ something sweet.” For three days they could not answer the riddle. טו ַוְי ִהי ַּב ּיוֹם ַהשְּׁ ִב ִיעי ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ְל ֵאשׁ ֶ ת־ ,On the seventh day, they said to Shimshon’s wife 15 שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ַּפ ִּתי ֶא ִת־אישׁ ֵ ְך ְוַי ֶּג ָד־ל ּנו ֶאת־ Coax your husband to provide us with the answer“ ַה ִח ָידה ֶּפ ִן־נ ְשׂרֹף ָאוֹת ְך ְו ֶא ֵּת־בית ָא ִב ְיך to the riddle; else we shall put you and your father’s ָּב ֵאשׁ ַה ְלָיְרשׁ ֵ ּנו ְקָר ֶאתם ָל ּנו ֲהלֹא׃ household to the fire; have you invited us here in order to impoverish us?”

60 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק וט Chapter 15

טז ַו ֵּת ְב ְּך ֵאשׁ ֶ ת שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ָע ָליו ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ַרק־ ThenShimshon ’s wife harassed him with tears, and 16 ְשׂ ֵנ ַאת ִני ְולֹא ֲא ַה ְב ָּת ִני ַה ִח ָידה ַח ְד ָּת .she said, “You really hate me, you don’t love me ִל ְב ֵני ַע ִּמי ְו ִלי לֹא ִה ַּג ְד ָּתה ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ּה You asked my countrymen a riddle, and you didn’t ִה ֵנּה ְל ָא ִבי ּו ְל ִא ִּמי לֹא ִה ַּג ְד ִּתי ְו ָל ְך ַא ִּגיד׃ tell me the answer.” He replied, “I haven’t even told my father and mother; shall I tell you?” יז ַו ֵּת ְב ְּך ָע ָליו שׁ ִ ְב ַעת ַהָּי ִמים ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־הָיה During the rest of the seven days of the feast she 17 ּ ּ continued to harass him with her tears, and on the ָל ֶהם ַה ִּמשׁ ְ ֶּתה ַוְי ִהי ַּביוֹם ַהשְּׁ ִב ִיעי ַוַי ֶּגד־ Judges ָל ּה ִּכי ֱה ִצ ַיק ְת ּהו ַו ַּת ֵּגד ַה ִח ָידה ִל ְב ֵני .seventh day he told her, because she nagged him so ַע ָּמ ּה׃ .And she explained the riddle to her countrymen יח ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו לוֹ ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ָה ִעיר ַּב ּיוֹם ַהשְּׁ ִב ִיעי On the seventh day, before the sunset, the 18 ְּב ֶטֶרם ָיבֹא ַה ַחְר ָסה ַמ ָּה־מתוֹק ִמ ְ ּד ַבשׁ townsmen said to him: “What is sweeter than ּו ֶמה ַעז ֵמ ֲאִרי ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם ּלו ֵלא honey, And what is stronger than a lion?” He ֲחַרשׁ ְ ֶּתם ְּב ֶע ְג ָל ִתי לֹא ְמ ָצ ֶאתם ִח ָיד ִתי׃ ,responded: “Had you not plowed with my heifer You would not have guessed my riddle!” יט ַו ִּת ְצ ַלח ָע ָליו ּרו ַח ְי ָהֹוה ַוֵּיֶרד ַאשׁ ְ ְקלוֹן The spirit ofHashem gripped him. He went 19 ַוַּי ְך ֵמ ֶהם שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ִאישׁ ַוִּי ַּקח ֶאת־ down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of its men. He ֲח ִל ָיצוֹתם ַוִּי ֵּתן ַה ֲח ִליפוֹת ְל ַמ ִּג ֵידי stripped them and gave the sets of clothing to ַה ִח ָידה ַוִּי ַחר ַא ּפוֹ ַוַּי ַעל ֵּבית ָא ִב ּיהו׃ those who had answered the riddle. And he left in a rage for his father’s house. va-titz-LAKH a-LAV RU-akh a-do-NAI va-YAY-red ash-k’-LON va-YAKH may- HEM sh’-lo-SHEEM eesh va-yi-KAKH et kha-lee-tzo-TAM va-yi-TAYN ha-kha-lee- FOT l’-ma-gee-DAY ha-khee-DAH va-yi-KHAR a-PO va-YA-al BAYT a-VEE-hu כ ַו ְּת ִהי ֵאשׁ ֶ ת שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ְל ֵמֵר ֵע ּהו ֲאשׁ ֶ ר Shimshon’s wife then married one of those who had 20 ֵר ָעה לוֹ׃ .been his wedding companions א ַוְי ִהי ִמָּי ִמים ִּב ֵימי ְק ִצ ִיר־ח ִּטים ַוִּי ְפקֹד ,Some time later, in the season of the wheat harvest 1 15 טו שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ֶא ִת־אשׁ ְ ּתוֹ ִּב ְג ִדי ִעִ ּזים ַו ּי ֶֹאמר Shimshon came to visit his wife, bringing a kid as ָא ָבֹאה ֶא ִל־אשׁ ְ ִּתי ֶה ָח ְדָרה ְו ְלֹא־נ ָתנוֹ a gift. He said, “Let me go into the chamber to my ָא ִב ָיה ָלבוֹא׃ .wife.” But her father would not let him go in ב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָא ִב ָיה ָאמֹר ָא ַמְר ִּתי ִּכ ָי־שׂנֹא I was sure,” said her father, “that you had taken“ 2 ְשׂ ֵנ ָאת ּה ָו ֶא ְּת ֶנ ָנּה ְל ֵמֵר ֶע ָך ֲהלֹא ֲא ָחֹת ּה a dislike to her, so I gave her to your wedding ַה ְּק ַט ָנּה ָטוֹבה ִמ ֶּמ ָנּה ְּת ִה ָי־נא ְל ָך companion. But her younger sister is more ַּת ְח ֶּת ָיה׃ beautiful than she; let her become your wife instead.” ג ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ִנ ֵּק ִיתי ַה ַּפ ַעם ThereuponShimshon declared, “Now the 3 ִמ ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ִּכ ֶי־עֹשׂה ֲא ִני ִע ָּמם ָר ָעה׃ Philistines can have no claim against me for the harm I shall do them.”

14:19 The spirit of Hashem gripped him serving Him. Thus, it is this spiritual strength that According to Rashi, when the Bible says that enables Shimshon to use his great physical strength the “spirit of Hashem” rested upon Shimshon, it means against the Philistines. There is a difference between that God gave him a strong, heroic spirit, meaning a the physical strength within our bodies and spiritual type of spiritual strength that helps him recognize strength, which helps us meet all challenges to do Hashem’s guidance and channel all of his powers into God’s will. Shimshon has both.

61 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק וט Chapter 15

ד ַוֵּי ֶל ְך שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ַוִּי ְל ּכֹד שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֵ־מאוֹת Shimshon went and caught three hundred foxes. He 4 שׁ ּו ָע ִלים ַוִּי ַּקח ַל ִּפ ִדים ַוֶּי ֶפן ָז ָנב ֶאל־ took torches and, turning [the foxes] tail to tail, he ָז ָנב ַוָּי ֶשׂם ַל ִּפיד ֶא ָחד ֵּבין־שׁ ְ ֵני ַהְ ּז ָנבוֹת .placed a torch between each pair of tails ַּב ָּתֶו ְך׃ ה ַוַּי ְב ֶע ֵר־אשׁ ַּב ַּל ִּפ ִידים ַוְישׁ ַ ַּלח ְּב ָקמוֹת He lit the torches and turned [the foxes] loose 5 ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ַוַּי ְב ֵער ִמ ָּג ִדישׁ ְו ַע ָד־ק ָמה among the standing grain of the Philistines, setting

Judges ְו ַע ֶּד־כֶרם ָזִית׃ ,fire to stacked grain, standing grain, vineyards [and] olive trees. ו ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ִמי ָע ָשׂה זֹאת ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו The Philistines asked, “Who did this?” And they 6 שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ֲח ַתן ַה ִּת ְמ ִני ִּכי ָל ַקח ֶא ִת־אשׁ ְ ּתוֹ were told, “It was Shimshon, the son-in-law of ַוִּי ְּת ָנ ּה ְל ֵמֵר ֵע ּהו ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ַוִּי ְשׂ ְר ּפו the Timnite, who took Shimshon’s wife and gave ָאוֹת ּה ְו ֶא ָת־א ִב ָיה ָּב ֵאשׁ ׃ her to his wedding companion.” Thereupon the Philistines came up and put her and her father to the fire. ז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ִא ַּם־ת ֲע ּשׂון ָּכזֹאת Shimshon said to them, “If that is how you act, I will 7 ִּכי ִא ִם־נ ַּק ְמ ִּתי ָב ֶכם ְו ַא ַחר ֶא ְח ָ ּדל׃ ”.not rest until I have taken revenge on you ח ַוַּי ְך ָאוֹתם שׁ וֹק ַע ָל־יֵר ְך ַמ ָּכה ְג ָדוֹלה .He gave them a sound and thorough thrashing 8 ַוֵּיֶרד ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ִּב ְס ִעיף ֶס ַלע ֵע ָיטם׃ Then he went down and stayed in the cave of the rock of Etam. ט ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ַוַּי ֲח ּנו ִּב ּיהו ָדה ַוִּי ָנּ ְטשׁ ּו The Philistines came up, pitched camp inYehuda 9 ַּב ֶּל ִחי׃ .and spread out over Lehi va-ya-a-LU f’-lish-TEEM va-ya-kha-NU bee-hu-DAH va-yi-na-t’-SHU ba-LE-khee י ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִאישׁ ְי ּהו ָדה ָל ָמה ֲע ִל ֶיתם ָע ֵל ּינו The men ofYehuda asked, “Why have you come 10 ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ֶל ֱאסוֹר ֶאת־שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ָע ִל ּינו up against us?” They answered, “We have come to ַל ֲעשׂוֹת לוֹ ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָע ָשׂה ָל ּנו׃ take Shimshon prisoner, and to do to him as he did to us.” יא ַוֵּיְר ּדו שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֶ ת ֲא ָל ִפים ִאישׁ ִמ ּיהו ָדה Thereupon three thousand men ofYehuda went 11 ֶא ְל־ס ִעיף ֶס ַלע ֵע ָיטם ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ְלשׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן down to the cave of the rock of Etam, and they said ֲהלֹא ָי ַד ְע ָּת ִּכי־מֹשׁ ְ ִלים ָּב ּנו ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים to Shimshon, “You knew that the Philistines rule ּו ַמ ּה־זֹאת ָע ִשׂ ָית ָּל ּנו ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם ,over us; why have you done this to us?” He replied ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָע ּשׂו ִלי ֵּכן ָע ִשׂ ִיתי ָל ֶהם׃ ”.As they did to me, so I did to them“ יב ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו לוֹ ֶל ֱא ָסְר ָך ָיַר ְד ּנו ְל ִת ְּת ָך ְּבַיד־ We have come down,” they told him, “to take you“ 12 ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ִהשָּׁ ְב ּעו ”.prisoner and to hand you over to the Philistines ִלי ֶּפ ִּן־ת ְפ ְּג ּעון ִּבי ַא ֶּתם׃ But swear to me,” said Shimshon to them, “that you“ yourselves will not attack me.”

15:9 The Philistines came up, pitched camp in Yehuda The Yehuda and Binyamin, the Talmud (Yoma 12a) states that land of Yehuda encompasses much of the biblical Yerushalayim was not given to a specific tribe; rather, it heartland of Eretz Yisrael. Chevron and Beit Lechem belongs to all of Israel. The holiness of the city chosen are in the heart of the territory of Yehuda, while by God (Deuteronomy 12:5) is a unifying force that joins Yerushalayim is on its border. Though it borders both everyone together in the service of the Almighty.

62 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק זט Chapter 16

יג ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו לוֹ ֵלאמֹר לֹא ִּכ ָי־אסֹר ֶנ ֱא ָסְר ָך We won’t,” they replied. “We will only take you“ 13 ּו ְנ ַת ּנּו ָך ְבָי ָדם ְו ָה ֵמת לֹא ְנ ִמ ֶית ָך ַוַּי ַא ְסֻר ּהו prisoner and hand you over to them; we will not ִּבשׁ ְ ַנִים ֲע ִבֹתים ֲח ָדשׁ ִ ים ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ּהו ִמן־ slay you.” So they bound him with two new ropes ַה ָּס ַלע׃ .and brought him up from the rock יד ּהו ָא־בא ַע ֶד־ל ִחי ּו ְפ ִלשׁ ִ ִּתים ֵהִר ּיעו When he reached Lehi, the Philistines came 14 ִל ְקָראתוֹ ַו ִּת ְצ ַלח ָע ָליו ּרו ַח ְי ָהֹוה shouting to meet him. Thereupon the spirit of

ַו ִּת ְהֶי ָינה ָה ֲע ִבֹתים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַע ְל־ז ָרוֹעוֹתיו Judges Hashem gripped him, and the ropes on his arms ַּכ ִּפשׁ ְ ִּתים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָּב ֲע ּרו ָב ֵאשׁ ַוִּי ַּמ ּס ּו became like flax that catches fire; the bonds melted ֱא ּסוָריו ֵמ ַעל ָי ָדיו׃ .off his hands טו ַוִּי ְמ ָצא ְל ִח ֲי־חמוֹר ְטִרָּיה ַוִּישׁ ְ ַלח ָידוֹ He came upon a fresh jawbone of an ass and he 15 ַוִּי ָּק ֶח ָה ַוַּי ְך ָּ־ב ּה ֶא ֶלף ִאישׁ ׃ .picked it up; and with it he killed a thousand men טז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ִּב ְל ִחי ַה ֲחמוֹר ֲחמוֹר ThenShimshon said: “With the jaw of an ass, Mass 16 ֲח ָמֹר ָתִים ִּב ְל ִחי ַה ֲחמוֹר ִה ֵּכ ִיתי ֶא ֶלף upon mass! With the jaw of an ass I have slain a ִ א י שׁ ׃ ”.thousand men יז ַוְי ִהי ְּכ ַכ ּלֹתוֹ ְל ַד ֵּבר ַוַּישׁ ְ ֵל ְך ַה ְּל ִחי ִמָּידוֹ As he finished speaking, he threw the jawbone 17 ַוִּי ְקָרא ַל ָּמקוֹם ַה ּהוא ָר ַמת ֶל ִחי׃ .away; hence that place was called Ramath-lehi יח ַוִּי ְצ ָמא ְמאֹד ַוִּי ְקָרא ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ַו ּי ַֹאמר He was very thirsty and he called to Hashem, “You 18 ַא ָּתה ָנ ַת ָּת ְבַי ַד־ע ְב ְ ּד ָך ֶא ַת־ה ְּתשׁ ּו ָעה Yourself have granted this great victory through ַה ְּג ָדֹלה ַה ּזֹאת ְו ַע ָּתה ָא ּמות ַּב ָּצ ָמא Your servant; and must I now die of thirst and fall ְו ָנ ַפ ְל ִּתי ְּבַיד ָה ֲעֵר ִלים׃ ”?into the hands of the uncircumcised יט ַוִּי ְב ַקע ֱא ִלֹהים ֶא ַת־ה ַּמ ְכ ֵּתשׁ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר־ ,So Hashem split open the hollow which is at Lehi 19 ַּב ֶּל ִחי ַוֵּי ְצ ּאו ִמ ֶּמ ּנּו ַמִים ַוֵּישׁ ְ ְּת ַו ָּתשׁ ָ ב and the water gushed out of it; he drank, regained ּרוחוֹ ַוֶּי ִחי ַע ֵּל־כן ָקָרא שׁ ְ ָמ ּה ֵעין ַה ּק ֵוֹרא his strength, and revived. That is why it is called to ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַּב ֶּל ִחי ַעד ַה ּיוֹם ַהֶ ּזה׃ ”.this day “En-hakkore of Lehi כ ַוִּישׁ ְ ּפֹט ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִּב ֵימי ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים He led Yisrael in the days of the Philistines for 20 ֶע ְשׂ ִרים שׁ ָ ָנה׃ .twenty years א ַוֵּי ֶל ְך שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ַעָ ּז ָתה ַוַּיְרא־שׁ ָ ם ִאשָּׁ ה Once Shimshon went to Azza; there he met a 1 16 טז ָזוֹנה ַוָּיבֹא ֵא ֶל ָיה׃ .whore and slept with her ב ַל ַעָ ּז ִתים ֵלאמֹר ָּבא שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ֵה ָנּה ַוָּי ּסֹב ּו The Gazites [learned] thatShimshon had come 2 ַוֶּי ֶאְר ּבו־לוֹ ָכ ַל־ה ַּלְי ָלה ְּבשׁ ַ ַער ָה ִעיר there, so they gathered and lay in ambush for him ַוִּי ְת ָחְרשׁ ּו ָכ ַל־ה ַּלְי ָלה ֵלאמֹר ַעד־אוֹר in the town gate the whole night; and all night ַה ּב ֶֹקר ַו ֲהְר ְג ֻנ ּהו׃ long they kept whispering to each other, “When daylight comes, we’ll kill him.” ג ַוִּישׁ ְ ַּכב שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ַע ֲד־ח ִצי ַה ַּלְי ָלה ַוָּי ָקם But Shimshon lay in bed only till midnight. At 3 ַּב ֲח ִצי ַה ַּלְי ָלה ַוֶּי ֱאחֹז ְּב ַד ְלתוֹת שׁ ַ ַער־ midnight he got up, grasped the doors of the town ָה ִעיר ּו ִבשׁ ְ ֵּתי ַה ְּמ ּזוזוֹת ַוִּי ָּס ֵעם ִעם־ gate together with the two gateposts, and pulled ַה ְּבִר ַיח ַוָּי ֶשׂם ַע ְּל־כ ֵת ָפיו ַוַּי ֲע ֵלם ֶאל־ them out along with the bar. He placed them on his רֹאשׁ ָה ָהר ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַע ְּל־פ ֵני ֶח ְברוֹן׃ shoulders and carried them off to the top of the hill that is near Chevron. ד ַוְי ִהי ַא ֲחֵר ֵי־כן ַוֶּי ֱא ַהב ִאשָּׁ ה ְּב ַנ ַחל ֵשֹׂרק After that, he fell in love with a woman in the Wadi 4 ּושׁ ְ ָמ ּה ְ ּד ִל ָילה׃ .Sorek, named Delilah

63 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק זט Chapter 16

ה ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ֵא ֶל ָיה ַסְר ֵני ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ָל ּה ,The lords of the Philistines went up to her and said 5 ַּפ ִּתי אוֹתוֹ ּוְר ִאי ַּב ֶּמה ּכֹחוֹ ָגדוֹל ּו ַב ֶּמה ,Coax him and find out what makes him so strong“ ּנו ַכל לוֹ ַו ֲא ַסְר ֻנ ּהו ְל ַענֹּתוֹ ַו ֲא ַנ ְח ּנו ִנ ַּת ָן־ל ְך and how we can overpower him, tie him up, and ִאישׁ ֶא ֶלף ּו ֵמ ָאה ָּכ ֶסף׃ make him helpless; and we’ll each give you eleven hundred shekalim of silver.” ו ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ְ ּד ִל ָילה ֶאל־שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ַה ִּג ָידה־ So Delilah said to Shimshon, “Tell me, what makes 6 ָ you so strong? And how could you be tied up and Judges ָנּא ִלי ַּב ֶּמה ּכ ֲֹחך ָגדוֹל ּו ַב ֶּמה ֵת ָא ֵסר ְל ַענּ וֹ ֶת ָך׃ ”?made helpless ז ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ֶל ָיה שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ִא ַם־י ַא ְסֻר ִני Shimshon replied, “If I were to be tied with seven 7 ְּבשׁ ִ ְב ָעה ְי ָתִרים ַל ִחים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָלֹא־חֹר ּבו fresh tendons that had not been dried, I should ְו ָח ִל ִיתי ְו ָהִי ִיתי ְּכ ַא ַחד ָה ָא ָדם׃ ”.become as weak as an ordinary man ח ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ָ־ל ּה ַסְר ֵני ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים שׁ ִ ְב ָעה ְי ָתִרים So the lords of the Philistines brought up to her 8 ַל ִחים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָלֹא־חֹר ּבו ַו ַּת ַא ְסֵר ּהו ָּב ֶהם׃ seven fresh tendons that had not been dried. She bound him with them, ט ְו ָה ֵאֹרב יֹשׁ ֵ ב ָל ּה ַּב ֶח ֶדר ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו while an ambush was waiting in her room. Then 9 ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ָע ֶל ָיך שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ַוְי ַנ ֵּתק ֶאת־ she called out to him, “Shimshon, the Philistines are ַהְי ָתִרים ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִי ָנּ ֵתק ְּפ ִת ַיל־ה ְנּ ֶעֹרת ,upon you!” Whereat he pulled the tendons apart ַּב ֲהִריחוֹ ֵאשׁ ְולֹא ַנוֹדע ּכֹחוֹ׃ .as a strand of tow comes apart at the touch of fire So the secret of his strength remained unknown. י ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ְ ּד ִל ָילה ֶאל־שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ִה ֵנּה ֵה ַת ְל ָּת Then Delilah said toShimshon , “Oh, you deceived 10 ִּבי ַו ְּת ַד ֵּבר ֵא ַלי ְּכָז ִבים ַע ָּתה ַה ִּג ָיד ָה־נּא me; you lied to me! Do tell me now how you could ִלי ַּב ֶּמה ֵּת ָא ֵסר׃ ”.be tied up יא ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ֶל ָיה ִא ָם־אסוֹר ַי ַא ְס ּרו ִני He said, “If I were to be bound with new ropes that 11 ַּב ֲע ִבֹתים ֲח ָדשׁ ִ ים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַלֹא־נ ֲע ָשׂה ָב ֶהם had never been used, I would become as weak as an ְמ ָל ָאכה ְו ָח ִל ִיתי ְו ָהִי ִיתי ְּכ ַא ַחד ָה ָא ָדם׃ ”.ordinary man יב ַו ִּת ַּקח ְ ּד ִל ָילה ֲע ִבֹתים ֲח ָדשׁ ִ ים So Delilah took new ropes and bound him with 12 ַו ַּת ַא ְסֵר ּהו ָב ֶהם ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים them, while an ambush was waiting in a room. And ָע ֶל ָיך שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ְו ָה ֵאֹרב יֹשׁ ֵ ב ֶּב ָח ֶדר ”!she cried, “Shimshon, the Philistines are upon you ַוְי ַנ ְּת ֵקם ֵמ ַעל ְז ָרֹעֹתיו ַּכ ּחוט׃ .But he tore them off his arms like a thread יג ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ְ ּד ִל ָילה ֶאל־שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ַע ֵד־ה ָנּה Then Delilah said toShimshon , “You have been 13 ֵה ַת ְל ָּת ִּבי ַו ְּת ַד ֵּבר ֵא ַלי ְּכָז ִבים ַה ִּג ָידה ִּלי !deceiving me all along; you have been lying to me ַּב ֶּמה ֵּת ָא ֵסר ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ֶל ָיה ִא ַּם־ת ַאְר ִגי Tell me, how could you be tied up?” He answered ֶאת־שׁ ֶ ַבע ַמ ְח ְלפוֹת רֹאשׁ ִ י ִע ַם־ה ַּמ ָּס ֶכת׃ her, “If you weave seven locks of my head into the web.” יד ַו ִּת ְת ַקע ַּבָּי ֵתד ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ,And she pinned it with a peg and cried to him 14 ָע ֶל ָיך שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ַוִּי ַיקץ ִמשְּׁ ָנתוֹ ַוִּי ַּסע ֶאת־ Shimshon, the Philistines are upon you!” Awaking“ ַהְי ַתד ָה ֶאֶרג ְו ֶא ַת־ה ַּמ ָּס ֶכת׃ from his sleep, he pulled out the peg, the loom, and the web. טו ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ֵא ְיך ּת ַֹאמר ֲא ַה ְב ִּת ְיך ְו ִל ְּב ָך Then she said to him, “How can you say you love 15 ֵאין ִא ִּתי ֶזה שׁ ָ לֹשׁ ְּפ ָע ִמים ֵה ַת ְל ָּת ִּבי me, when you don’t confide in me? This makes ְו ִלֹא־ה ַּג ְד ָּת ִּלי ַּב ֶּמה ּכ ֲֹח ָך ָגדוֹל׃ three times that you’ve deceived me and haven’t told me what makes you so strong.”

64 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק זט Chapter 16

טז ַוְי ִהי ִּכ ֵי־ה ִצ ָיקה ּלוֹ ִב ְד ָבֶר ָיה ָּכ ַל־הָּי ִמים Finally, after she had nagged him and pressed him 16 ַו ְּת ַא ֲל ֵצ ּהו ַו ִּת ְק ַצר ַנ ְפשׁ וֹ ָל ּמות׃ constantly, he was wearied to death יז ַוַּי ֶּג ָד־ל ּה ֶא ָּת־כ ִל־ל ּבוֹ ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ּה ָמוֹרה and he confided everything to her. He said to 17 ָלֹא־ע ָלה ַעל־רֹאשׁ ִ י ִּכ ְי־נִזיר ֱא ִלֹהים ֲא ִני her, “No razor has ever touched my head, for I ִמ ֶּב ֶטן ִא ִּמי ִא ֻּם־ג ַּל ְח ִּתי ְו ָסר ִמ ֶּמ ִנּי ִכֹחי have been a nazirite to Hashem since I was in my ְו ָח ִל ִיתי ְו ָהִי ִיתי ְּכ ָכ ָל־ה ָא ָדם׃ mother’s womb. If my hair were cut, my strength

Judges would leave me and I should become as weak as an ordinary man.” יח ַו ֵּתֶרא ְד ִל ָילה ִּכ ִי־ה ִּגיד ָל ּה ֶא ָּת־כ ִל־ל ּבוֹ ,Sensing that he had confided everything to her 18 ַו ִּתשׁ ְ ַלח ַו ִּת ְקָרא ְל ַסְר ֵני ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ֵלאמֹר Delilah sent for the lords of the Philistines, with this ֲע ּלו ַה ַּפ ַעם ִּכ ִי־ה ִּגיד לה ִ]לי[ ֶא ָּת־כל־ message: “Come up once more, for he has confided ִל ּבוֹ ְו ָע ּלו ֵא ֶל ָיה ַסְר ֵני ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ַוַּי ֲע ּלו everything to me.” And the lords of the Philistines ַה ֶּכ ֶסף ְּבָי ָדם׃ .came up and brought the money with them יט ַו ְּתַישְּׁ ֵנ ּהו ַע ִּל־בְר ֶּכ ָיה ַו ִּת ְקָרא ָל ִאישׁ She lulled him to sleep on her lap. Then she called 19 ַו ְּת ַג ַּלח ֶאת־שׁ ֶ ַבע ַמ ְח ְלפוֹת רֹאשׁ וֹ ַו ָּת ֶחל in a man, and she had him cut off the seven locks ְל ַענּוֹתוֹ ַוָּי ַסר ּכֹחוֹ ֵמ ָע ָליו׃ of his head; thus she weakened him and made him helpless: his strength slipped away from him. כ ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ָע ֶל ָיך שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ַוִּי ַקץ She cried, “Shimshon, the Philistines are upon 20 ִמשְּׁ ָנתוֹ ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ֵצא ְּכ ַפ ַעם ְּב ַפ ַעם you!” And he awoke from his sleep, thinking he ְו ִא ָנּ ֵער ְו ּהוא לֹא ָי ַדע ִּכי ְי ָהֹוה ָסר would break loose and shake himself free as he had ֵמ ָע ָליו׃ the other times. For he did not know that Hashem had departed from him. כא ַו ּי ֲֹאח ּזו ּהו ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ַוְי ַנ ְּק ּרו ֶאת־ .The Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes 21 ֵע ָיניו ַו ּי ִוֹר ּידו אוֹתוֹ ַעָ ּז ָתה ַוַּי ַא ְס ּרו ּהו They brought him down toAzza and shackled him ַּב ְנ ֻחשׁ ְ ַּתִים ַוְי ִהי ֵטוֹחן ְּב ֵבית האסירים in bronze fetters, and he became a mill slave in the ָ]ה ֲא ּסוִרים׃[ .prison כב ַוָּי ֶחל ְשׂ ַער־רֹאשׁ וֹ ְל ַצ ֵּמ ַח ַּכ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֻּג ָּלח׃ .After his hair was cut off, it began to grow back 22 כג ְו ַסְר ֵני ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ֶנ ֱא ְס ּפו ִלְז ּב ַֹח ֶז ַב ָּח־גדוֹל Now the lords of the Philistines gathered to offer 23 ְל ָדגוֹן ֱא ֵלֹה ֶיהם ּו ְל ִשׂ ְמ ָחה ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ָנ ַתן a great sacrifice to their god Dagon and to make ֱא ֵלֹה ּינו ְּבָי ֵד ּנו ֵאת שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ְאוֹי ֵב ּינו׃ merry. They chanted, “Our god has delivered into our hands Our enemy Shimshon.” כד ַוִּיְר ּאו אֹתוֹ ָה ָעם ַוְי ַה ְל ּלו ֶא ֱת־א ֵלֹה ֶיהם When the people saw him, they sang praises to 24 ִּכי ָא ְמ ּרו ָנ ַתן ֱא ֵלֹה ּינו ְבָי ֵד ּנו ֶא ְת־אוֹי ֵב ּנו their god, chanting, “Our god has delivered into ְו ֵאת ַמ ֲחִריב ַאְר ֵצ ּנו ַו ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִהְר ָּבה ֶאת־ ,our hands The enemy who devastated our land ֲח ָל ֵל ּינו׃ ”.And who slew so many of us כה ַוְי ִהי כי טוב ְּ]כטוֹב[ ִל ָּבם ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִקְר ּאו As their spirits rose, they said, “Call Shimshon here 25 ְלשׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ִו ַישׂ ֶח ָק־ל ּנו ַוִּי ְקְר ּאו ְלשׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן and let him dance for us.” Shimshon was fetched ִמ ֵּבית האסירים ָ]ה ֲא ּסוִרים[ ַוְי ַצ ֵחק from the prison, and he danced for them. Then ִל ְפ ֵנ ֶיהם ַוַּי ֲע ִמ ּידו אוֹתוֹ ֵּבין ָה ַע ּמ ּו ִדים׃ .they put him between the pillars כו ַו ּי ֶֹאמר שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ֶא ַל־ה ַנּ ַער ַה ַּמ ֲחִזיק And Shimshon said to the boy who was leading 26 ְּבָידוֹ ַה ִנּ ָיחה ִאוֹתי והימשני ַ]ו ֲה ִמשׁ ֵ ִני[ him by the hand, “Let go of me and let me feel the ֶא ָת־ה ַע ֻּמ ִדים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַה ַּבִית ָנכוֹן ֲע ֵל ֶיהם pillars that the temple rests upon, that I may lean ְו ֶאשָּׁ ֵען ֲע ֵל ֶיהם׃ ”.on them

65 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק זי Chapter 17

כז ְו ַה ַּבִית ָמ ֵלא ָה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ְו ַה ָנּשׁ ִ ים ְושׁ ָ ָּמה Now the temple was full of men and women; all 27 ּכֹל ַסְר ֵני ְפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ְו ַע ַל־ה ָּגג ִּכשׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֶ ת the lords of the Philistines were there, and there ֲא ָל ִפים ִאישׁ ְו ִאשָּׁ ה ָה ִרֹאים ִּב ְשׂחוֹק were some three thousand men and women on the שׁ ִ ְ מ שׁ ֹ ו ן ׃ .roof watching Shimshon dance כח ַוִּי ְקָרא שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ַו ּי ַֹאמר ֲא ָדֹני !ThenShimshon called to Hashem, “O Hashem 28 ֱי ִהֹוה ָז ְכֵר ִני ָנא ְו ַחְ ּז ֵק ִני ָנא ַא ְך ַה ַּפ ַעם Please remember me, and give me strength just this

Judges ַהֶ ּזה ָה ֱא ִלֹהים ְו ִא ָנּ ְק ָמה ְנ ַק ַם־א ַחת ,once, O Hashem, to take revenge of the Philistines ִמשְּׁ ֵתי ֵע ַיני ִמ ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים׃ ”.if only for one of my two eyes כט ַוִּי ְל ּפֹת שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ֶאת־שׁ ְ ֵני ַע ּמ ּו ֵדי ַה ָּתֶו ְך He embraced the two middle pillars that the 29 ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַה ַּבִית ָנכוֹן ֲע ֵל ֶיהם ַוִּי ָּס ֵמ ְך ֲע ֵל ֶיהם temple rested upon, one with his right arm and one ֶא ָחד ִּב ִימינוֹ ְו ֶא ָחד ִּב ְשׂמֹאלוֹ׃ ;with his left, and leaned against them ל ַו ּי ֶֹאמר שׁ ִ ְמשׁ וֹן ָּתמוֹת ַנ ְפשׁ ִ י ִעם־ ”!Shimshon cried, “Let me die with the Philistines 30 ְּפ ִלשׁ ְ ִּתים ַוֵּיט ְּב ַכֹח ַוִּי ּפֹל ַה ַּבִית ַעל־ and he pulled with all his might. The temple came ַה ְּסָר ִנים ְו ַע ָּל־כ ָל־ה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ּר־בוֹ ַוִּי ְה ּיו crashing down on the lords and on all the people ַה ֵּמ ִתים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֵה ִמית ְּבמוֹתוֹ ַר ִּבים in it. Those who were slain by him as he died ֵמ ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֵה ִמית ְּב ַחָּייו׃ outnumbered those who had been slain by him when he lived. va-YO-mer shim-SHON ta-MOT naf-SHEE im p’-lish-TEEM va-YAYT b’-KHO- akh va-yi-POL ha-BA-yit al ha-s’-ra-NEEM v’-al kol ha-AM a-sher BO va-yih-YU ha-may-TEEM a-SHER hay-MEET b’-mo-TO ra-BEEM may-a-SHER hay-MEET b’-kha-YAV לא ַוֵּיְר ּדו ֶא ָחיו ְו ָכ ֵּל־בית ָא ִב ּיהו ַוִּי ְשׂ ּאו His brothers and all his father’s household came 31 אֹתוֹ ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ַוִּי ְק ְּב ּרו אוֹתוֹ ֵּבין ָצְר ָעה ּו ֵבין down and carried him up and buried him in the ֶאשׁ ְ ָּתאֹל ְּב ֶק ֶבר ָמ ַנוֹח ָא ִביו ְו ּהוא שׁ ָ ַפט tomb of his father Manoach, between Tzora and ֶא ִת־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶע ְשׂ ִרים שׁ ָ ָנה׃ .Eshtaol. He had led Yisrael for twenty years א ַוְי ִה ִי־אישׁ ֵמ ַה ֶר־א ְפָרִים ּושׁ ְ מוֹ ִמ ָיכְי ּהו׃ There was a man in the hill country ofEfraim 1 17 יז .whose name was Micha ב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְל ִא ּמוֹ ֶא ֶלף ּו ֵמ ָאה ַה ֶּכ ֶסף ֲאשׁ ֶ ר He said to his mother, “The eleven hundred 2 ֻל ַּק ָח־ל ְך ואתי ְ]ו ַא ְּת[ ָא ִלית ְו ַגם ָא ַמְר ְּת shekalim of silver that were taken from you, so ְּב ָאְז ַני ִה ֵנּ ַה־ה ֶּכ ֶסף ִא ִּתי ֲא ִני ְל ַק ְח ִּתיו that you uttered an imprecation which you ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ִא ּמוֹ ָּב ּרו ְך ְּב ִני ַל ָיהֹוה׃ repeated in my hearing—I have that silver; I took it.” “Blessed of Hashem be my son,” said his mother.

16:30 Shimshon cried, “Let me die with the of Major Ro’i Klein, who, during the Second Lebanon Philistines!” Shimshon’s prayer to die among his War in 2006, jumped on a grenade, shielding his Philistine oppressors, taking his own life for the sake of comrades from the explosion with his own body. Dying Hear“ ,(שמע ישראל) his people, is one of the most stirring scenes in the Bible. with the holy words of Shema Yisrael Shimshon has served as a model for soldiers of Israel O Israel, Hashem is Our God, Hashem is One” on his lips, who have been willing to give up their lives to save the Ro’i Klein sacrificed his life to save other soldiers who Major Roi Klein Jewish people. A moving modern example is the story were fighting for Eretz Yisrael. (1975-2006)

66 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק זי Chapter 17

ג ַוָּישׁ ֶ ב ֶא ֶת־א ֶל ּף־ו ֵמ ָאה ַה ֶּכ ֶסף ְל ִא ּמוֹ He returned the eleven hundred shekalim of 3 ַו ּת ֶֹאמר ִא ּמוֹ ַה ְק ֵ ּדשׁ ִה ְק ַ ּדשׁ ְ ִּתי ֶאת־ silver to his mother; but his mother said, “I ַה ֶּכ ֶסף ַל ָיהֹוה ִמָּי ִדי ִל ְב ִני ַל ֲעשׂוֹת ֶּפ ֶסל ,herewith consecrate the silver to Hashem ּו ַמ ֵּס ָכה ְו ַע ָּתה ֲאשׁ ִ ֶיב ּנּו ָל ְך׃ transferring it to my son to make a sculptured image and a molten image. I now return it to you.” ד 4 ַוָּישׁ ֶ ב ֶא ַת־ה ֶּכ ֶסף ְל ִא ּמוֹ ַו ִּת ַּקח ִא ּמוֹ ,Judges So when he gave the silver back to his mother ָמ ַאתִים ֶּכ ֶסף ַו ִּת ְּת ֵנ ּהו ַל ּצ ֵוֹרף ַוַּי ֲע ֵשׂ ּהו his mother took two hundred shekalim of ֶּפ ֶסל ּו ַמ ֵּס ָכה ַוְי ִהי ְּב ֵבית ִמ ָיכְי ּהו׃ silver and gave it to a smith. He made of it a sculptured image and a molten image, which were kept in the house of Micha. ה ְו ָה ִאישׁ ִמ ָיכה לוֹ ֵּבית ֱא ִלֹהים ַוַּי ַעשׂ Now the man Micha had a house of Hashem; he 5 ֵאפוֹד ּו ְתָר ִפים ַוְי ַמ ֵּלא ֶא ַת־יד ַא ַחד had made an ephod and teraphim and he had ִמ ָּב ָניו ַוְי ִהי־לוֹ ְל ֵכֹהן׃ .inducted one of his sons to be his Kohen ו ַּבָּי ִמים ָה ֵהם ֵאין ֶמ ֶל ְך ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִאישׁ In those days there was no king in Yisrael; every 6 ַהָּישׁ ָ ר ְּב ֵע ָיניו ַי ֲע ֶשׂה׃ .man did as he pleased ba-ya-MEEM ha-HAYM AYN ME-lekh b’-yis-ra-AYL EESH ha-ya-SHAR b’-ay- NAV ya-a-SEH ז ַוְי ִה ַי־נ ַער ִמ ֵּבית ֶל ֶחם ְי ּהו ָדה ִמ ִּמשׁ ְ ַּפ ַחת There was a young man fromBeit Lechem of 7 ְי ּהו ָדה ְו ּהוא ֵלִוי ְו ּהוא ָגר־שׁ ָ ם׃ Yehuda, from the clan seat of Yehuda; he was a Levite and had resided there as a sojourner. ח ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ָה ִאישׁ ֵמ ָה ִעיר ִמ ֵּבית ֶל ֶחם ְי ּהו ָדה This man had left the town ofBeit Lechem of Yehuda 8 ָל ּגור ַּב ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִי ְמ ָצא ַוָּיבֹא ַה ֶר־א ְפַרִים .to take up residence wherever he could find a place ַע ֵּד־בית ִמ ָיכה ַל ֲעשׂוֹת ַ ּדְר ּכוֹ׃ On his way, he came to the house of Micha in the hill country of Efraim. ט ַו ּי ֶֹאמר־לוֹ ִמ ָיכה ֵמ ַאִין ָּתבוֹא ַו ּי ֶֹאמר Where do you come from?” Micha asked him. He“ 9 ֵא ָליו ֵלִוי ָא ִנֹכי ִמ ֵּבית ֶל ֶחם ְי ּהו ָדה ְו ָא ִנֹכי ,replied, “I am a Levite from Beit Lechem of Yehuda ֵהֹל ְך ָל ּגור ַּב ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֶא ְמ ָצא׃ and I am traveling to take up residence wherever I can find a place.” י ַו ּי ֶֹאמר לוֹ ִמ ָיכה שׁ ְ ָבה ִע ָּמ ִדי ֶו ְהֵי ִה־לי Stay with me,” Micha said to him, “and be a father“ 10 ְל ָאב ּו ְל ֵכֹהן ְו ָא ִנֹכי ֶא ֶּת ְן־ל ָך ֲע ֶשׂ ֶרת ֶּכ ֶסף and a Kohen to me, and I will pay you ten shekalim ַלָּי ִמים ְו ֵעֶר ְך ְּב ָג ִדים ּו ִמ ְחָי ֶת ָך ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ַה ֵּלִוי׃ of silver a year, an allowance of clothing, and your food.” The Levite went. יא ַו ּי ֶוֹאל ַה ֵּלִוי ָלשׁ ֶ ֶבת ֶא ָת־ה ִאישׁ ַוְי ִהי The Levite agreed to stay with the man, and the 11 ַה ַנּ ַער לוֹ ְּכ ַא ַחד ִמ ָּב ָניו׃ .youth became like one of his own sons יב ַוְי ַמ ֵּלא ִמ ָיכה ֶא ַת־יד ַה ֵּלִוי ַוְי ִהי־לוֹ ַה ַנּ ַער Micha inducted the Levite, and the young man 12 ְל ֵכֹהן ַוְי ִהי ְּב ֵבית ִמ ָיכה׃ .became his Kohen and remained in Micha’s shrine

17:6 In those days there was no king in Yisrael; every man responsible only for the legal, military and economic did as he pleased. Sefer Shoftim repeatedly teaches that affairs of the nation. He should also be responsible for the lack of a king, enabling everyone to do whatever ensuring that the society is moral and follows Hashem’s was right in their eyes, is the preeminent problem of Torah. Having a righteous king in Yerushalayim will be this era. According to the Bible, the king should not be part of the complete redemption.

67 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק חי Chapter 18

יג ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ִמ ָיכה ַע ָּתה ָי ַד ְע ִּתי ִּכ ֵי־י ִיטיב Now I know,” Micha told himself, “that Hashem“ 13 ְי ָהֹוה ִלי ִּכי ָהָי ִה־לי ַה ֵּלִוי ְל ֵכֹהן׃ will prosper me, since the Levite has become my Kohen.” א ַּבָּי ִמים ָה ֵהם ֵאין ֶמ ֶל ְך ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ּו ַבָּי ִמים In those days there was no king in Yisrael, and in 1 18 יח ָה ֵהם שׁ ֵ ֶבט ַה ָ ּד ִני ְמ ַב ֶּקשׁ ־לוֹ ַנ ֲח ָלה those days the tribe of Dan was seeking a territory ָלשׁ ֶ ֶבת ִּכי ָלֹא־נ ְפ ָלה ּלוֹ ַע ַד־ה ּיוֹם ַה ּהוא in which to settle; for to that day no territory had ְ .fallen to their lot among the tribes of Yisrael Judges ְּבתוֹך־שׁ ִ ְב ֵטי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְּב ַנ ֲח ָלה׃ ב ַוִּישׁ ְ ְל ּחו ְב ֵנ ָי־דן ִמ ִּמשׁ ְ ַּפ ְח ָּתם ֲח ִמשָּׁ ה The Danites sent out five of their number, from 2 ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ִמ ְק ָצוֹתם ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ְּב ֵנ ַי־חִיל their clan seat at Tzora and Eshtaol—valiant ִמ ָּצְר ָעה ּו ֵמ ֶאשׁ ְ ָּתאֹל ְלַר ֵּגל ֶא ָת־ה ָאֶרץ ”,men—to spy out the land and explore it. “Go ּו ְל ָח ְקָר ּה ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ֲא ֵל ֶהם ְל ּכו ִח ְק ּרו ֶאת־ they told them, “and explore the land.” When they ָה ָאֶרץ ַוָּי ּבֹאו ַה ֶר־א ְפַרִים ַע ֵּד־בית ִמ ָיכה had advanced into the hill country of Efraim as far ַוָּי ִל ּינו שׁ ָ ם׃ as the house of Micha, they stopped there for the night. ג ֵה ָּמה ִע ֵּם־בית ִמ ָיכה ְו ֵה ָּמה ִה ִּכ ּירו ֶאת־ While in the vicinity of Micha’s house, they 3 קוֹל ַה ַנּ ַער ַה ֵּלִוי ַוָּי ּסו ּרו שׁ ָ ם ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו לוֹ recognized the speech of the young Levite, so ִמ ֱי־ה ִב ֲיא ָך ֲהלֹם ּו ָמ ַה־א ָּתה ֶעֹשׂה ָּבֶזה they went over and asked him, “Who brought you ּו ַמ ְּה־ל ָך פֹה׃ ?to these parts? What are you doing in this place What is your business here?” ד ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ֵל ֶהם ָּכזֹה ְו ָכֶזה ָע ָשׂה ִלי ִמ ָיכה He replied, “Thus and thusMicha did for me—he 4 ַוִּי ְשׂ ְּכֵר ִני ָו ֱא ִהי־לוֹ ְל ֵכֹהן׃ ”.hired me and I became his Kohen ה ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו לוֹ שׁ ְ ַא ָל־נא ֵב ִאלֹהים ְו ֵנ ְד ָעה They said to him, “Please, inquire ofHashem ; we 5 ֲה ַת ְצ ִל ַיח ַ ּדְר ֵּכ ּנו ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֲא ַנ ְח ּנו ְהֹל ִכים would like to know if the mission on which we are ָע ֶל ָיה׃ ”.going will be successful ו ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָל ֶהם ַה ּכ ֵֹהן ְל ּכו ְלשׁ ָ לוֹם ַנֹכח Go in peace,” the Kohen said to them, “Hashem“ 6 ְי ָהֹוה ַ ּדְר ְּכ ֶכם ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֵּת ְל ּכו ָ־ב ּה׃ ”.views with favor the mission you are going on ז ַוֵּי ְל ּכו ֲח ֵמשׁ ֶ ת ָה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ַוָּי ּבֹאו ָלְישׁ ָ ה The five men went on and came to Laish. They 7 ַוִּיְר ּאו ֶא ָת־ה ָעם ֲאשׁ ֶ ְּר־ב ִקְר ָּב ּה יוֹשׁ ֶ ֶבת־ observed the people in it dwelling carefree, after ָל ֶב ַטח ְּכ ִמשׁ ְ ַּפט ִצ ִדֹנים שׁ ֵֹקט ּו ֵבֹט ַח the manner of the Sidonians, a tranquil and ְו ֵא ַין־מ ְכ ִלים ָ ּד ָבר ָּב ָאֶרץ ֵיוֹרשׁ ֶע ֶצר unsuspecting people, with no one in the land ּוְר ִחֹקים ֵה ָּמה ִמ ִּצ ִדֹנים ְו ָד ָבר ֵא ָין־ל ֶהם .to molest them and with no hereditary ruler ִע ָם־א ָדם׃ Moreover, they were distant from the Sidonians and had no dealings with anybody. ח ַוָּי ּבֹאו ֶא ֲל־א ֵח ֶיהם ָצְר ָעה ְו ֶאשׁ ְ ָּתאֹל When [the men] came back to their kinsmen at 8 ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ָל ֶהם ֲא ֵח ֶיהם ָמה ַא ֶּתם׃ ,Tzora and Eshtaol, their kinsmen asked them “How did you fare?” ט ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ּקו ָמה ְו ַנ ֲע ֶלה ֲע ֵל ֶיהם ִּכי ָר ִא ּינו !They replied, “Let us go at once and attack them 9 ֶא ָת־ה ָאֶרץ ְו ִה ֵנּה ָטוֹבה ְמאֹד ְו ַא ֶּתם For we found that the land was very good, and you ַמ ְחשׁ ִ ים ַא ֵּל־ת ָע ְצ ּלו ָל ֶל ֶכת ָלבֹא ָלֶרשׁ ֶ ת are sitting idle! Don’t delay; go and invade the land ֶא ָת־ה ָאֶרץ׃ ,and take possession of it י ְּכ ֲבֹא ֶכם ָּת ּבֹאו ֶא ַל־עם ּב ֵֹט ַח ְו ָה ָאֶרץ for Hashem has delivered it into your hand. When 10 ַר ֲח ַבת ָי ַדִים ִּכ ְי־נ ָת ָנ ּה ֱא ִלֹהים ְּבֶי ְד ֶכם you come, you will come to an unsuspecting ָמקוֹם ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ֵאין־שׁ ָ ם ַמ ְחסוֹר ָּכ ָ ּל־ד ָבר people; and the land is spacious and nothing on ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָּב ָאֶרץ׃ ”.earth is lacking there 68 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק חי Chapter 18

יא ַוִּי ְס ּעו ִמשָּׁ ם ִמ ִּמשׁ ְ ַּפ ַחת ַה ָ ּד ִני ִמ ָּצְר ָעה They departed from there, from the clan seat of 11 ּו ֵמ ֶאשׁ ְ ָּתאֹל שׁ ֵ שׁ ֵ־מאוֹת ִאישׁ ָח ּגור ְּכ ֵלי the Danites, from Tzora and Eshtaol, six hundred ִמ ְל ָח ָמה׃ .strong, girt with weapons of war יב ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ַוַּי ֲח ּנו ְּב ִקְרַית ְי ָעִרים ִּב ּיהו ָדה ַעל־ They went up and encamped atKiryat Ye’arim in 12 ֵּכן ָקְר ּאו ַל ָּמקוֹם ַה ּהוא ַמ ֲח ֵנ ָה־דן ַעד Yehuda. That is why that place is called “the Camp ַה ּיוֹם ַהֶ ּזה ִה ֵנּה ַא ֲחֵרי ִקְרַית ְי ָעִרים׃ .of Dan” to this day; it lies west of Kiryat Ye’arim

יג ַוַּי ַע ְב ּרו ִמשָּׁ ם ַה ֶר־א ְפָרִים ַוָּי ּבֹאו ַע ֵּד־בית Judges 13 From there they passed on to the hill country of ִמ ָיכה׃ .Efraim and arrived at the house of Micha יד ַוַּי ֲע ּנו ֲח ֵמשׁ ֶ ת ָה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ַה ְהֹל ִכים ְלַר ֵּגל Here the five men who had gone to spy out the 14 ֶא ָת־ה ָאֶרץ ַלִישׁ ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ֶא ֲל־א ֵח ֶיהם Laish region remarked to their kinsmen, “Do ַהְי ַד ְע ֶּתם ִּכי ֵישׁ ַּב ָּב ִּתים ָה ֵא ֶּלה ֵאפוֹד you know, there is an ephod in these houses, and ּו ְתָר ִפים ּו ֶפ ֶסל ּו ַמ ֵּס ָכה ְו ַע ָּתה ְ ּד ּעו ַמה־ teraphim, and a sculptured image and a molten ַּת ֲעשׂ ּו׃ ”.image? Now you know what you have to do טו ַוָּי ּסו ּרו שׁ ָ ָּמה ַוָּי ּבֹאו ֶא ֵּל־ב ַית־ה ַנּ ַער ַה ֵּלִוי So they turned off there and entered the home of 15 ֵּבית ִמ ָיכה ַוִּישׁ ְ ֲא ּלו־לוֹ ְלשׁ ָ לוֹם׃ .the young Levite at Micha’s house and greeted him טז ְושׁ ֵ שׁ ֵ־מאוֹת ִאישׁ ֲח ּגוִרים ְּכ ֵלי The six hundred Danite men, girt with their 16 ִמ ְל ַח ְמ ָּתם ִנ ָּצ ִבים ֶּפ ַתח ַהשָּׁ ַער ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ,weapons of war, stood at the entrance of the gate ִמ ְּב ֵנ ָי־דן׃ יז ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ֲח ֵמשׁ ֶ ת ָה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ַה ְהֹל ִכים ְלַר ֵּגל while the five men who had gone to spy out the 17 ֶא ָת־ה ָאֶרץ ָּב ּאו שׁ ָ ָּמה ָל ְק ּחו ֶא ַת־ה ֶּפ ֶסל ,land went inside and took the sculptured image ְו ֶא ָת־ה ֵאפוֹד ְו ֶא ַת־ה ְּתָר ִפים ְו ֶאת־ .the ephod, the teraphim, and the molten image ַה ַּמ ֵּס ָכה ְו ַה ּכ ֵֹהן ִנ ָּצב ֶּפ ַתח ַהשַּׁ ַער ְושׁ ֵ שׁ ־ ,TheKohen was standing at the entrance of the gate ֵמאוֹת ָה ִאישׁ ֶה ָח ּגור ְּכ ֵלי ַה ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה׃ and the six hundred men girt with their weapons of war, יח ְו ֵא ֶּלה ָּב ּאו ֵּבית ִמ ָיכה ַוִּי ְק ּחו ֶא ֶּת־פ ֶסל while those men entered Micha’s house and took 18 ָה ֵאפוֹד ְו ֶא ַת־ה ְּתָר ִפים ְו ֶא ַת־ה ַּמ ֵּס ָכה ,the sculptured image, the molten image, the ephod ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ֵל ֶיהם ַה ּכ ֵֹהן ָמה ַא ֶּתם ִעֹשׂים׃ ,and the household gods. TheKohen said to them “What are you doing?” יט ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו לוֹ ַה ֲחֵרשׁ ִשׂ ָים־י ְד ָך ַע ִּל־פ ָיך But they said to him, “Be quiet; put your hand 19 ְו ֵל ְך ִע ָּמ ּנו ֶו ְהֵי ָה־ל ּנו ְל ָאב ּו ְל ֵכֹהן ֲהטוֹב on your mouth! Come with us and be our father ֱה ְיוֹת ָך ֵכֹהן ְל ֵבית ִאישׁ ֶא ָחד אוֹ ֱה ְיוֹת ָך and Kohen. Would you rather be Kohen to one ֵכֹהן ְלשׁ ֵ ֶבט ּו ְל ִמשׁ ְ ָּפ ָחה ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ man’s household or be Kohen to a tribe and clan in Yisrael?” כ ַוִּי ַיטב ֵלב ַה ּכ ֵֹהן ַוִּי ַּקח ֶא ָת־ה ֵאפוֹד ְו ֶאת־ TheKohen was delighted. He took the ephod, the 20 ַה ְּתָר ִפים ְו ֶא ַת־ה ָּפ ֶסל ַוָּיבֹא ְּב ֶקֶרב ָה ָעם׃ household gods, and the sculptured image, and he joined the people. כא ַוִּי ְפ ּנו ַוֵּי ֵל ּכו ַוָּי ִשׂ ּימו ֶא ַת־ה ַּטף ְו ֶאת־ ,They set out again, placing the children, the cattle 21 ַה ִּמ ְק ֶנה ְו ֶא ַת־ה ְּכ ּבו ָ ּדה ִל ְפ ֵנ ֶיהם׃ .and their household goods in front כב ֵה ָּמה ִהְר ִח ּיקו ִמ ֵּבית ִמ ָיכה ְו ָה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים They had already gone some distance fromMicha ’s 22 ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַּב ָּב ִּתים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִע ֵּם־בית ִמ ָיכה house, when the men in the houses near Micha’s ִנְז ֲע ּקו ַוַּי ְד ִּב ּיקו ֶא ְּת־ב ֵנ ָי־דן׃ .mustered and caught up with the Danites

69 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק חי Chapter 18

כג ַוִּי ְקְר ּאו ֶא ְּל־ב ֵנ ָי־דן ַוַּי ֵּס ּב ּו ְּפ ֵנ ֶיהם ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו They called out to the Danites, who turned around 23 ְל ִמ ָיכה ַמ ְּה־ל ָך ִּכי ִנְז ָע ְק ָּת׃ and said to Micha, “What’s the matter? Why have you mustered?” כד ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֶא ֱת־א ַלֹהי ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־ע ִשׂ ִיתי ְל ַק ְח ֶּתם He said, “You have taken my Kohen and the gods 24 ְו ֶא ַת־ה ּכ ֵֹהן ַו ֵּת ְל ּכו ּו ַמ ִּה־לי עוֹד ּו ַמ ֶ ּה־זה ?that I made, and walked off! What do I have left ּת ְֹאמ ּרו ֵא ַלי ַמ ָּה־ל ְך׃ ”?’How can you ask, ‘What’s the matter

Judges כה ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ֵא ָליו ְּב ֵנ ָי־דן ַא ַּל־תשׁ ְ ַמע ְקוֹל ָך But the Danites replied, “Don’t do any shouting at 25 ִע ָּמ ּנו ֶּפ ִן־י ְפ ְּג ּעו ָב ֶכם ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ָמֵרי ֶנ ֶפשׁ us, or some desperate men might attack you, and ְו ָא ַס ְפ ָּתה ַנ ְפשׁ ְ ָך ְו ֶנ ֶפשׁ ֵּב ֶית ָך׃ ”.you and your family would lose your lives כו ַוֵּי ְל ּכו ְב ֵנ ָי־דן ְל ַדְר ָּכם ַוַּיְרא ִמ ָיכה ִּכי־ ,So Micha, realizing that they were stronger than he 26 ֲחָז ִקים ֵה ָּמה ִמ ֶּמ ּנּו ַוִּי ֶפן ַוָּישׁ ָ ב ֶא ֵּל־ביתוֹ׃ turned back and went home; and the Danites went on their way, כז ְו ֵה ָּמה ָל ְק ּחו ֵאת ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־ע ָשׂה ִמ ָיכה taking the things Micha had made and the Kohen 27 ְו ֶא ַת־ה ּכ ֵֹהן ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָהָיה־לוֹ ַוָּי ּבֹאו ַע ַל־לִישׁ he had acquired. They proceeded to Laish, a people ַע ַל־עם שׁ ֵֹקט ּו ֵבֹט ַח ַוַּי ּכ ּו ָאוֹתם ְל ִפי־ tranquil and unsuspecting, and they put them to ָחֶרב ְו ֶא ָת־ה ִעיר ָשׂ ְר ּפו ָב ֵאשׁ ׃ .the sword and burned down the town כח ְו ֵאין ַמ ִּציל ִּכי ְר ָחוֹק ִה־היא ִמ ִּצידוֹן ְו ָד ָבר There was none to come to the rescue, for it was 28 ֵא ָין־ל ֶהם ִע ָם־א ָדם ְו ִהיא ָּב ֵע ֶמק ֲאשׁ ֶ ר distant from Sidon and they had no dealings with ְל ֵב ְית־רחוֹב ַוִּי ְב ּנו ֶא ָת־ה ִעיר ַוֵּישׁ ְ ּבו ָב ּה׃ anyone; it lay in the valley of Beth-rehob. They rebuilt the town and settled there, כט ַוִּי ְקְר ּאו שׁ ֵ ָם־ה ִעיר ָ ּדן ְּבשׁ ֵ ם ָ ּדן ֲא ִב ֶיהם and they named the town Dan, after their ancestor 29 ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ּיו ַּלד ְלִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְו ּאו ָלם ַלִישׁ שׁ ֵ ם־ Dan who was Yisrael’s son. Originally, however, the ָה ִעיר ָלִראשׁ ָֹנה׃ .name of the town was Laish ל ַוָּי ִק ּימו ָל ֶהם ְּב ֵנ ָי־דן ֶא ַת־ה ָּפ ֶסל ִו ָיהוֹנ ָתן The Danites set up the sculptured image for 30 ֶּב ֵּן־גְרשׁ ֹם ֶּב ְן־מ ַנשֶּׁ ה ּהוא ּו ָב ָניו ָה ּיו themselves; and Yonatan son of Gershom son of ֲכֹה ִנים ְלשׁ ֵ ֶבט ַה ָ ּד ִני ַעד־יוֹם ְּגלוֹת Menashe, and his descendants, served as Kohanim ָה ָאֶרץ׃ .to the Danite tribe until the land went into exile va-ya-KEE-mu la-HEM b’-nay DAN et ha-PA-sel vee-ho-na-TAN ben gay-r’-SHOM ben m’-na-SHEH HU u-va-NAV ha-YU kho-ha-NEEM l’-SHAY-vet ha-da-NEE ad yom g’-LOT ha-A-retz

18:30 Yonatan son of Gershom son of Menashe ways of the Torah. This tragic betrayal was the result of The idolatrous priest Yonatan is identified as living in a society that was spiritually adrift. Clearly, if this can happen to a grandchild of the greatest prophet in .(מנשה) being the son of Gershom, the son of Menashe However, Rashi writes that Yonatan’s actual grandfather history, it can happen to any person, in any family. Out of respect for the greatest Moshe’s grandson Yonatan is a sobering reminder of the .(משה) was Moshe prophet in history, the prophet Shmuel (who authored importance of making sure that our children are this book) disguised Moshe’s name, inserting the letter surrounded by positive role models, have a strong and shin religious education and grow up in a just society that (מ) between the first two letters, mem (נ) nun .The sad fact is that the grandson of Moshe left the seeks to do Hashem’s will .(ש)

70 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק טי Chapter 19

לא ַוָּי ִשׂ ּימו ָל ֶהם ֶא ֶּת־פ ֶסל ִמ ָיכה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר They maintained the sculptured image thatMicha 31 ָע ָשׂה ָּכ ְל־י ֵמי ֱהיוֹת ֵּב ָית־ה ֱא ִלֹהים had made throughout the time that the House of ְ ּ ב שׁ ִ לֹ ה ׃ .Hashem stood at Shilo א ַוְי ִהי ַּבָּי ִמים ָה ֵהם ּו ֶמ ֶל ְך ֵאין ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל In those days, when there was no king in Yisrael, a 1 19 יט ַוְי ִהי ִאישׁ ֵלִוי ָּגר ְּבַיְר ְּכ ֵתי ַה ֶר־א ְפַרִים Levite residing at the other end of the hill country ַוִּי ַּקח־לוֹ ִאשָּׁ ה ִפ ֶיל ֶגשׁ ִמ ֵּבית ֶל ֶחם of Efraim took to himself a concubine from Beit

ְי ּהו ָדה׃ .Judges Lechem in Yehuda ב ַו ִּתְז ֶנה ָע ָליו ִּפ ַיל ְגשׁ וֹ ַו ֵּת ֶל ְך ֵמ ִא ּתוֹ ֶאל־ Once his concubine deserted him, leaving him for 2 ֵּבית ָא ִב ָיה ֶא ֵּל־בית ֶל ֶחם ְי ּהו ָדה ַו ְּת ִהי־ her father’s house in Beit Lechem in Yehuda; and she שׁ ָ ם ָי ִמים ַאְר ָּב ָעה ֳח ָדשׁ ִ ים׃ .stayed there a full four months ג ַוָּי ָקם ִאישׁ ָ ּה ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ַא ֲחֶר ָיה ְל ַד ֵּבר ַעל־ Then her husband set out, with an attendant and 3 ִל ָּב ּה להשיבו ַ]ל ֲהשׁ ִ ָיב ּה[ ְו ַנ ֲערוֹ ִע ּמוֹ a pair of donkeys, and went after her to woo her ְו ֶצ ֶמד ֲח ִמֹרים ַו ְּת ִב ֵיא ּהו ֵּבית ָא ִב ָיה and to win her back. She admitted him into her ַוִּיְר ֵא ּהו ֲא ִבי ַה ַנּ ֲעָרה ַוִּי ְשׂ ַמח ִל ְקָראתוֹ׃ ,father’s house; and when the girl’s father saw him he received him warmly. ד ַוֶּי ֱחַז ּק־בוֹ ְחֹתנוֹ ֲא ִבי ַה ַנּ ֲעָרה ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ִא ּתוֹ His father-in-law, the girl’s father, pressed him, and 4 שׁ ְ לֹשׁ ֶ ת ָי ִמים ַו ּי ְֹאכ ּלו ַוִּישׁ ְ ּת ּו ַוָּי ִל ּינו שׁ ָ ם׃ he stayed with him three days; they ate and drank and lodged there. ה ַוְי ִהי ַּב ּיוֹם ָהְר ִב ִיעי ַוַּישׁ ְ ִּכ ּימו ַב ּב ֶֹקר ַוָּי ָקם Early in the morning of the fourth day, he started 5 ָל ֶל ֶכת ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ִבי ַה ַנּ ֲעָרה ֶא ֲל־ח ָתנוֹ ,to leave; but the girl’s father said to his son-in-law ְס ָעד ִל ְּב ָך ַּפ ֶת־ל ֶחם ְו ַא ַחר ֵּת ֵל ּכו׃ Eat something to give you strength, then you can“ leave.” ו ַוֵּישׁ ְ ּבו ַו ּי ְֹאכ ּלו שׁ ְ ֵנ ֶיהם ַי ְח ָ ּדו ַוִּישׁ ְ ּת ּו So the two of them sat down and they feasted 6 ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ִבי ַה ַנּ ֲעָרה ֶא ָל־ה ִאישׁ ֶהוֹא ָל־נא ,together. Then the girl’s father said to the man ְו ִלין ְוִי ַטב ִל ֶּב ָך׃ ”?Won’t you stay overnight and enjoy yourself“ ז ַוָּי ָקם ָה ִאישׁ ָל ֶל ֶכת ַוִּי ְפ ַצ ּר־בוֹ ְחֹתנוֹ The man started to leave, but his father-in-law kept 7 ַוָּישׁ ָ ב ַוָּי ֶלן שׁ ָ ם׃ urging him until he turned back and spent the night there. ח ַוַּישׁ ְ ֵּכם ַּב ּב ֶֹקר ַּב ּיוֹם ַה ֲח ִמישׁ ִ י ָל ֶל ֶכת Early in the morning of the fifth day, he was about 8 ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֲא ִבי ַה ַנּ ֲעָרה ְס ָע ָד־נא ְל ָב ְב ָך to leave, when the girl’s father said, “Come, have ְו ִה ְת ַמ ְה ְמ ּהו ַע ְד־נטוֹת ַה ּיוֹם ַו ּי ְֹאכ ּלו a bite.” The two of them ate, dawdling until past שׁ ְ ֵנ ֶיהם׃ .noon ט ַוָּי ָקם ָה ִאישׁ ָל ֶל ֶכת ּהוא ּו ִפ ַיל ְגשׁ וֹ ְו ַנ ֲערוֹ Then the man, his concubine, and his attendant 9 ַו ּי ֶֹאמר לוֹ ְחֹתנוֹ ֲא ִבי ַה ַנּ ֲעָרה ִה ֵנּה ָנא ,started to leave. His father-in-law, the girl’s father ָר ָפה ַה ּיוֹם ַל ֲערֹב ִל ּינו ָ־נא ִה ֵנּה ֲחנוֹת said to him, “Look, the day is waning toward ַה ּיוֹם ִלין ּפֹה ְוִי ַיטב ְל ָב ֶב ָך ְו ִהשׁ ְ ַּכ ְמ ֶּתם evening; do stop for the night. See, the day is ָמ ָחר ְל ַדְר ְּכ ֶכם ְו ָה ַל ְכ ָּת ְל ָאֹה ֶל ָך׃ .declining; spend the night here and enjoy yourself You can start early tomorrow on your journey and head for home.” י ְו ָלֹא־א ָבה ָה ִאישׁ ָל ּלון ַוָּי ָקם ַוֵּי ֶל ְך ַוָּיבֹא But the man refused to stay for the night. He set 10 ַע ַד־נֹכח ְי ּבוס ִהיא ְי ּרושׁ ָ ִָלם ְו ִע ּמוֹ ֶצ ֶמד out and traveled as far as the vicinity of Jebus—that ֲח ִמוֹרים ֲח ּבושׁ ִ ים ּו ִפ ַיל ְגשׁ וֹ ִע ּמוֹ׃ is, Yerushalayim; he had with him a pair of laden donkeys, and his concubine was with him.

71 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק טי Chapter 19

יא ֵהם ִע ְם־י ּבוס ְו ַה ּיוֹם ַרד ְמאֹד ַו ּי ֶֹאמר Since they were close to Jebus, and the day was 11 ַה ַנּ ַער ֶא ֲל־א ָדֹניו ְל ָכ ָה־נּא ְו ָנ ּסוָרה ֶאל־ ,very far spent, the attendant said to his master ִע ַיר־הְי ּבו ִסי ַה ּזֹאת ְו ָנ ִלין ָּב ּה׃ Let us turn aside to this town of the Jebusites and“ spend the night in it.” יב ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ֲא ָדֹניו לֹא ָנ ּסור ֶא ִל־עיר But his master said to him, “We will not turn aside 12 ָנ ְכִרי ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִלֹא־מ ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֵה ָנּה to a town of aliens who are not of Yisrael, but will ּ .continue to Giva Judges ְו ָע ַבְר ּנו ַע ִד־ג ְב ָעה׃ יג ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְל ַנ ֲערוֹ ְל ָך ְו ִנ ְקְר ָבה ְּב ַא ַחד Come,” he said to his attendant, “let us approach 13 ַה ְּמקֹמוֹת ְו ַל ּנּו ַב ִּג ְב ָעה אוֹ ָבָר ָמה׃ one of those places and spend the night either in Giva or in Rama.” יד ַוַּי ַע ְב ּרו ַוֵּי ֵל ּכו ַו ָּתבֹא ָל ֶהם ַהשֶּׁ ֶמשׁ ֵא ֶצל So they traveled on, and the sun set when they 14 ַה ִּג ְב ָעה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְל ִב ְנָי ִמן׃ .were near Giva of Binyamin טו ַוָּי ֻס ּרו שׁ ָ ם ָלבוֹא ָל ּלון ַּב ִּג ְב ָעה ַוָּיבֹא They turned off there and went in to spend the 15 ַוֵּישׁ ֶ ב ִּבְרחוֹב ָה ִעיר ְו ֵאין ִאישׁ ְמ ַא ֵּסף־ night in Giva. He went and sat down in the town ָאוֹתם ַה ַּבְי ָתה ָל ּלון׃ square, but nobody took them indoors to spend the night. טז ְו ִה ֵנּה ִאישׁ ָז ֵקן ָּבא ִמ ַן־מ ֲע ֵשׂ ּהו ִמן־ In the evening, an old man came along from his 16 ַה ָּשׂ ֶדה ָּב ֶעֶרב ְו ָה ִאישׁ ֵמ ַהר ֶא ְפַרִים property outside the town. (This man hailed from ְו ּהו ָא־גר ַּב ִּג ְב ָעה ְו ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ַה ָּמקוֹם ְּב ֵני ,the hill country of Efraim and resided at Giva ְי ִמ ִיני׃ (.where the townspeople were Benjaminites יז ַוִּי ָּשׂא ֵע ָיניו ַוַּיְרא ֶא ָת־ה ִאישׁ ָה ֵאֹר ַח He happened to see the wayfarer in the town 17 ִּבְרחֹב ָה ִעיר ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָה ִאישׁ ַהָ ּז ֵקן ָא ָנה square. “Where,” the old man inquired, “are you ֵת ֵל ְך ּו ֵמ ַאִין ָּתבוֹא׃ ”?going to, and where do you come from יח ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ָליו ְעֹבִרים ֲא ַנ ְח ּנו ִמ ֵּב ֶית־ל ֶחם He replied, “We are traveling from Beit Lechem 18 ְי ּהו ָדה ַע ַד־יְר ְּכ ֵתי ַה ֶר־א ְפַרִים ִמשָּׁ ם in Yehuda to the other end of the hill country of ָא ִנֹכי ָו ֵא ֵל ְך ַע ֵּד־בית ֶל ֶחם ְי ּהו ָדה ְו ֶאת־ Efraim. That is where I live. I made a journey to ֵּבית ְי ָהֹוה ֲא ִני ֵהֹל ְך ְו ֵאין ִאישׁ ְמ ַא ֵּסף Beit Lechem of Yehuda, and now I am on my way to ִאוֹתי ַה ָּבְי ָתה׃ the House of Hashem, and nobody has taken me indoors. יט ְו ַג ֶּם־ת ֶבן ַּג ִם־מ ְס ּפוֹא ֵישׁ ַל ֲח ֵמוֹר ּינו ְו ַגם We have both bruised straw and feed for our 19 ֶל ֶחם ָוַיִין ֶישׁ ִ־לי ְו ַל ֲא ָמ ֶת ָך ְו ַל ַנּ ַער ִעם־ donkeys, and bread and wine for me and your ֲע ָב ֶד ָיך ֵאין ַמ ְחסוֹר ָּכ ָ ּל־ד ָבר׃ handmaid, and for the attendant with your servants. We lack nothing.” כ ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ָה ִאישׁ ַהָ ּז ֵקן שׁ ָ לוֹם ָל ְך ַרק ָּכל־ Rest easy,” said the old man. “Let me take care of“ 20 ַמ ְח ְסוֹר ָך ָע ָלי ַרק ָּבְרחוֹב ַא ָּל־ת ַלן׃ all your needs. Do not on any account spend the night in the square.” כא ַוְי ִב ֵיא ּהו ְל ֵביתוֹ ַוָּי ָבול ַל ֲח ִמוֹרים ַוִּיְר ֲח ּצו And he took him into his house. He mixed fodder 21 ַר ְג ֵל ֶיהם ַו ּי ְֹאכ ּלו ַוִּישׁ ְ ּת ּו׃ for the donkeys; then they bathed their feet and ate and drank. כב ֵה ָּמה ֵמ ִיט ִיבים ֶא ִת־ל ָּבם ְו ִה ֵנּה ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י While they were enjoying themselves, the men of 22 ָה ִעיר ַא ְנשׁ ֵ י ְב ֵנ ְי־ב ִלַּי ַעל ָנ ַס ּב ּו ֶא ַת־ה ַּבִית the town, a depraved lot, had gathered about the ִמ ְת ַ ּד ְּפ ִקים ַע ַל־ה ָ ּד ֶלת ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ֶאל־ house and were pounding on the door. They called

72 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק טי Chapter 19

ָה ִאישׁ ַּב ַעל ַה ַּבִית ַהָ ּז ֵקן ֵלאמֹר ֵהוֹצא to the aged owner of the house, “Bring out the man ֶא ָת־ה ִאישׁ ֲאשׁ ֶ ָּר־בא ֶא ֵּל־ב ְית ָך ְו ֵנ ָד ֶע ּנּו׃ who has come into your house, so that we can be intimate with him.” כג ַוֵּי ֵצא ֲא ֵל ֶיהם ָה ִאישׁ ַּב ַעל ַה ַּבִית ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ,The owner of the house went out and said to them 23 ֲא ֵל ֶהם ַא ַל־א ַחי ַא ָּל־תֵר ּעו ָנא ַא ֲחֵרי .Please, my friends, do not commit such a wrong“ ֲאשׁ ֶ ָּר־בא ָה ִאישׁ ַהֶ ּזה ַא ֵּל־ב ִיתי ַאל־ Since this man has entered my house, do not perpetrate this outrage. ַּת ֲע ּשׂו ֶא ַת־ה ְנּ ָב ָלה ַה ּזֹאת׃ Judges כד ִה ֵנּה ִב ִּתי ַה ְּב ּתו ָלה ּו ִפ ַיל ְגשׁ ֵ ּהו ִאוֹצ ָיאה־ Look, here is my virgin daughter, and his 24 ָנּא ָאוֹתם ְו ַע ּנּו ָאוֹתם ַו ֲע ּשׂו ָל ֶהם ַה ּטוֹב concubine. Let me bring them out to you. Have ְּב ֵע ֵינ ֶיכם ְו ָל ִאישׁ ַהֶ ּזה לֹא ַת ֲע ּשׂו ְ ּד ַבר ;your pleasure of them, do what you like with them ַה ְנּ ָב ָלה ַה ּזֹאת׃ ”.but don’t do that outrageous thing to this man כה ְו ָלֹא־א ּבו ָה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ִלשׁ ְ ַמֹע לוֹ ַוַּי ֲחֵזק But the men would not listen to him, so the man 25 ָה ִאישׁ ְּב ִפ ַיל ְגשׁ וֹ ַו ּי ֵֹצא ֲא ֵל ֶיהם ַה ּחוץ .seized his concubine and pushed her out to them ַוֵּי ְד ּעו ָאוֹת ּה ַוִּי ְת ַע ְּל ּלו ָ־ב ּה ָּכ ַל־ה ַּלְי ָלה They raped her and abused her all night long until ַע ַד־ה ּב ֶֹקר ַוְישׁ ַ ְּל ּחו ָה בעלות ַּ]כ ֲעלוֹת[ .morning; and they let her go when dawn broke ַ ה שׁ ּ ָ ַ ח ר ׃ כו ַו ָּתבֹא ָה ִאשָּׁ ה ִל ְפנוֹת ַה ּב ֶֹקר ַו ִּת ּפֹל ֶּפ ַתח Toward morning the woman came back; and as it 26 ֵּב ָית־ה ִאישׁ ֲאשׁ ֶ ֲר־א ֶדוֹנ ָיה שָּׁ ם ַעד־ was growing light, she collapsed at the entrance of ָהאוֹר׃ .the man’s house where her husband was כז ַוָּי ָקם ֲא ֶדֹנ ָיה ַּב ּב ֶֹקר ַוִּי ְפ ַּתח ַ ּד ְלתוֹת When her husband arose in the morning, he 27 ַה ַּבִית ַוֵּי ֵצא ָל ֶל ֶכת ְל ַדְר ּכוֹ ְו ִה ֵנּה ָה ִאשָּׁ ה opened the doors of the house and went out to ִפ ַיל ְגשׁ וֹ ֶנֹפ ֶלת ֶּפ ַתח ַה ַּבִית ְוָי ֶד ָיה ַעל־ continue his journey; and there was the woman, his ַה ַּסף׃ concubine, lying at the entrance of the house, with her hands on the threshold. כח ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ֵא ֶל ָיה ּקו ִמי ְו ֵנ ֵל ָכה ְו ֵאין ֶעֹנה Get up,” he said to her, “let us go.” But there was“ 28 ַוִּי ָּק ֶח ָה ַע ַל־ה ֲחמוֹר ַוָּי ָקם ָה ִאישׁ ַוֵּי ֶל ְך no reply. So the man placed her on the donkey and ִל ְמקֹמוֹ׃ .set out for home כט ַוָּיבֹא ֶא ֵּל־ביתוֹ ַוִּי ַּקח ֶא ַת־ה ַּמ ֲא ֶכ ֶלת When he came home, he picked up a knife, and 29 ַוַּי ֲחֵזק ְּב ִפ ַיל ְגשׁ וֹ ַוְי ַנ ְּת ֶח ָה ַל ֲע ָצ ֶמ ָיה took hold of his concubine and cut her up limb by ִלשׁ ְ ֵנים ָע ָשׂר ְנ ָת ִחים ַוְישׁ ַ ְּל ֶח ָה ְּבכֹל ְּג ּבול limb into twelve parts. He sent them throughout ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ .the territory of Yisrael ל ְו ָהָיה ָכ ָל־ה ֶרֹאה ְו ָא ַמר ִלֹא־נ ְהְי ָתה And everyone who saw it cried out, “Never has such 30 ְו ִלֹא־נְר ֲא ָתה ָּכזֹאת ְל ִמ ּיוֹם ֲעלוֹת ְּב ֵני־ a thing happened or been seen from the day the ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֵמ ֶאֶרץ ִמ ְצַרִים ַעד ַה ּיוֹם ַהֶ ּזה !Israelites came out of the land of Egypt to this day ִשׂ ּימו ָ־ל ֶכם ָע ֶל ָיה ֻע ּצו ְו ַד ֵּב ּרו׃ ”.Put your mind to this; take counsel and decide v’-ha-YAH khol ha-ro-EH v’-a-MAR lo nih-y’-TAH v’-lo nir-a-TAH ka-ZOT l’-mi- YOM a-LOT b’-nay yis-ra-AYL may-E-retz mitz-RA-yim AD ha-YOM ha-ZEH see-mu la-KHEM a-LE-ha U-tzu v’-da-BAY-ru

19:30 Never has such a thing happened or been with the narrative of Micha’s idol) occurred at the seen Jewish tradition understands that the beginning of the era of the Judges. Rabbi Shlomo Aviner passages of the Tanakh are not always presented in suggests that these narratives were placed here, at the chronological order. According to Rashi, this story (along end of the book, as another reminder of the sad results Inside the Knesset

73 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק כ Chapter 20

א ַוֵּי ְצ ּאו ָּכ ְּל־ב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַו ִּת ָּק ֵהל ָה ֵע ָדה Thereupon all the Israelites—fromDan to Be’er 1 20 כ ְּכ ִאישׁ ֶא ָחד ְל ִמ ָ ּדן ְו ַע ְּד־ב ֵאר שׁ ֶ ַבע ,Sheva and [from] the land of Gilad—marched forth ְו ֶאֶרץ ַה ִּג ְל ָעד ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ַה ִּמ ְצ ָּפה׃ and the community assembled to a man before Hashem at Mitzpa. va-yay-tz’-U kol b’-NAY yis-ra-AYL va-ti-ka-HAYL ha-ay-DAH k’-EESH e-KHAD l’-mi-DAN v’-ad b’-AYR SHE-va v’-E-retz ha-gil-AD el a-do-NAI ha-mitz-PAH Judges ב ַוִּי ְתַי ְּצ ּבו ִּפנּוֹת ָּכ ָל־ה ָעם ּכֹל שׁ ִ ְב ֵטי All the leaders of the people [and] all the tribes 2 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִּב ְק ַהל ַעם ָה ֱא ִלֹהים ַאְר ַּבע of Yisrael presented themselves in the assembly of ֵמאוֹת ֶא ֶלף ִאישׁ ַר ְג ִלי שׁ ֵֹלף ָחֶרב׃ .Hashem’s people, 400,000 fighting men on foot

ג ַוִּישׁ ְ ְמ ּעו ְּב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ִּכ ָי־ע ּלו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל The Benjaminites heard that the Israelites had 3 ַה ִּמ ְצ ָּפה ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַ ּד ְּב ּרו ,come up to Mitzpa.—The Israelites said, “Tell us ֵא ָיכה ִנ ְהְי ָתה ָהָר ָעה ַה ּזֹאת׃ ”?how did this evil thing happen

ד ַוַּי ַען ָה ִאישׁ ַה ֵּלִוי ִאישׁ ָה ִאשָּׁ ה ַה ִנּ ְר ָצ ָחה And the Levite, the husband of the murdered 4 ַו ּי ַֹאמר ַה ִּג ְב ָע ָתה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְל ִב ְנָי ִמן ָּב ִאתי woman, replied, “My concubine and I came to Giva ֲא ִני ּו ִפ ַיל ְגשׁ ִ י ָל ּלון׃ .of Binyamin to spend the night

ה ַוָּי ֻק ּמו ָע ַלי ַּב ֲע ֵלי ַה ִּג ְב ָעה ַוָּי ּסֹב ּו ָע ַלי The citizens ofGiva set out to harm me. They 5 ֶא ַת־ה ַּבִית ָלְי ָלה ִאוֹתי ִ ּד ּמ ּו ַל ֲהרֹג ְו ֶאת־ gathered against me around the house in the ִּפ ַיל ְגשׁ ִ י ִע ּנּו ַו ָּתמֹת׃ night; they meant to kill me, and they ravished my concubine until she died. ו ָו ֵאֹחז ְּב ִפ ַיל ְגשׁ ִ י ָו ֲא ַנ ְּת ֶח ָה ָו ֲאשׁ ַ ְּל ֶח ָה ְּב ָכל־ So I took hold of my concubine and I cut her in 6 ְשׂ ֵדה ַנ ֲח ַלת ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִּכי ָע ּשׂו ִז ָּמה ּו ְנ ָב ָלה pieces and sent them through every part of Yisrael’s ְ ּב ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ territory. For an outrageous act of depravity had been committed inYisrael . ז ִה ֵנּה ֻכ ְּל ֶכם ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָה ּבו ָל ֶכם ָ ּד ָבר Now you are all Israelites; produce a plan of action 7 ְו ֵע ָצה ֲהלֹם׃ ”!here and now

of having no king: disunity, disorder and violence. Seeing boundary of Jewish settlement in Eretz Yisrael, was a vital these repeated tragedies at the end of the book of city in biblical times. Be’er Sheva is one of the primary (באר) Shoftim highlights the importance of the rise of the places where Avraham lives and digs a well, be’er monarchy, described in the next book, Shmuel. Though in Hebrew. Yitzchak builds an altar there, and Yaakov the contemporary State of Israel has no king, Rabbi passes through on the way to Beit El and later stops to Abraham Isaac Kook says that a democratically elected bring sacrifices there on his way down to Egypt. In Jewish government has a status similar to that of a contemporary Israel, Be’er Sheva is known as “the capital monarchy. The Jewish people are fortunate that the of the Negev Desert.” It is a thriving, multicultural city State of Israel has a set and ordered government to with a population including many Jews from Ethiopia protect society and to care for the nation. and the former Soviet Union, a major hospital and a large university. The city is one of the many ancient cities 20:1 From Dan to Be’er Sheva Be’er Sheva, in the Land of Israel that the Children of Israel have mentioned in this verse as the southern revived and developed. Modern Court House in Beer Sheva

74 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק כ Chapter 20

ח ַוָּי ָקם ָּכ ָל־ה ָעם ְּכ ִאישׁ ֶא ָחד ֵלאמֹר לֹא ,Then all the people rose, as one man, and declared 8 ֵנ ֵל ְך ִאישׁ ְל ָא ֳהלוֹ ְולֹא ָנ ּסור ִאישׁ ְל ֵביתוֹ׃ We will not go back to our homes, we will not“ enter our houses! ט ְו ַע ָּתה ֶזה ַה ָ ּד ָבר ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַנ ֲע ֶשׂה ַל ִּג ְב ָעה But this is what we will do to Giva: [we will wage 9 ָע ֶל ָיה ְּב ָגוֹרל׃ .war] against it according to lot

י 10

ְו ָל ַק ְח ּנו ֲע ָשׂ ָרה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ַל ֵּמ ָאה ְלכֹל Judges We will take from all the tribes of Yisrael ten men שׁ ִ ְב ֵטי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ּו ֵמ ָאה ָל ֶא ֶלף ְו ֶא ֶלף to the hundred, a hundred to the thousand, and a ָלְר ָב ָבה ָל ַק ַחת ֵצ ָדה ָל ָעם ַל ֲעשׂוֹת thousand to the ten thousand to supply provisions ְל ָבוֹאם ְל ֶג ַבע ִּב ְנָי ִמן ְּכ ָכ ַל־ה ְנּ ָב ָלה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר for the troops—to prepare for their going to Geba ָע ָשׂ ה ְ ּב ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ in Binyamin for all the outrage it has committed in Yisrael.” יא ַוֵּי ָא ֵסף ָּכ ִל־אישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ָל־ה ִעיר So all the men of Yisrael, united as one man, massed 11 ְּכ ִאישׁ ֶא ָחד ֲח ֵבִרים׃ .against the town

יב ַוִּישׁ ְ ְל ּחו שׁ ִ ְב ֵטי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ְּב ָכל־ And the tribes of Yisrael sent men through the 12 שׁ ִ ְב ֵטי ִב ְנָי ִמן ֵלאמֹר ָמה ָהָר ָעה ַה ּזֹאת whole tribe of Binyamin, saying, “What is this evil ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִנ ְהְי ָתה ָּב ֶכם׃ ?thing that has happened among you

יג ְו ַע ָּתה ְּת ּנו ֶא ָת־ה ֲא ָנשׁ ִ ים ְּב ֵנ ְי־ב ִלַּי ַעל Come, hand over those scoundrels in Giva so that 13 ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַּב ִּג ְב ָעה ּו ְנ ִמ ֵיתם ּו ְנ ַב ֲעָרה ָר ָעה we may put them to death and stamp out the evil ִמִּי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְולֹא ָא ּבו ְּ]ב ֵני[ ִּב ְנָי ִמן ִלשׁ ְ ַמֹע from Yisrael.” But the Benjaminites would not yield ְּבקוֹל ֲא ֵח ֶיהם ְּב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ .to the demand of their fellow Israelites

יד ַוֵּי ָא ְס ּפו ְב ֵנ ִי־ב ְנָי ִמן ִמ ֶן־ה ָעִרים ַה ִּג ְב ָע ָתה So the Benjaminites gathered from their towns to 14 ָל ֵצאת ַל ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה ִע ְּם־ב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ .Giva in order to take the field against the Israelites

טו ַוִּי ְת ָּפ ְק ּדו ְב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ַּב ּיוֹם ַה ּהוא On that day the Benjaminites mustered from the 15 ֵמ ֶה ָעִרים ֶע ְשׂ ִרים ְושׁ ִ שָּׁ ה ֶא ֶלף ִאישׁ towns 26,000 fighting men, mustered apart from שׁ ֵֹלף ָחֶרב ְל ַבד ִמ ּיֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ַה ִּג ְב ָעה the inhabitants of Giva; 700 picked men ִה ְת ָּפ ְק ּדו שׁ ְ ַבע ֵמאוֹת ִאישׁ ָּב ּחור׃

טז ִמ ּכֹל ָה ָעם ַהֶ ּזה שׁ ְ ַבע ֵמאוֹת ִאישׁ ָּב ּחור -of all this force—700 picked men—were left 16 ִא ֵּטר ַי ְד־י ִמינוֹ ָּכ ֶל־זה ֵקֹל ַע ָּב ֶא ֶבן ֶאל־ handed. Every one of them could sling a stone at a ַה ַּשׂ ֲעָרה ְולֹא ַי ֲח ִטא׃ .hair and not miss

יז ְו ִאישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִה ְת ָּפ ְק ּדו ְל ַבד ִמ ִּב ְנָי ִמן The men ofYisrael other than Binyamin mustered 17 ַאְר ַּבע ֵמאוֹת ֶא ֶלף ִאישׁ שׁ ֵֹלף ָחֶרב ָּכל־ .fighting men, warriors to a man 400,000 ֶזה ִאישׁ ִמ ְל ָח ָמה׃

יח ַוָּי ֻק ּמו ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ֵב ֵית־אל ַוִּישׁ ְ ֲא ּלו ֵב ִאלֹהים ;They proceeded toBeit El and inquired of Hashem 18 ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִמי ַי ֲע ֶל ָּה־ל ּנו the Israelites asked, “Who of us shall advance first ַב ְּת ִח ָּלה ַל ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה ִע ְּם־ב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ,to fight the Benjaminites?” AndHashem replied ְי ָהֹוה ְי ּהו ָדה ַב ְּת ִח ָּלה׃ ”.Yehuda first“

75 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק כ Chapter 20

יט ַוָּי ּקו ּמו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַּב ּב ֶֹקר ַוַּי ֲח ּנו ַעל־ So the Israelites arose in the morning and 19 ַה ִּג ְב ָעה׃ .encamped against Giva כ ַוֵּי ֵצא ִאישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַל ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה ִע ִּם־ב ְנָי ִמן The men ofYisrael took the field against the 20 ַוַּי ַעְר ּכו ִא ָּתם ִאישׁ ִ־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִמ ְל ָח ָמה Benjaminites; the men of Yisrael drew up in battle ֶא ַל־ה ִּג ְב ָעה׃ .order against them at Giva כא ַוֵּי ְצ ּאו ְב ֵנ ִי־ב ְנָי ִמן ִמ ַן־ה ִּג ְב ָעה ַוַּישׁ ְ ִח ּיתו But the Benjaminites issued from Giva, and that 21 Judges ְבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַּב ּיוֹם ַה ּהוא שׁ ְ ַנִים ְו ֶע ְשׂ ִרים .day they struck down 22,000 men of Yisrael ֶא ֶלף ִאישׁ ָאְר ָצה׃ כב ַוִּי ְת ַחֵ ּזק ָה ָעם ִאישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַו ּי ִֹס ּפו ַל ֲע ְרֹך Now the army—the men of Yisrael—rallied and 22 ִמ ְל ָח ָמה ַּב ָּמקוֹם ֲאשׁ ֶ ָר־עְר ּכו שׁ ָ ם ַּב ּיוֹם again drew up in battle order at the same place as ָהִראשׁ וֹן׃ .they had on the first day כג ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַוִּי ְב ּכ ּו ִל ְפ ֵנ ְי־י ָהֹוה ַעד־ For the Israelites had gone up and wept before 23 ָה ֶעֶרב ַוִּישׁ ְ ֲא ּלו ַב ָיהֹוה ֵלאמֹר ַה ִאוֹסיף Hashem until evening. They had inquired of ָל ֶגשׁ ֶ ת ַל ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה ִע ְּם־ב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ָא ִחי Hashem, “Shall we again join battle with our ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְי ָהֹוה ֲע ּלו ֵא ָליו׃ kinsmen the Benjaminites?” And Hashem had replied, “March against them.” כד ַוִּי ְקְר ּבו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְּל־ב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ַּב ּיוֹם The Israelites advanced against theBinyamin ites on 24 ַ ה שׁ ּ ֵ ִ נ י ׃ .the second day כה ַוֵּי ֵצא ִב ְנָי ִמן ִל ְקָר ָאתם ִמ ַן־ה ִּג ְב ָעה But the Benjaminites came out from Giva against 25 ַּב ּיוֹם ַהשֵּׁ ִני ַוַּישׁ ְ ִח ּיתו ִב ְב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל עוֹד them on the second day and struck down 18,000 שׁ ְ ַמֹנת ָע ָשׂר ֶא ֶלף ִאישׁ ָאְר ָצה ָּכ ֵל־א ֶּלה .more of the Israelites, all of them fighting men שׁ ְֹל ֵפי ָחֶרב׃ כו ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ָכ ְּל־ב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְו ָכ ָל־ה ָעם ַוָּי ּבֹאו Then all the Israelites, all the army, went up and 26 ֵב ֵית־אל ַוִּי ְב ּכ ּו ַוֵּישׁ ְ ּבו שׁ ָ ם ִל ְפ ֵני ְי ָהֹוה came to Beit El and they sat there, weeping before ַוָּי ּצו ּמו ַב ּי ַוֹם־ה ּהוא ַע ָד־ה ָעֶרב ַוַּי ֲע ּלו Hashem. They fasted that day until evening, and עֹלוֹת ּושׁ ְ ָל ִמים ִל ְפ ֵני ְי ָהֹוה׃ -presented burnt offerings and offerings of well being to Hashem. כז ַוִּישׁ ְ ֲא ּלו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַּב ָיהֹוה ְושׁ ָ ם ֲארוֹן The Israelites inquired ofHashem (for the Aron Brit 27 ְּבִרית ָה ֱא ִלֹהים ַּבָּי ִמים ָה ֵהם׃ ,Hashem was there in those days כח ּו ִפ ְינ ָחס ֶּב ֶן־א ְל ָעָזר ֶּב ַן־א ֲהרֹן ֵעֹמד ְל ָפ ָניו and Pinchas son of Elazar son of Aharon the Kohen 28 ַּבָּי ִמים ָה ֵהם ֵלאמֹר ַה ִאוֹסף עוֹד ָל ֵצאת ministered before Him in those days), “Shall ַל ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה ִע ְּם־ב ֵנ ִי־ב ְנָי ִמן ָא ִחי ִאם־ we again take the field against our kinsmen the ֶא ְח ָ ּדל ַו ּי ֶֹאמר ְי ָהֹוה ֲע ּלו ִּכי ָמ ָחר ֶא ְּת ֶנ ּנּו ,Benjaminites, or shall we not?” Hashem answered ְבָי ֶד ָך׃ Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your“ hands.” כט ַוָּי ֶשׂם ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְאֹר ִבים ֶא ַל־ה ִּג ְב ָעה .Yisrael put men in ambush against Giva on all sides 29 ָס ִביב׃ ל ַוַּי ֲע ּלו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְּל־ב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ַּב ּיוֹם And on the third day, the Israelites went up against 30 ַהשְּׁ ִלישׁ ִ י ַוַּי ַעְר ּכו ֶא ַל־ה ִּג ְב ָעה ְּכ ַפ ַעם the Benjaminites, as before, and engaged them in ְּב ָפ ַעם׃ . battle atGiva

76 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק כ Chapter 20

לא ַוֵּי ְצ ּאו ְב ֵנ ִי־ב ְנָי ִמן ִל ְקַראת ָה ָעם ָה ְנ ְּת ּקו The Benjaminites dashed out to meet the army and 31 ִמ ָן־ה ִעיר ַוָּי ֵח ּל ּו ְל ַה ּכוֹת ֵמ ָה ָעם ֲח ָל ִלים ,were drawn away from the town onto the roads ְּכ ַפ ַעם ְּב ַפ ַעם ַּב ְמ ִס ּלוֹת ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַא ַחת .of which one runs to Beit El and the other to Giva ָעֹלה ֵב ֵית־אל ְו ַא ַחת ִּג ְב ָע ָתה ַּב ָּשׂ ֶדה As before, they started out by striking some of ִּכשׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ִאישׁ ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ the men dead in the open field, about 30 men of Yisrael. לב ּ The Benjaminites thought, “They are being routed 32 ַוי ְֹאמ ּרו ְּב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ִנ ָּג ִפים ֵהם ְל ָפ ֵנ ּינו Judges ְּכ ָבִראשׁ ָֹנה ּו ְב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָא ְמ ּרו ָנ ּנו ָסה before us as previously.” But the Israelites had ּו ְנ ַת ְּק ֻנ ּהו ִמ ָן־ה ִעיר ֶא ַל־ה ְמ ִס ּלוֹת׃ planned: “We will take to flight and draw them away from the town to the roads.” לג ְוכֹל ִאישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָק ּמו ִמ ְּמקוֹמוֹ ַוַּי ַעְר ּכו And while the main body of the Israelites had 33 ְּב ַב ַעל ָּת ָמר ְו ֵאֹרב ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֵמ ִג ַיח ִמ ְּמקֹמוֹ moved away from their positions and had drawn up ִמ ַּמ ֲעֵר ָה־ג ַבע׃ in battle order at Baal-tamar, the Israelite ambush was rushing out from its position at Maareh-geba. לד ַוָּי ּבֹאו ִמ ֶנּ ֶגד ַל ִּג ְב ָעה ֲע ֶשׂ ֶרת ֲא ָל ִפים Thus 10,000 picked men of allYisrael came to a 34 ִאישׁ ָּב ּחור ִמ ָּכ ִל־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְו ַה ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה .point south of Giva, and the battle was furious ָּכ ֵב ָדה ְו ֵהם לֹא ָי ְד ּעו ִּכ ַי־נֹג ַעת ֲע ֵל ֶיהם ,Before they realized that disaster was approaching ָהָר ָעה׃ לה ַוִּי ּגֹף ְי ָהֹוה ֶא ִּת־ב ְנָי ִמן ִל ְפ ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל .Hashem routed the Benjaminites before Yisrael 35 ַוַּישׁ ְ ִח ּיתו ְב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְּב ִב ְנָי ִמן ַּב ּיוֹם That day the Israelites slew 25,100 men of ַה ּהוא ֶע ְשׂ ִרים ַו ֲח ִמשָּׁ ה ֶא ֶלף ּו ֵמ ָאה ִאישׁ .Binyamin, all of them fighting men ָּכ ֵל־א ֶּלה שׁ ֵֹלף ָחֶרב׃ לו ַוִּיְר ּאו ְב ֵנ ִי־ב ְנָי ִמן ִּכי ִנ ָּג ּפו ַוִּי ְּת ּנו ִאישׁ ־ Then the Benjaminites realized that they were 36 ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָמקוֹם ְל ִב ְנָי ִמן ִּכי ָב ְט ּחו ֶאל־ routed. Now the Israelites had yielded ground to ָה ֵאֹרב ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָשׂ ּמו ֶא ַל־ה ִּג ְב ָעה׃ the Benjaminites, for they relied on the ambush which they had laid against Giva. לז ְו ָה ֵאֹרב ֵה ִחישׁ ּו ַוִּי ְפשׁ ְ ּטו ֶא ַל־ה ִּג ְב ָעה One ambush quickly deployed against Giva, and 37 ַוִּי ְמשׁ ְֹך ָה ֵאֹרב ַוַּי ְך ֶא ָּת־כ ָל־ה ִעיר ְל ִפי־ the other ambush advanced and put the whole ָחֶרב׃ .town to the sword לח ְו ַה ּמ ֵוֹעד ָהָיה ְל ִאישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִע ָם־ה ֵאֹרב A time had been agreed upon by the Israelite men 38 ֶהֶרב ְל ַה ֲע ָלוֹתם ַמ ְשׂ ַאת ֶה ָעשׁ ָ ן ִמן־ with those in ambush: When a huge column of ָה ִעיר׃ ,smoke was sent up from the town לט ַוַּי ֲה ְפֹך ִאישׁ ִ־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ַּב ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה ּו ִב ְנָי ִמן .the Israelite men were to turn about in battle 39 ֵה ֵחל ְל ַה ּכוֹת ֲח ָל ִלים ְּב ִאישׁ ִ־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל Binyamin had begun by striking dead about 30 ִּכשׁ ְ לֹשׁ ִ ים ִאישׁ ִּכי ָא ְמ ּרו ַא ְך ִנ ּגוֹף ִנ ָּגף Israelite men, and they thought, “They are being ּהוא ְל ָפ ֵנ ּינו ַּכ ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה ָהִראשׁ ָֹנה׃ ”.routed before us as in the previous fighting מ ְו ַה ַּמ ְשׂ ֵאת ֵה ֵח ָּלה ַל ֲעלוֹת ִמ ָן־ה ִעיר But when the column, the pillar of smoke, began to 40 ַע ּמ ּוד ָעשׁ ָ ן ַוִּי ֶפן ִּב ְנָי ִמן ַא ֲחָריו ְו ִה ֵנּה rise from the city, the Benjaminites looked behind ָע ָלה ְכ ִל ָיל־ה ִעיר ַהשָּׁ ָמְי ָמה׃ them, and there was the whole town going up in smoke to the sky! מא ְו ִאישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָה ַפ ְך ַוִּי ָּב ֵהל ִאישׁ ִּב ְנָי ִמן And now the Israelites turned about, and the 41 ִּכי ָר ָאה ִּכ ָי־נ ְג ָעה ָע ָליו ָהָר ָעה׃ men of Binyamin were thrown into panic, for they realized that disaster had overtaken them.

77 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק אכ Chapter 21

מב ַוִּי ְפ ּנו ִל ְפ ֵני ִאישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ֶ ּל־דֶר ְך They retreated before the men ofYisrael along the 42 ַה ִּמ ְד ָּבר ְו ַה ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה ִה ְד ִּב ָיק ְת ּהו ַו ֲאשׁ ֶ ר road to the wilderness, where the fighting caught ֵמ ֶה ָעִרים ַמשׁ ְ ִח ִיתים אוֹתוֹ ְּבתוֹכוֹ׃ up with them; meanwhile those from the towns were massacring them in it. מג ִּכ ְּת ּרו ֶא ִּת־ב ְנָי ִמן ִהְר ִד ֻיפ ּהו ְמ ּנו ָחה ,They encircled the Benjaminites, pursued them 43 ִה ְדִר ֻיכ ּהו ַעד ַנֹכח ַה ִּג ְב ָעה ִמ ִּמְזַרח־ and trod them down [from] Menuhah to a point opposite Giva on the east. Judges שׁ ָ ֶ מ שׁ ׃ מד ַוִּי ְּפ ּלו ִמ ִּב ְנָי ִמן שׁ ְ ָמֹנ ָה־ע ָשׂר ֶא ֶלף ִאישׁ That day 18,000 men ofBinyamin fell, all of them 44 ֶא ָּת־כ ֵל־א ֶּלה ַא ְנשׁ ֵ ָי־חִיל׃ .brave men מה ַוִּי ְפ ּנו ַוָּי ֻנ ּסו ַה ִּמ ְד ָּבָרה ֶא ֶל־ס ַלע ָהִר ּמוֹן They turned and fled to the wilderness, to the Rock 45 ַוְי ְעֹל ֻל ּהו ַּב ְמ ִס ּלוֹת ֲח ֵמשׁ ֶ ת ֲא ָל ִפים ִאישׁ of Rimmon; but [the Israelites] picked off another ַוַּי ְד ִּב ּיקו ַא ֲחָריו ַע ִּד־ג ְדעֹם ַוַּי ּכ ּו ִמ ֶּמ ּנּו on the roads and, continuing in hot pursuit 5,000 ַא ְל ַּפִים ִאישׁ ׃ .of them up to Gidom, they slew 2,000 more מו ַוְי ִהי ָכ ַל־ה ְנֹּפ ִלים ִמ ִּב ְנָי ִמן ֶע ְשׂ ִרים Thus the total number of Benjaminites who fell 46 ַו ֲח ִמשָּׁ ה ֶא ֶלף ִאישׁ שׁ ֵֹלף ֶחֶרב ַּב ּיוֹם that day came to 25,000 fighting men, all of them ַה ּהוא ֶא ָּת־כ ֵל־א ֶּלה ַא ְנשׁ ֵ ָי־חִיל׃ .brave מז ַוִּי ְפ ּנו ַוָּי ֻנ ּסו ַה ִּמ ְד ָּבָרה ֶא ֶל־ס ַלע ָהִר ּמוֹן But 600 men turned and fled to the wilderness, to 47 שׁ ֵ שׁ ֵמאוֹת ִאישׁ ַוֵּישׁ ְ ּבו ְּב ֶס ַלע ִר ּמוֹן the Rock of Rimmon; they remained at the Rock of ַאְר ָּב ָעה ֳח ָדשׁ ִ ים׃ .Rimmon four months מח ְו ִאישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל שׁ ָ ּבו ֶא ְּל־ב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ַוַּי ּכ ּום The men ofYisrael , meanwhile, turned back to 48 ְל ִפ ֶי־חֶרב ֵמ ִעיר ְמתֹם ַע ְּד־ב ֵה ָמה ַעד the rest of the Benjaminites and put them to the ָּכ ַל־ה ִנּ ְמ ָצא ַּגם ָּכ ֶל־ה ָעִרים ַה ִנּ ְמ ָצאוֹת sword—towns, people, cattle—everything that שׁ ִ ְ ּ ל ח ּו ָב ֵ א שׁ ׃ remained. Finally, they set fire to all the towns that were left. א ְו ִאישׁ ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִנשׁ ְ ַּבע ַּב ִּמ ְצ ָּפה ֵלאמֹר Now the men of Yisrael had taken an oath at 1 21 כא ִאישׁ ִמ ֶּמ ּנּו ִלֹא־י ֵּתן ִּב ּתוֹ ְל ִב ְנָי ִמן ְל ִאשָּׁ ה׃ Mitzpa: “None of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjaminite.” ב ַוָּיבֹא ָה ָעם ֵּב ֵית־אל ַוֵּישׁ ְ ּבו שׁ ָ ם ַעד־ The people came toBeit El and sat there before 2 ָה ֶעֶרב ִל ְפ ֵני ָה ֱא ִלֹהים ַוִּי ְשׂ ּאו ָקוֹלם Hashem until evening. They wailed and wept ַוִּי ְב ּכ ּו ְּב ִכי ָגדוֹל׃ ,bitterly ג ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ָל ָמה ְי ָהֹוה ֱא ֵלֹהי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָהְי ָתה and they said, “O God of Yisrael, why has this 3 ּזֹאת ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ְל ִה ָּפ ֵקד ַה ּיוֹם ִמִּי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל happened in Yisrael, that one tribe must now be שׁ ֵ ֶבט ֶא ָחד׃ ”?missing from Yisrael ד ַוְי ִהי ִמ ָּמ ֳחָרת ַוַּישׁ ְ ִּכ ּימו ָה ָעם ַוִּי ְב ּנו־שׁ ָ ם Early the next day, the people built a mizbayach 4 ִמְז ֵּב ַח ַוַּי ֲע ּלו עֹלוֹת ּושׁ ְ ָל ִמים׃ there, and they brought burnt offerings and offerings of well-being. ה ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִמי ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָלֹא־ע ָלה The Israelites asked, “Is there anyone from all 5 ַב ָּק ָהל ִמ ָּכל־שׁ ִ ְב ֵטי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה the tribes of Yisrael who failed to come up to the ִּכי ַהשְּׁ ּבו ָעה ַה ְּג ָדוֹלה ָהְי ָתה ַל ֲאשׁ ֶ ר assembly before Hashem?” For a solemn oath had ָלֹא־ע ָלה ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ַה ִּמ ְצ ָּפה ֵלאמֹר מוֹת been taken concerning anyone who did not go up ּיו ָמת׃ ”.to Hashem at Mitzpa: “He shall be put to death

78 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק אכ Chapter 21

ו ַוִּי ָנּ ֲח ּמו ְּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֶא ִּל־ב ְנָי ִמן ָא ִחיו The Israelites now relented toward their kinsmen 6 ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִנ ְג ַ ּדע ַה ּיוֹם שׁ ֵ ֶבט ֶא ָחד the Benjaminites, and they said, “This day one tribe ִמ ִ ּי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ ! has been cut off fromYisrael ז ַמ ַה־נּ ֲע ֶשׂה ָל ֶהם ַל ָנּוֹתִרים ְל ָנשׁ ִ ים What can we do to provide wives for those who are 7 ַו ֲא ַנ ְח ּנו ִנשׁ ְ ַּב ְע ּנו ַב ָיהֹוה ְל ִב ְל ִּתי ֵּת ָת־ל ֶהם left, seeing that we have sworn byHashem not to ִמ ְּב ֵנוֹת ּינו ְל ָנשׁ ִ ים׃ ”?give any of our daughters to them in marriage

ח ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִמי ֶא ָחד ִמשִּׁ ְב ֵטי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֲאשׁ ֶ ר Judges 8 They inquired, “Is there anyone from the tribes of ָלֹא־ע ָלה ֶא ְל־י ָהֹוה ַה ִּמ ְצ ָּפה ְו ִה ֵנּה לֹא ”?Yisrael who did not go up to Hashem at Mitzpa ָב ִא־אישׁ ֶא ַל־ה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה ִמָּי ֵבישׁ ִּג ְל ָעד Now no one from Jabesh-gilead had come to the ֶא ַל־ה ָּק ָהל׃ .camp, to the assembly ט ַוִּי ְת ָּפ ֵקד ָה ָעם ְו ִה ֵנּה ֵאין־שׁ ָ ם ִאישׁ For, when the roll of the troops was taken, not one 9 ִמ ּיוֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ָי ֵבשׁ ִּג ְל ָעד׃ .of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead was present י ַוִּישׁ ְ ְל ּחו־שׁ ָ ם ָה ֵע ָדה שׁ ְ ֵנ ָים־ע ָשׂר ֶא ֶלף So the assemblage dispatched 12,000 of the 10 ִאישׁ ִמ ְּב ֵני ֶה ָחִיל ַוְי ַצ ּו ּו ָאוֹתם ֵלאמֹר ְל ּכו warriors, instructing them as follows: “Go and ְו ִה ִּכ ֶיתם ֶאת־יוֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ָי ֵבשׁ ִּג ְל ָעד ְל ִפי־ ,put the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead to the sword ֶחֶרב ְו ַה ָנּשׁ ִ ים ְו ַה ָּטף׃ .women and children included

יא ְוֶזה ַה ָ ּד ָבר ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ַּת ֲע ּשׂו ָּכ ָל־ז ָכר ְו ָכל־ ,This is what you are to do: Proscribe every man 11 ִאשָּׁ ה ַיֹד ַעת ִמשׁ ְ ַּכ ָב־ז ָכר ַּת ֲחִר ּימו׃ ”.and every woman who has known a man carnally

יב ַוִּי ְמ ְצ ּאו ִמ ּיוֹשׁ ְ ֵבי ָי ֵבישׁ ִּג ְל ָעד ַאְר ַּבע They found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead 12 ֵמאוֹת ַנ ֲעָרה ְב ּתו ָלה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָלֹא־י ְד ָעה ;maidens who had not known a man carnally 400 ִאישׁ ְל ִמשׁ ְ ַּכב ָז ָכר ַוָּי ִב ּיאו ָאוֹתם ֶאל־ and they brought them to the camp at Shilo, which ַה ַּמ ֲח ֶנה שׁ ִ לֹה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּב ֶאֶרץ ְּכ ָנ ַען׃ .is in the land of Canaan

יג ַוִּישׁ ְ ְל ּחו ָּכ ָל־ה ֵע ָדה ַוְי ַד ְּב ּרו ֶא ְּל־ב ֵני Then the whole community sent word to the 13 ִב ְנָי ִמן ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ְּב ֶס ַלע ִר ּמוֹן ַוִּי ְקְר ּאו ָל ֶהם ,Benjaminites who were at the Rock of Rimmon שׁ ָ לוֹם׃ .and offered them terms of peace

יד ַוָּישׁ ָ ב ִּב ְנָי ִמן ָּב ֵעת ַה ִהיא ַוִּי ְּת ּנו ָל ֶהם Thereupon the Benjaminites returned, and they 14 ַה ָנּשׁ ִ ים ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִח ּי ּו ִמ ְנּשׁ ֵ י ָי ֵבשׁ ִּג ְל ָעד gave them the girls who had been spared from ְו ָלֹא־מ ְצ ּאו ָל ֶהם ֵּכן׃ the women of Jabesh-gilead. But there were not enough of them. טו ְו ָה ָעם ִנ ָחם ְל ִב ְנָי ִמן ִּכ ָי־ע ָשׂה ְי ָהֹוה ֶּפֶרץ Now the people had relented toward Binyamin, for 15 ְּבשׁ ִ ְב ֵטי ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ .Hashem had made a breach in the tribes of Yisrael

טז ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִז ְק ֵני ָה ֵע ָדה ַמ ַה־נּ ֲע ֶשׂה So the elders of the community asked, “What can 16 ַל ָנּוֹתִרים ְל ָנשׁ ִ ים ִּכ ִי־נשׁ ְ ְמ ָדה ִמ ִּב ְנָי ִמן we do about wives for those who are left, since the ִ א שׁ ּ ָ ה ׃ ”?women of Binyamin have been killed off

יז ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ְיֻרשַּׁ ת ְּפ ֵל ָיטה ְל ִב ְנָי ִמן ְולֹא־ For they said, “There must be a saving remnant for 17 ִי ָּמ ֶחה שׁ ֵ ֶבט ִמִּי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל׃ Binyamin, that a tribe may not be blotted out of Yisrael;

79 שופטים Shoftim/Judges פרק אכ Chapter 21

יח ַו ֲא ַנ ְח ּנו לֹא ּנו ַכל ָל ֵת ָת־ל ֶהם ָנשׁ ִ ים yet we cannot give them any of our daughters 18 ִמ ְּב ֵנוֹת ּינו ִּכ ִי־נשׁ ְ ְּב ּעו ְב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ֵלאמֹר :as wives,” since the Israelites had taken an oath ָא ּרור ֵנֹתן ִאשָּׁ ה ְל ִב ְנָי ִמן׃ ”!Cursed be anyone who gives a wife to Binyamin“

יט ַו ּי ְֹאמ ּרו ִה ֵנּה ַח ְג־י ָהֹוה ְּבשׁ ִ לוֹ ִמָּי ִמים They said, “The annual feast ofHashem is now 19 ָי ִמ ָימה ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ִמ ְּצ ָפוֹנה ְל ֵב ֵית־אל ִמְזְר ָחה being held at Shilo.” (It lies north of Beit El, east of ַהשֶּׁ ֶמשׁ ִל ְמ ִס ָּלה ָה ָעֹלה ִמ ֵּב ֵית־אל the highway that runs from Beit El to Shechem, and Judges שׁ ְ ֶכ ָמה ּו ִמ ֶנּ ֶגב ִל ְל ָבוֹנה׃ (.south of Lebonah

כ ויצו ַ]וְי ַצ ּו ּו[ ֶא ְּת־ב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ֵלאמֹר ְל ּכו So they instructed the Benjaminites as follows: “Go 20 ַו ֲאַר ְב ֶּתם ַּב ְּכָר ִמים׃ .and lie in wait in the vineyards

כא ּוְר ִא ֶיתם ְו ִה ֵנּה ִא ֵם־י ְצ ּאו ְבנוֹת־שׁ ִ ילוֹ As soon as you see the girls of Shilo coming out to 21 ָל ּחול ַּב ְּמחֹלוֹת ִו ָיצ ֶאתם ִמ ַן־ה ְּכָר ִמים ;join in the dances, come out from the vineyards ַו ֲח ַט ְפ ֶּתם ָל ֶכם ִאישׁ ִאשׁ ְ ּתוֹ ִמ ְּבנוֹת let each of you seize a wife from among the girls of שׁ ִ ילוֹ ַו ֲה ַל ְכ ֶּתם ֶאֶרץ ִּב ְנָי ִמן׃ . Shilo, and be off for the land ofBinyamin

כב ְו ָהָיה ִּכ ָי־י ּבֹאו ֲא ָבוֹתם אוֹ ֲא ֵח ֶיהם And if their fathers or brothers come to us to 22 לרוב ָ]לִריב [ ֵא ֵל ּינו ְו ָא ַמְר ּנו ֲא ֵל ֶיהם complain, we shall say to them, ‘Be generous to ָח ּנּו ּנו ָאוֹתם ִּכי לֹא ָל ַק ְח ּנו ִאישׁ ִאשׁ ְ ּתוֹ them for our sake! We could not provide any of ַּב ִּמ ְל ָח ָמה ִּכי לֹא ַא ֶּתם ְנ ַת ֶּתם ָל ֶהם ָּכ ֵעת them with a wife on account of the war, and you ֶ ּ ת ְ א שׁ ָ מ ּו ׃ would have incurred guilt if you yourselves had given them [wives].’” כג ַוַּי ֲע ּשׂו ֵ־כן ְּב ֵני ִב ְנָי ִמן ַוִּי ְשׂ ּאו ָנשׁ ִ ים The Benjaminites did so. They took to wife, from 23 ְל ִמ ְס ָּפָרם ִמ ַן־ה ְּמ ְחֹללוֹת ֲאשׁ ֶ ר ָּגָז ּלו the dancers whom they carried off, as many as ַוֵּי ְל ּכו ַוָּישׁ ּו ּבו ֶא ַל־נ ֲח ָל ָתם ַוִּי ְב ּנו ֶאת־ they themselves numbered. Then they went back ֶה ָעִרים ַוֵּישׁ ְ ּבו ָּב ֶהם׃ to their own territory, and rebuilt their towns and settled in them. va-ya-a-su KHAYN b’-NAY vin-ya-MIN va-yis-U na-SHEEM l’-mis-pa-RAM min ha-m’-kho-l’-LOT a-SHER ga-ZA-lu va-yay-l’-KHU va-ya-SHU-vu el na-kha-la- TAM va-yiv-NU et he-a-REEM va-yay-sh’-VU ba-HEM כד ַוִּי ְת ַה ְּל ּכו ִמשָּׁ ם ְּב ֵנ ִי־י ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ָּב ֵעת ַה ִהיא Thereupon the Israelites dispersed, each to his 24 ִאישׁ ְלשׁ ִ ְבטוֹ ּו ְל ִמשׁ ְ ַּפ ְח ּתוֹ ַוֵּי ְצ ּאו ִמשָּׁ ם own tribe and clan; everyone departed for his own ִאישׁ ְל ַנ ֲח ָלתוֹ׃ .territory כה ַּבָּי ִמים ָה ֵהם ֵאין ֶמ ֶל ְך ְּבִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל ִאישׁ In those days there was no king in Yisrael; everyone 25 ַהָּישׁ ָ ר ְּב ֵע ָיניו ַי ֲע ֶשׂה׃ .did as he pleased

21:23 The Benjaminites did so The men of the Talmud (Taanit 30b) records that this happened on the tribe of Binyamin are now allowed to marry fifteenth day of the Hebrew month ofAv , which helped women from other tribes, overturning the oath those turn that day into one of perpetual joy. The fact that the tribes made to prevent their daughters from marrying Children of Israel are once again united in the Land of men from Binyamin (verse 1). This event brought about Israel is indeed a cause for celebration. the reunification of the twelve tribes of Israel. The

80 Biographies of The Israel BibleScholars

Ahuva Balofsky — Ahuva grew up in Toronto, Canada and obtained her B.A. Hons. and B.Ed. at York University. She taught Bible, Rabbinics and English at the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto. After moving to Israel in 2004 with her family, she completed a Master’s degree in Bible at Bar Ilan University. Rabbi Avi Baumol — Rabbi Baumol, a pulpit Rabbi and Jewish educator, is currently serving the Jewish community of Krakow, Poland. He earned a B.A. from Yeshiva University and an M.A. in Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School. Rabbi Baumol is an alumnus of Yeshivat Har Etzion and received Rabbinic Ordination from Yeshiva University. He is the author of “The Poetry of Prayer; Tehillim in Tefillah,” Gefen Publishing, Jerusalem 2009. Rabbi Yaakov Beasley — Rabbi Beasley has been lecturing passionately on Bible in different venues in Israel and abroad for almost twenty years. His essays and articles on Bible study appear regularly in leading magazines. Rabbi Beasley is also the editor of the groundbreaking series on the Pentateuch, Torah MiEtzion, and is completing advanced Bible studies at Bar Ilan University. When not teaching, he enjoys the company of his family in their home in the Judean mountains. Josh Even-Chen — Josh is a native of North Carolina, but has called Israel his home ever since immigrating to Israel with his family in 1978. Josh graduated from Bar-Ilan University and completed a teaching degree. He now works as a tour guide who is popular with diverse groups of varied ages and backgrounds. He lives in Ma’aleh Adumim with his wife Chana and their six children. Rabbi Shmuel Jablon — Rabbi Jablon is a highly experienced Jewish educator, having served as an administrator and teacher in American Jewish day schools for over two decades. He is a rabbinic graduate of the Hebrew Theological College (“Skokie Yeshiva”), holds a Masters Degree in Education and is a member of the Rabbinical Council of America. In the summer of 5774 (2014), he fulfilled a life-long dream by making aliyah to Israel with his family.

81 Batya Markowitz — Batya is a two-time National Bible Contest winner. Growing up in Toronto, her dream was to make aliyah to Israel and become a Bible teacher. Today, Batya lives with her husband in the heart of Jerusalem, fulfilling both of those goals. Since receiving a degree in Jewish Education at Michlalah Jerusalem College, she has been teaching Jewish studies at the elementary, junior high and post high school levels. Shira Schechter – Shira graduated from Stern College with a BA in Judaic studies and received masters’ degrees in education and Bible from the Azrieli and the Bernard Revel graduate schools of Yeshiva University. Shira also studied at the Yeshiva University Graduate Program for women in Advanced Talmudic Studies, and was a teaching fellow at the Rabbi Soloveitchik Institute in Boston. Prior to making aliyah in 2013, Shira taught Bible to high school students in New Jersey. Rabbi Noam Shapiro — Rabbi Shapiro studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion and has rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Rabbi Shapiro has taught Torah topics at high schools and Seminaries in the United States and Israel. Rabbi Shapiro also served as an editor for the Koren Talmud Bavli with commentary by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz. He currently lives with his family in Gush Etzion, Israel. Alexander Jacob Tsykin –Born in Melbourne, Rabbi Tsykin studied in Mount Scopus Memorial College for thirteen years before spending three years at Yeshivat Har Etzion pursuing advanced studies in Jewish law. He studied for two years in Monash University, Australia, and two years in Yeshiva University, New York, where he completed a degree in Jewish Studies focusing on Modern Jewish History. Alexander lives in Alon Shevut, Israel, with his wife and son. Rabbi Naphtali (“Tuly”) Weisz — Rabbi Weisz attended Yeshiva University (BA), the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (Rabbinic Ordination) and the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law (JD). He served as the Rabbi of the Beth Jacob Congregation in Columbus, Ohio before making Aliyah. Rabbi Weisz founded Israel365 and the Yeshiva for the Nations and serves as the publisher of Breaking Israel News. He is also the editor of The Israel Bible.

82 Bibliography

This bibliography contains a short biography of the scholars and historical figures mentioned in the commentary ofThe Israel Bible.

Aaronsohn, Sarah (1890–1917) — Born in Zichron Yaakov, Aaronsohn and her siblings co-founded Nili, a Jewish, pro-British espionage group, established to help liberate Palestine from Ottoman rule. Aaronsohn was captured and tortured by the Turks, and killed herself before revealing anything to her torturers. Abrabanel, Rabbi Yitzchak (1437–1508) — Born in Portugal, Abrabanel fled to Spain in 1483. He was a statesman, philosopher and Bible commentator. He tried to convince King Ferdinand to revoke the edict expelling the Jews from Spain in 1492 but was unsuccessful. Agnon, Shmuel Yosef (1888–1970) — Born in Buczacz, Galicia, Agnon immigrated to Israel in 1908. An Israeli writer, his works are published under .(שי) his initials S.Y. Agnon, and he is known in Hebrew by his acronym Shai One of the most admired Israeli authors of the 20th century, Agnon was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1966. Albo, Rabbi Joseph (1380–1444) — Born in Spain, Albo was a Jewish rabbi and philosopher during the 15th century. He is best known for his philosophical work, Book of the Principles, in which he discusses the fundamental beliefs of Judaism. Allon, Yigal (1918–1980) — Born in Kfar Tavor, Israel, Allon was a commander of the Palmach, a general in the IDF and an Israeli politician. He briefly served as interim Prime Minister of the State of Israel in 1969, following the death of Prime Minister Levi Eshkol. Altschuler, Rabbi David (18th century) — Commonly known by the name of his commentary, Metzudat David, he lived in Galicia where he died a martyr’s death. The Metzudat David commentary is considered basic for understanding the books of the prophets. Aviner, Rabbi Shlomo (b. 1943) – Born in France, Aviner immigrated to Israel at age 23. He served in the Israeli Defense Forces and studied under

83 Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook. He is the Rabbi of Beit El and head of the Ateret Yerushalayim seminary in the Old City of Jerusalem. He is the author of many books, including a commentary on the Book of Judges. Barak, Ehud (b. 1942) — Born in Kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon, Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Israel’s tenth Prime Minister from 1999–2001. He served in the IDF for 35 years and, along with two others, is the most decorated soldier in Israel’s history. Barbivai, Orna (b. 1962) — Born in Afula, Barbivai is a Major-General in the IDF and former head of its manpower directorate. She is the first woman to have been promoted to the rank of Major-General in the Israel Defense Forces. Bar-Ilan, Rabbi Meir (1880–1949) — Born in Russia, Bar-Ilan moved to the United States in 1915 where he became an important leader of the Mizrachi Religious Zionist Movement. He moved to Israel in 1926 where he continued to lead Mizrachi and the struggle for a Jewish state. Bar Ilan University is named in his memory. Barkat, Nir (b. 1959) — Born in Jerusalem, Barkat is an Israeli businessman and politician who has served as the mayor of Jerusalem since 2008. Bazak, Rabbi Amnon (b. 1966) – Born in Jerusalem, Bazak is a teacher of Talmud at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Alon Shevut. He is an expert in the Bible, and teaches Bible classes at the Herzog teacher’s college. He has published a number of books on the Bible. Begin, Menachem (1913–1992) — Born in Belarus, Begin became an Israeli politician, founder of the Israeli political party Likud and 6th Prime Minister of the State of Israel. Before the establishment of the State, he headed the Zionist paramilitary organization called the Irgun. As Prime Minister, Begin signed a peace treaty with Egypt in 1979, for which he and Anwar Sadat were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Ben-Gurion, David (1886–1973) — Born in Poland, Ben-Gurion immigrated to Israel in 1906. He is considered Israel’s “founding father,” as he formally declared the establishment of the State on May 14, 1948, and was the first to sign the Israeli Declaration of Independence which he helped write. Ben-Gurion served as the first Prime Minister of Israel. Ben-Zvi, Yitzchak (1884–1963) — Born in the Ukraine, Ben-Zvi immigrated to the Land of Israel in 1907. He was a historian and a leader of

84 the Labor Zionist movement. He served as the second president of the State of Israel from 1952 until his death in 1963. Berlin, Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda (1816–1893) — Born in Belarus, Berlin is commonly known by his acronym Netziv. He was a Torah scholar and served as dean of the esteemed talmudical college of Volozhin from 1854 until it closed in 1892. Berlin authored a number of works on rabbinic literature as well as a commentary on the Bible. Bialik, Chaim Nachman (1873–1934) — Born in the Ukraine, Bialik moved to Tel Aviv in 1924. He was one of the pioneers of Hebrew poetry and his works contributed to the revival of the Hebrew language. He became known as Israel’s national poet. Blech, Rabbi Benjamin (b. 1933) — Born in Zurich, Blech is a professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University in New York. He served as Rabbi of the Young Israel of Oceanside and has authored numerous books including The Secrets of Hebrew Words. Braverman, Sarah (1919–2013) — Born in Romania, Braverman immigrated to Israel at a young age. She was a member of the Palmach, parachuted into Europe with the Jewish heroine Chana Senesh, and established the IDF Women’s Corps. She is affectionately known as the “first lady of the IDF.” Carlebach, Rabbi Shlomo (1925–1994) — Born in Berlin, Carlebach moved to New York in 1939. He was a rabbi, religious teacher, composer and singer. He is known as one of the foremost Jewish religious songwriters of the century as well as a pioneer of the “baal teshuva movement,” working to draw unaffiliated Jews back to Judaism. Clorfene, Rabbi Chaim (b. 1939) — Born in Chicago, Illinois, Clorfene resides in Safed, Israel. He is a recognized authority on the Third Temple and the Messianic era, has authored numerous books, and produced multiple audio dramas and video presentations on the Third Temple and other Jewish topics. Dayan, Moshe (1915–1981) — Born on Kibbutz Degania Alef, Dayan was the second child born on the first Israeli kibbutz. He was an Israeli military leader and politician, known for his role as Israeli Defense Minister during the 1967 Six-Day War as well as for his signature eye patch. Eban, Abba (1915–2002) — Born in South Africa, Eban immigrated to Israel in 1940. He was a scholar of both Arabic and Hebrew as well as an

85 Israeli diplomat and politician. Some of his different positions included Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister, Education Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Ambassador to the United States and to the United Nations. Eshkol, Levi (1895–1969) — Born in the Ukraine, Eshkol immigrated to the Land of Israel in 1914. He served as Israel’s fourth Prime Minister from 1963 until his death in 1969. Ginsberg, Asher (1856–1927) — Born in Russia, Ginsberg moved to Israel in 1922. He was a Hebrew essayist and is considered the founder of cultural Zionism. He is primarily known by his Hebrew pen name Achad Ha’am. Glazerson, Rabbi Matityahu (b. 1937) — Born in K’far Saba, Glazerson is a rabbi, teacher, musician and composer. In his teaching, he focuses on the meaning behind the Hebrew letters and their numerical value. He has authored over 30 books. Hakham, Rabbi Amos (1921–2012) — Born in Jerusalem, Hakham was a master of the Hebrew Bible and a scholar. He was the winner of the first International Bible Contest held in Israel in 1958. Hakham authored the commentary on a number of books for the Da’at Mikra Bible series, including the commentary on the Book of Psalms. Halevi, Rabbi Judah (c. 1080 — c. 1145) – Born in Spain, Halevi was a physician, poet and philosopher. He wrote The Kuzari in defense of the teachings of Judaism. His is known to have had an intense yearning for the Holy land, and is famous for writing “My heart is in the east, and I in the uttermost west.” He died shortly after arriving in Israel. Hertz, Rabbi Joseph Herman (1872–1946) — Born in Hungary, Hertz was a rabbi and Bible scholar, and edited a notable commentary on the Pentateuch. He was the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom from 1913– 1946. Hirsch, Rabbi Samson Raphael (1808–1888) — Born in France, Hirsch was a rabbi in Frankfurt-Main and the leader of modern German-Jewish Orthodoxy. He wrote a six-volume commentary on the Pentateuch. Horowitz, Rabbi Yeshaya (1565–1630) — Born in Prague, Horowitz immigrated to the Land of Israel in 1621. He was a prominent rabbi and kabbalist and is also known as the Shelah ha-Kadosh (the holy Shelah). Ibn Ezra, Rabbi Abraham (1089–1164) — Born in Tuleda, Navarre, Ibn Ezra was a philosopher, poet, mathematician, astronomer, linguist and

86 biblical exegete. His commentary is included in most common editions of the Hebrew Bible that contain rabbinic commentary. Ickovitz, Rabbi Chaim (1749–1821) – Born in Volozhin, Ickovitz is commonly known as Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin. A rabbi, Talmudist and ethicist, he was the founder of the famed Volozhin talmudical college. He authored Nefesh HaChaim, a work of religious philosophy. Jacob son of Asher (c. 1275 — c. 1340) – Born in Germany, he was an influential medieval rabbi, often called the Baal HaTurim, after his main work on Jewish law, the Arbaah Turim, the Four Rows. He wrote two commentaries on the Pentateuch; a concise commentary of mystical and symbolic references in the Torah, and an exegetical commentary. Kaplan, Rabbi Aryeh (1934–1983) — Born in the Bronx, New York, Kaplan was a rabbi, educator and author. He is considered an original thinker and was known for his knowledge of physics and kabbalah. Kaplan authored numerous works on a variety of topics including the Bible, Talmud, mysticism, Jewish beliefs and philosophy. Keel, Yehuda (1916–2011) — Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Keel immigrated to Israel in 1936. He was an educator and Bible commentator and served as the head of the religious education department of the Israel Ministry of Education. He headed the Da’at Mikra biblical commentary project and was awarded the Israel Prize for Jewish studies in 1992. Kimchi, Rabbi David (1160–1235) — Born in Provence, Kimchi is commonly known by his acronym Radak. A rabbi, philosopher and grammarian, he wrote a widely-studied commentary on the Bible. Kook, Rabbi Abraham Isaac (1865–1935) — Born in Latvia, Kook immigrated to Israel in 1904. He was the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of the Land of Israel, founder of the Mercaz HaRav academy and is viewed as one of the fathers of Religious Zionism. He was well known for his tremendous love for others and for his intellectual leadership helping to establish a Jewish State in the Land of Israel. Kook, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda (1891–1982) — Born in Lithuania, Kook immigrated to Israel in 1904. He was a Rabbi and leader of Religious Zionism and the only son of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook. He served as head of the Mercaz HaRav seminary as well as the editor of many of his late father’s works. He continued in his father’s path of Religious Zionism and was

87 instrumental in encouraging Jews to settle in areas liberated during the Six Day War. Kollek, Theodore (1911–2007) — Born in Hungary in 1911, Kollek immigrated to Israel in 1935. He served as mayor of Jerusalem for 28 years from 1965–1993, and dedicated himself to developing the city and was awarded the Israel Prize in 1988 for his contributions to society and the State of Israel. Kremer, Rabbi Elijah (1720–1797) — Born in Lithuania, Kremer was a Talmudist, a master of Jewish law and a kabbalist. Because of his brilliance and mastery of text he is known as the “Genius of Vilna.” Leibowitz, Nechama (1905–1997) — Born in Riga, Latvia, Leibowitz immigrated to the Land of Israel in 1930. She was a Bible scholar and master educator who inspired many to study the Bible. She was known for her worksheets containing questions on the weekly Torah portion which she would personally review, correct and return. Leibtag, Rabbi Menachem (b. 1958) – Born in Ohio, Leibtag immigrated to Israel where he is a Bible scholar, noted lecturer and pioneer of Jewish education on the internet. He teaches a thematic-analytic approach to biblical study, emphasizing biblical theme and structure, that combines traditional Jewish approaches with modern scholarship. Levi ben Gershon (1288–1344) — Born in France, he is commonly known by his acronym Ralbag or Gersonides. He was a philosopher, mathematician, astronomer, Talmudist and Bible commentator. Levin, Rabbi Aryeh (1885–1969) — Born in Poland, Levin was a rabbi and scholar known for his warmth, kindness, humility and love of every person. After immigrating to Israel, he became known as the “Father of the Prisoners” for his role as Jewish prison chaplain, bringing love, encouragement and hope to those behind bars. Lichtman, Rabbi Moshe — Born in New Jersey, Lichtman immigrated to Israel in 1991. He is a rabbi, teacher and author, and is known for his translations of various Hebrew texts and for his work, Eretz Yisrael in the Parshah and A Drop in the Ocean. Luntschitz, Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim (1550–1619) — Born in Poland, Luntschitz served as the Rabbi of Prague from 1604–1619 and was best known for his Torah commentary Kli Yakar.

88 Luria, Rabbi Isaac (1534–1572) — Born in Jerusalem, Luria is commonly known as the Arizal (the Ari of blessed memory). He became a rabbi and Jewish kabbalist in the mystical city of Safed. He is considered to be the father of contemporary Jewish mysticism. Maimonides (1135–1204) — Born in Spain, Maimonides is commonly known as Rambam, the acronym of his name Rabbi Moshe ben (son of) Maimon. He was a preeminent Jewish legal scholar and philosopher, as well as a renowned physician. His numerous works include “The Guide for the Perplexed,” the main source of his philosophical views, and the “Mishneh Torah,” his seminal codification of Jewish law. He is buried in Tiberias, Israel. Meir, Golda (1898–1978) — Born in Kiev, Meir immigrated first to the United States and then to the Land of Israel in 1921. She served as Israel’s fourth Prime Minister, the only woman to have held this position to date. Meir Simcha of Dvinsk (1843–1926) — Born in Lithuania, he was a rabbi and prominent leader of the Orthodox Jewish community of Eastern Europe. He is known for his writings on Maimonides’ work of Jewish law, called Ohr Sameach, as well as his commentary on the Torah called Meshech Chochmah. Meiri, Rabbi Menachem (1249- c. 1310) — Born in Southern France, Meiri was a rabbi and Talmudic scholar. His commentary on the Talmud is considered one of the most monumental works on the Talmud. Morgensztern, Rabbi Menachem Mendel (1787–1859) — Born in Poland, Morgensztern is also known as the Kotzker Rebbe. He was a Hasidic rabbi and leader, known for his sharp-witted sayings and down-to-earth philosophies. Munk, Rabbi Michael (1905–1985) — Born in Berlin, Munk was an educator, author and activist. He founded the Adath Yisrael Synagogue of Hendon in London, and was the founding principal of the largest Orthodox Jewish school for girls in America. Nahmanides (1194–1270) – Born in Spain, Rabbi Moshe ben (son of) Nachman is also known by his acronym the Ramban. He was one of the leading Torah scholars of the Middle Ages, and authored numerous works on Torah subjects, including a famed commentary on the Pentateuch. Navon, Yitzchak (1921–2015) — Born in Jerusalem, Navon became an Israeli political and diplomat, author, and linguist. He served as the fifth president of the State of Israel from 1978–1983.

89 Netanyahu, Benjamin (b. 1949) — Born in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu is an Israeli politician, a veteran of an elite unit of the Israel Defense Forces, and a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In March 2015, he was elected to his fourth term as Prime Minister of the State of Israel. Peres, Shimon (1923–2016) — Born in Poland, Peres immigrated to Israel in 1934. He was an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1984–1986, and from 1995–1996. He was also Israel’s ninth president from 2007–2014. Rabin, Yitzchak (1922–1995) — Born in Jerusalem, Rabin was an Israeli politician who served two terms as Prime Minister of the State of Israel, from 1974–1977 and again from 1992 until his assassination in 1995. Riskin, Rabbi Shlomo (b. 1940) — Born in Brooklyn, Riskin served as a rabbi in New York before immigrating to Israel in 1983 to become the founding chief rabbi of Efrat. He is also the founder and chancellor of Ohr Torah Stone, a network of Jewish educational institutions in America and Israel. Rivlin, Reuven (b. 1939) — Born in Jerusalem, Rivlin is an Israeli lawyer and politician who has been serving as Israel’s 10th president since 2014. Rosen, Rabbi Joseph (1858–1936) — Born in Rogachev, Belarus, Rosen was one of the most prominent Talmudic scholars of the early 20th century. He is known as the “Genius of Rogachev” because of his photographic memory and his ability to use seemingly unrelated Talmudic passages to elucidate a question or area of Jewish law under discussion. Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan (b. 1948) — Born in London, England, Sacks is a rabbi, scholar and philosopher, and has authored more than 25 books. Sacks served as the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth for 22 years. Schneerson, Rabbi Menachem Mendel (1902–1994) — Born in Russia, Schneerson immigrated to the United States in 1941. He was the last leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement and one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century. Senesh, Chana (1921–1944) – Born in Hungary, Senesh immigrated to Israel in 1939. She was one of the 37 Jews from Mandatory Palestine parachuted into Yugoslavia by the British Army in an effort to save Jews from deportation to Auschwitz. She was ultimately caught and executed. She is remembered for her heroism as well as her poetry.

90 Sforno, Rabbi Obadiah (c. 1470- 1550) — Born in Italy, Sforno was a rabbi, philosopher and physician. His commentary on the Bible often reflects his knowledge of natural sciences. His commentaries on Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs were dedicated to King Henry II of France, demonstrating a close relationship between them. Shamir, Yitzchak (1915–2012) — Born in Ruzinoy, Poland, Shamir immigrated to the Land of Israel in 1935. He was an Israeli politician who served as both Israel’s eighth and tenth Prime Minister, from 1983–1984 and 1986–1992. Sharansky, Natan (b. 1948) — Born in the former Soviet Union, Sharansky is an Israeli politician and human rights activist and a former Russian refusenik. He immigrated to Israel following his release from Soviet prison in 1986, and has served as Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency since 2009. Sharett, Moshe (1894–1965) — Born in the Ukraine, Sharett immigrated to Israel in 1906. He was the second Prime Minister of the State of Israel, serving from 1954–1955, and also served as Israel’s Foreign Minister from 1955–1956. Sharon, Ariel (1928–2014) — Born in the Israeli agricultural community of Kfar Malal, Sharon was an Israeli general and politician. He served as Israel’s eleventh Prime Minister from 2001–2006. Shazar, Zalman (1889–1974) — Born in Belarus, Shazar immigrated to Israel in 1924. An Israeli politician, author and poet, he was the president of the State of Israel from 1963–1973. Shemer, Naomi (1930–2004) — Born on Kibbutz Kvutzat Kinneret, Shemer became a well-known Israeli singer, songwriter and composer. Her most famous song, Yerushalayim shel zahav, Jerusalem of Gold, was written in 1967 and is considered by some to be an informal second Israeli national anthem. Shlomo son of Yitzchak (1040–1105) — Born in France, he is commonly known by his acronym Rashi. He wrote extensive commentaries on the Bible and Talmud, and his comments are considered the most basic for understanding both the Pentateuch and the Talmud. Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745–1812) – Born in Belarus, he was the founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty of Hasidic Judaism. He is known as the Baal Hatanya, the Master of the Tanya, for his work on Hasidic Jewish

91 philosophy and is author of various works on Jewish philosophy, law and prayer. Slifkin, Rabbi Natan (b. 1975) — Born in England, Slifkin immigrated to Israel where he is a rabbi, educator and author popularly known as the “Zoo Rabbi.” He has authored texts on zoology and science and their relationship to the Torah, and is the director of the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Soloveitchik, Rabbi Joseph B. (1903–1993) – Born in Poland, Soloveitchik was a renowned religious leader, Talmudic scholar, author and modern Jewish philosopher. He headed the rabbinical school of Yeshiva University in New York. Sorotzkin, Rabbi Zalman (1881–1966) – Born in Lithuania, Sorotzkin was a Torah commentator who published a commentary on the Pentateuch known as Oznaim L’Torah. Stavsky, Rabbi David (1930–2004) — Born in New York City, Stavsky was ordained at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. He was a chaplain in the U.S. Army and the rabbi of Beth Jacob Congregation in Columbus, Ohio from 1957 until his death in 2004. Teichman, Rabbi Zvi — Rabbi and head of the Torah study program at Ohel Moshe in Baltimore, Maryland. He has been involved in Jewish education for over 25 years and authored Eretz HaTzvi, a guide to the commandments that pertain specifically to the Land of Israel. Weiser, Rabbi Meir Leibush (1809–1879) — Born in Volochisk, Volhynia, Weiser is known by his acronym, Malbim. He was a rabbi, master of Hebrew grammar and a Bible commentator. He is known for his principle that every word in the Torah carries its own meaning, even distinct from its synonyms. Weizmann, Chaim (1874–1952) — Born in Belarus, Weizmann immigrated to Israel, settling in Rechovot in 1937, and served as the first president of the State of Israel from 1949–1952. A biochemist, he founded the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rechovot, Israel and helped establish the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Wiesel, Elie (1928–2016) — Born in Romania, Weisel was a professor, political activist and the author of 57 books. A Holocaust survivor, his writings are considered among the most significant in Holocaust literature. Willig, Rabbi Mordechai (b. 1947) — Born in New York, Willig has been the rabbi and spiritual leader of the Young Israel of Riverdale synagogue

92 since 1974. He is also a renowned scholar and professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University in New York. Yadin, Yigael (1917–1984) — Born in Jerusalem, Yadin was an Israeli archeologist, politician and the second Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces. Yogev, Motti (b. 1956) — Born in Haifa, Yogev is an Israeli politician and member of the Israeli parliament. He previously served as secretary general of the Israeli branch of Bnei Akiva, the largest religious Zionist youth movement in the world, as well as deputy chairman of the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council.

93 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ַע ִּמ ֵיאל Amiel Ammiel a-mee-AYL ַע ִּמ ָינ ָדב Aminadav Amminadab a-mee-na-DAV List of Transliterated Words ֲא ִמ ַּתי Amitai Amittai a-mi-TAI in The Israel Bible ַא ְמנֹן Amnon Amnon am-NON ָאמוֹ ן Amon Amon a-MON The following is a list of nouns which have been transliterated into Hebrew ָעמוֹ ס Amos Amos a-MOS :in the English translation and commentary of The Israel Bible ָאמוֹ ץ Amotz Amoz a-MOTZ ַע ְמָרם Amram Amram am-RAM ֲע ָנתוֹ ת Anatot Anathoth a-na-TOT Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ֲארוֹ ן Aron Ark a-RON ָע ָכן Achan Achan a-KHAN ֲארוֹן ַה ְּבִרית Aron HaBrit Ark of the Covenant a-RON ha-b’-REET ַא ְח ָאב Achav Ahab akh-AV ַ א ְ ר ּ ַ פ ְ כ שׁ ָ ד Arpachshad Arpachshad ar-pakh-SHAD ָא ָחז Achaz Ahaz a-KHAZ ָא ָסא Asa Asa a-SA ֲא ַחְזָי ּהו Achazyahu Ahaziah a-khaz-YA-hu ֲע ָש ֵׂהאל Asael Asahel a-sah-AYL ֲא ִח ֶיעֶזר Achiezer Ahiezer a-khee-E-zer ָא ָסף Asaf Asaph a-SAF ֲא ִח ּיהוד Achihud Ahihud a-khee-HUD ַ א שׁ ְ ּ ד ֹ ו ד Ashdod Ashdod ash-DOD ֲא ִח ָיקם Achikam Ahikam a-khee-KAM ָ א שׁ ֵ ר Asher Asher a-SHAYR ֲא ִח ּילוד Achilud Ahilud a-khee-LUD ַ א שׁ ְ ְ ק ל ֹ ו ן Ashkelon Ashkelon ash-k’-LON ֲא ִח ֶימ ֶל ְך Achimelech Ahimelech a-khee-ME-lekh ֲע ַת ְלָיה Atalya Athaliah a-tal-YAH ֲא ִח ַירע Achira Ahira a-khee-RA ַע ְב ּדוֹ ן Avdon Abdon av-DON ֲא ִח ָיס ָמ ְך Achisamach Ahisamach a-khee-sa-MAKH ֲא ִב ַיחִיל Avichayil Abihail a-vee-KHA-yil ֲא ִח ֶיתֹפל Achitofel Ahithophel a-khee-TO-fel ֲא ִב ָידן Avidan Abidan a-vee-DAN ֲא ִח ּיטוב Achituv Ahitub a-khee-TUV ֲא ִב ַיגִיל Avigail Abigail a-vee-GA-yil ֲא ִחָּיה Achiya Ahijah a-khi-YAH ֲא ִב ּיהוא Avihu Abihu a-vee-HU ָא ָדם Adam Adam a-DAM ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך Avimelech Abimelech a-vee-ME-lekh ֲא ָדר Adar Adar a-DAR ֲא ִב ָינ ָדב Avinadav Abinadab a-vee-na-DAV ֲא ִדֹנָּי ּהו Adoniyahu Adonijah a-do-ni-YA-hu ֲא ִב ָירם Aviram Abiram a-vee-RAM ֲע ֻד ָּלם Adulam Adullam a-du-LAM ֲ א ִ ב י שׁ ַ י Avishai Abishai a-vee-SHAI ָא ּגור Agur Agur a-GUR ֲא ִבָּיה Aviya Abijah a-vi-YAH ַא ֲהרֹן Aharon Aaron a-ha-RON ֲא ִבָּים Aviyam Abijam a-vi-YAM ֲע ָמ ָשׂא Amasa Amasa a-ma-SA ַא ְב ֵנר Avner Abner av-NAYR ֲא ַמ ְצָיה Amatzya Amaziah a-matz-YAH ַא ְבָר ָהם Avraham Abraham av-ra-HAM ָא ֵמן Amen Amen a-MAYN

94 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ַע ִּמ ֵיאל Amiel Ammiel a-mee-AYL ַע ִּמ ָינ ָדב Aminadav Amminadab a-mee-na-DAV ֲא ִמ ַּתי Amitai Amittai a-mi-TAI ַא ְמנֹן Amnon Amnon am-NON ָאמוֹ ן Amon Amon a-MON ָעמוֹ ס Amos Amos a-MOS ָאמוֹ ץ Amotz Amoz a-MOTZ ַע ְמָרם Amram Amram am-RAM ֲע ָנתוֹ ת Anatot Anathoth a-na-TOT ֲארוֹ ן Aron Ark a-RON ֲארוֹן ַה ְּבִרית Aron HaBrit Ark of the Covenant a-RON ha-b’-REET ַ א ְ ר ּ ַ פ ְ כ שׁ ָ ד Arpachshad Arpachshad ar-pakh-SHAD ָא ָסא Asa Asa a-SA ֲע ָש ֵׂהאל Asael Asahel a-sah-AYL ָא ָסף Asaf Asaph a-SAF ַ א שׁ ְ ּ ד ֹ ו ד Ashdod Ashdod ash-DOD ָ א שׁ ֵ ר Asher Asher a-SHAYR ַ א שׁ ְ ְ ק ל ֹ ו ן Ashkelon Ashkelon ash-k’-LON ֲע ַת ְלָיה Atalya Athaliah a-tal-YAH ַע ְב ּדוֹ ן Avdon Abdon av-DON ֲא ִב ַיחִיל Avichayil Abihail a-vee-KHA-yil ֲא ִב ָידן Avidan Abidan a-vee-DAN ֲא ִב ַיגִיל Avigail Abigail a-vee-GA-yil ֲא ִב ּיהוא Avihu Abihu a-vee-HU ֲא ִב ֶימ ֶל ְך Avimelech Abimelech a-vee-ME-lekh ֲא ִב ָינ ָדב Avinadav Abinadab a-vee-na-DAV ֲא ִב ָירם Aviram Abiram a-vee-RAM ֲ א ִ ב י שׁ ַ י Avishai Abishai a-vee-SHAI ֲא ִבָּיה Aviya Abijah a-vi-YAH ֲא ִבָּים Aviyam Abijam a-vi-YAM ַא ְב ֵנר Avner Abner av-NAYR ַא ְבָר ָהם Avraham Abraham av-ra-HAM

95 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ַא ְבָרם Avram Abram av-RAM ֲח ָנ ִני Chanani Hanani kha-NA-nee ַ א ְ ב שׁ ָ ל ֹ ו ם Avshalom Absalom av-sha-LOM ֲח ַנ ְנָיה Chananya Hananiah kha-nan-YAH ֲעַזְרָיה Azarya Azariah a-zar-YAH ַח ִנּ ֵיאל Chaniel Hanniel kha-nee-AYL ְ ֲעֵז ָקה Azeika Azekah a-zay-KAH ֲחנוֹ ך Chanoch Enoch kha-NOKH ַעָ ּזה Azza Gaza a-ZAH ַחָּוה Chava Eve kha-VAH ְ ּב ֵני ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל B’nei Yisrael The Children of b’-NAY yis-ra-AYL ֲח ַב ּק ּוק Chavakuk Habakkuk kha-va-KUK Israel ֶח ְרמוֹ ן Chermon Hermon kher-MON ָּבָרק Barak Barak ba-rakh-AYL ֶח ְצרוֹ ן Chetzron Hezron khetz-RON ָּב ּרו ְך Baruch Baruch ba-RUKH ֶח ֶבר Chever Heber KHE-ver ַּבְרִז ַּלי Barzilai Barzillai bar-zi-LAI ֶח ְברוֹ ן Chevron Hebron khev-RON ַ ּ ב ְ ע שׁ ָ א Basha Baasa ba-SHA ִח ְל ִקָּי ּהו Chilkiyahu Hilkiah khil-ki-YA-hu ַּבת-שׁ ֶ ַבע Batsheva Bath-sheba bat-SHE-va ִחְז ִקָּי ּהו Chizkiyahu Hezekiah khiz-ki-YA-hu ְ ּ ב ֵ א ר שׁ ֶ ַ ב ע Be’er Sheva Beer-sheba b’-AYR SHE-va ָח ְפ ִני Chofni Hophni khof-NEE ְּב ֵאִרי Be’eri Beeri b’-ay-REE ֻח ְל ָ ּדה Chulda Hulda khul-DAH ֵּבית ָאֶון Beit Aven Beth-aven bayt A-ven ּחור Chur Hur Khur ֵּבית ֵאל Beit El Beth-el bayt el ָ ּדן Dan Dan Dan ֵּבית ַה ִּמ ְק ָ ּדשׁ Beit Hamikdash Temple bayt ha-mik-DASH ָ ּד ִנֵּיאל Daniel Daniel da-ni-YAYL ֵּבית ֶל ֶחם Beit Lechem Beth-lehem bayt LE-khem ָ ּד ָתן Datan Dathan da-TAN ֵּבית ׁ ְש ָאן Beit Shean Beth-shean bayt sh’-AN ָ ּדִוד David David da-VID ֵ ּ ב י ת שׁ ֶ ֶ מ שׁ Beit Shemesh Beth-shemesh bayt SHE-mesh ְ ּדבוֹ ָרה Devora Deborah d’-vo-RAH ֶּבֶר ְכָיה Berechya Berechiah be-rekh-YAH ִד ָינה Dina Dinah DEE-nah ְּב ַצ ְל ֵאל Betzalel Bezalel b’-tzal-AYL ּד ֵוֹאג ָה ֲא ִדֹמי Doeg Ha’adomi Doeg the Edomite do-AYG ha-a-do-MEE ִּב ְל ָהה Bilha Bilhah bil-HAH ֶא ְפָרִים Efraim Ephraim ef-RA-yim ִּב ְנָי ִמין Binyamin Benjamin bin-ya-MIN ֶא ְפָר ָתה Efrat Ephrat ef-RAT ּב ַֹעז Boaz Boaz BO-az ֶא ְפָר ָתה Efrat Ephrathah ef-RA-tah ֻּב ִּקי Buki Bukki bu-KEE ֵא ּהוד Ehud Ehud ay-HUD ּב ּוִזי Buzi Buzi bu-ZEE ֵא ָלה Eila Elah AY-lah ַּכְר ֶמל Carmel Carmel kar-MEL ֵאילוֹן Eilon Elon ay-LON ֲח ַכ ְלָיה Chachalya Hacaliah kha-khal-YAH ֵעין ֶּג ִדי Ein Gedi En-gedi ayn GE-dee ַח ַּגי Chagai Haggai kha-GAI ַהר ֵע ָיבל Mount) Eival (Mount) Ebal ay-VAL) ָח ְג ָלה Chagla Hoglah khag-LAH ֶא ְל ָעָזר Elazar Eleazar el-a-ZAR ַח ָנּ ה Chana Hannah kha-NAH ֶא ְל ָח ָנן Elchanan Elhanan el-kha-NAN ֲח ַנ ְמ ֵאל Chanamel Hanamel kha-nam-AYL ֵע ִלי Eli Eli ay-LEE

96 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ֲח ָנ ִני Chanani Hanani kha-NA-nee ֲח ַנ ְנָיה Chananya Hananiah kha-nan-YAH ַח ִנּ ֵיאל Chaniel Hanniel kha-nee-AYL ֲחנוֹ ְך Chanoch Enoch kha-NOKH ַחָּוה Chava Eve kha-VAH ֲח ַב ּק ּוק Chavakuk Habakkuk kha-va-KUK ֶח ְרמוֹ ן Chermon Hermon kher-MON ֶח ְצרוֹ ן Chetzron Hezron khetz-RON ֶח ֶבר Chever Heber KHE-ver ֶח ְברוֹ ן Chevron Hebron khev-RON ִח ְל ִקָּי ּהו Chilkiyahu Hilkiah khil-ki-YA-hu ִחְז ִקָּי ּהו Chizkiyahu Hezekiah khiz-ki-YA-hu ָח ְפ ִני Chofni Hophni khof-NEE ֻח ְל ָ ּדה Chulda Hulda khul-DAH ּחור Chur Hur Khur ָ ּדן Dan Dan Dan ָ ּד ִנֵּיאל Daniel Daniel da-ni-YAYL ָ ּד ָתן Datan Dathan da-TAN ָ ּדִוד David David da-VID ְ ּדבוֹ ָרה Devora Deborah d’-vo-RAH ִד ָינה Dina Dinah DEE-nah ּד ֵוֹאג ָה ֲא ִדֹמי Doeg Ha’adomi Doeg the Edomite do-AYG ha-a-do-MEE ֶא ְפָרִים Efraim Ephraim ef-RA-yim ֶא ְפָר ָתה Efrat Ephrat ef-RAT ֶא ְפָר ָתה Efrat Ephrathah ef-RA-tah ֵא ּהוד Ehud Ehud ay-HUD ֵא ָלה Eila Elah AY-lah ֵאילוֹן Eilon Elon ay-LON ֵעין ֶּג ִדי Ein Gedi En-gedi ayn GE-dee ַהר ֵע ָיבל Mount) Eival (Mount) Ebal ay-VAL) ֶא ְל ָעָזר Elazar Eleazar el-a-ZAR ֶא ְל ָח ָנן Elchanan Elhanan el-kha-NAN ֵע ִלי Eli Eli ay-LEE

97 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ֱא ִל ָיאב Eliav Eliab e-lee-AV ְּג ּאו ֵאל Geuel Geuel g’-u-AYL ֱא ִל ָידד Elidad Elidad e-lee-DAD ִּגיחוֹן Gichon Gihon gee-KHON ֱא ִל ֶיעֶזר Eliezer Eliezer e-lee-E-zer ִג ְדעוֹ ן Gidon Gideon gid-ON ֱא ִל ֶימ ֶל ְך Elimelech Elimelech e-lee-ME-lekh ִג ְל ָעד Gilad Gilead gil-AD ֱ א ִ ל י שׁ ָ ע Elisha Elisha e-lee-SHA ִּג ְל ָּגל Gilgal Gilgal gil-GAL ֱ א ִ ל י שׁ ָ ָ מ ע Elishama Elishama e-lee-sha-MA ִּג ְב ָעה Giva Gibeah giv-AH ֱא ִל ׁ ֶיש ַבע Elisheva Elisheba e-lee-SHE-va ִ ּג ְבעוֹ ן Givon Gibeon giv-ON ֱא ִל ָיצ ָפן Elitzafan Eli-zaphan e-lee-tza-FAN ֲה ַד ָּסה Hadassa Hadassah ha-da-SAH ֱא ִל ּיצור Elitzur Elizur e-lee-TZUR ַהר ַה ַּבִית Har HaBayit Temple Mount har ha-BA-yit ֵא ִלָּי ּהו Eliyahu Elijah ay-li-YA-hu ַהר ַהֵ ּז ִיתים Har HaZeitim the Mount of Olives har ha-zay-TEEM ֶא ְל ָק ָנה Hashem Lord/God Elkana Elkanah el-ka-NAH ֶא ְלָי ָסף Elyasaf Eliasaph el-ya-SAF ֵה ָימן Hayman Heman hay-MAN ֶ א ְ ל ָ י שׁ ִ י ב Elyashiv Eliashib el-ya-SHEEV ה ֹ ו שׁ ֵ ַ ע Hoshea Hosea ho-SHAY-a ֱ א נ ֹ ו שׁ Enosh Enosh e-NOSH ִע ּדוֹ Ido Iddo i-DO ֵער Er Er ayr ִע ָּמ ּנו ֵאל Imanu-El Immanuel i-MA-nu ayl ֶאשׁ ְ ָּתאֹל Eshtaol Eshtaol esh-ta-OL ִאישׁ ּ-בֹשׁ ֶ ת Ish-boshet Ish-bosheth eesh BO-shet ֶא ְס ֵּתר Esther Esther es-TAYR ִא ָית ָמר Itamar Ithamar ee-ta-MAR ֶע ֶב ֶד־מ ֶל ְך Eved Melech Ebed-melech E-ved ME-lekh ִא ִית ֵיאל Itiel Ithiel ee-tee-AYL ֶא ֶבן ָה ֶעֶזר Even Ha-Ezer Eben-Ezer E-ven ha-E-zer ִא ְב ָצן Ivtzan Ibzan iv-TZAN ֵע ֶבר Ever Eber AY-ver ִא ּיוֹ ב Iyov Job i-YOV ֶא ְבָי ָתר Evyatar Abiathar ev-ya-TAR ַק ְד ִמ ֵיאל Kadmiel Kadmiel kad-mee-AYL ֶעְזָרא Ezra Ezra ez-RA ָּכ ֵלב Kalev Caleb ka-LAYV ָּגד Gad Gad gad ִ ק י שׁ Keesh Kish keesh ַּג ִ ּדי Gadi Gaddi ga-DEE ְק ָהת Kehat Kohath k’-HAT ַּג ִ ּד ֵיאל Gadiel Gaddiel ga-dee-AYL ֵק ָינן Keinan Kenan kay-NAN ַּג ְמ ִל ֵיאל Gamliel Gamaliel gam-lee-AYL ְק ּמו ֵאל Kemuel Kemuel k’-mu-AYL ְּג ַד ְלָי ּהו (Gedalia Gedaliah g’-dal-YA (hu ְּכ ּרו ִבים Keruvim Cherubim k’-ru-VEEM ְּג ֵדָרה Gedera Gederah g’-day-RAH ִכ ְליוֹ ן Kilyon Chilion kil-YON ַהר ְּגִרִזים Mount) Gerizim (Mount) Gerizim g’-ri-ZEEM) ִקְרַית ַאְר ַּבע Kiryat Arba Kiriath-arba keer-YAT AR-bah ֵ ּ ג ְ ר שׁ ֹ ו ם Gershom Gershom gay-r’-SHOM ִקְרַי ֵת-ס ֶפר Kiryat Sefer Kiriath-sepher keer-YAT SAY-fer ֵ ג ְ ר שׁ ֹ ו ן Gershon Gershon gay-r’-SHON ִקְרַית ְי ָעִרים Kiryat Ye’arim Kiriath-jearim keer-YAT y’-a-REEM ֶ ג שׁ ֶ ם Geshem Geshem GE-shem ִּכ ְס ֵלו Kislev Chislev kis-LAYV

98 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ְּג ּאו ֵאל Geuel Geuel g’-u-AYL ִּגיחוֹן Gichon Gihon gee-KHON ִג ְדעוֹ ן Gidon Gideon gid-ON ִג ְל ָעד Gilad Gilead gil-AD ִּג ְל ָּגל Gilgal Gilgal gil-GAL ִּג ְב ָעה Giva Gibeah giv-AH ִ ּג ְבעוֹ ן Givon Gibeon giv-ON ֲה ַד ָּסה Hadassa Hadassah ha-da-SAH ַהר ַה ַּבִית Har HaBayit Temple Mount har ha-BA-yit ַהר ַהֵ ּז ִיתים Har HaZeitim the Mount of Olives har ha-zay-TEEM Hashem Lord/God ֵה ָימן Hayman Heman hay-MAN ה ֹ ו שׁ ֵ ַ ע Hoshea Hosea ho-SHAY-a ִע ּדוֹ Ido Iddo i-DO ִע ָּמ ּנו ֵאל Imanu-El Immanuel i-MA-nu ayl ִאישׁ ּ-בֹשׁ ֶ ת Ish-boshet Ish-bosheth eesh BO-shet ִא ָית ָמר Itamar Ithamar ee-ta-MAR ִא ִית ֵיאל Itiel Ithiel ee-tee-AYL ִא ְב ָצן Ivtzan Ibzan iv-TZAN ִא ּיוֹ ב Iyov Job i-YOV ַק ְד ִמ ֵיאל Kadmiel Kadmiel kad-mee-AYL ָּכ ֵלב Kalev Caleb ka-LAYV ִ ק י שׁ Keesh Kish keesh ְק ָהת Kehat Kohath k’-HAT ֵק ָינן Keinan Kenan kay-NAN ְק ּמו ֵאל Kemuel Kemuel k’-mu-AYL ְּכ ּרו ִבים Keruvim Cherubim k’-ru-VEEM ִכ ְליוֹ ן Kilyon Chilion kil-YON ִקְרַית ַאְר ַּבע Kiryat Arba Kiriath-arba keer-YAT AR-bah ִקְרַי ֵת-ס ֶפר Kiryat Sefer Kiriath-sepher keer-YAT SAY-fer ִקְרַית ְי ָעִרים Kiryat Ye’arim Kiriath-jearim keer-YAT y’-a-REEM ִּכ ְס ֵלו Kislev Chislev kis-LAYV

99 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ּכ ֲֹה ִנים Kohanim Priests ko-ha-NEEM ֶקֹה ֶלת Kohelet Koheleth ko-HE-let ּכ ֵֹהן Kohen Priest ko-HAYN ּכ ֵֹהן ָּגדוֹל Kohen Gadol High Priest ko-HAYN ga-DOL ַקֹרח Korach Korah KO-rakh ּ כ ּ ו שׁ ִ י Kushi Cushi ku-SHEE ָ ל ִ כ י שׁ Lachish Lachish la-KHEESH ֵל ָאה Leah Leah lay-AH ֶל ֶמ ְך Lemech Lamech LE-mekh ְל ּמו ֵאל Lemuel Lemuel l’-mu-AYL ֵלִוי Levi Levi lay-VEE ְלִוִּים Leviim Levites l’-vee-IM ַמ ְח ָלה Machla Mahlah makh-LAH ַמ ְחלוֹ ן Machlon Mahlon makh-LON ַמ ְח ֵסָיה Machseya Mahseiah makh-say-YAH ַמ ְל ָא ִכי Malachi Malachi mal-a-KHEE ָמנוֹ ַח Manoach Manoah ma-NO-akh ָמׁ ִש ַיח Mashiach Messiah ma-SHEE-akh ְמ ִפ ׁ ֶיבֹשת Mefiboshet Mephibosheth m’-fee-VO-shet ַמ ֲה ַל ְל ֵאל Mehalalel Mahalalel ma-ha-lal-AYL ְמ ַנ ֵחם Menachem Menahem m’-na-KHAYM ְמַנֶּשׁה Menashe Menasseh m’-na-SHEH ְמ ָנֹרה Menorah Candlestick m’-no-RAH ְמָרִרי Merari Merari m’-ra-REE ְמ ּתוׁ ֶש ַלח Metushelach Methusaleh m’-tu-SHE-lakh ִמ ָיכה Micha Micah mee-KHAH ִמ ָיכ ֵאל Michael Michael mee-kha-AYL ִמ ָיכְי ּהו Michaihu Micaiah mee-KHAI-hu ִמ ַיכל Michal Michal mee-KHAL ִמ ְל ָּכה Milka Milcah mil-KAH ִמְרָים Miriam Miriam mir-YAM ִ מ י שׁ ָ ֵ א ל Mishael Mishael mee-sha-AYL

100 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ִמְשַּׁכן Mishkan Tabernacle mish-KAN ִמ ְצ ָּפה Mitzpa Mizpah mitz-PAH ִּמְז ֵּב ַח Mizbayach Altar miz-BAY-akh ָמְר ֳ ּד ַכי Mordechai Mordecai mor-d’-KHAI מוֹ ִר ָ ּיה Moriah Moriah mo-ri-YAH ׁ ֶמֹשה Moshe Moses mo-SHEH ַנ ְח ִּבי Nachbi Nahbi nakh-BEE ָנחוֹ ר Nachor Nahor na-KHOR ַ נ ְ ח שׁ ֹ ו ן Nachshon Nahshon nakh-SHON ַנ ּחום Nachum Nahum na-KHUM ָנ ָדב Nadav Nadab na-DAV ַנ ְפ ָּת ִלי Naftali Naphtali naf-ta-LEE ָנ ֳע ִמי Naomi Naomi na-o-MEE ָנ ָתן Natan Nathan na-TAN ָנ ָבל Naval Nabal na-VAL ָנ ִביא Navi Prophet na-VEE ָנ ָבל Navot Naboth na-VAL ְנ ֶח ְמָיה Nechemya Nehemiah n’-khem-YAH ֶנ ֶגב Negev Negeb NE-gev ֵנִרָּיה Nerya Neriah nay-ri-YAH ְנ ַת ְנ ֵאל Netanel Nethanel n’-tan-AYL ְנּ ִב ָיאה Neviah Prophetess n’-vee-AH ְנּ ִב ִיאים Neviim Prophets n’-vee-EEM ִנ ָיסן Nisan Nisan nee-SAN ָנֹעה Noa Noah no-AH ַנֹח Noach Noah NO-akh נֹב Nov Nob nov ּנון Nun Nun nun עוֹ ֵדד Oded Oded o-DAYD ָא ֳה ָלה Ohola Oholah a-ho-LAH ָא ֳה ִל ָיאב Oholiav Oholiab o-ha-lee-AV ָא ֳה ִל ָיבה Oholiva Oholibah a-ho-lee-VAH

101 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ָע ְמִרי Omri Omri om-REE אוֹ ָנן Onan Onan o-NAN ָע ְת ִנ ֵיאל Otniel Othniel ot-nee-AYL ַעֹב ְדָיה Ovadya Obadiah o-vad-YAH עוֹ ֵבד Oved Obed o-VAYD ֵעוֹבד ֱאדוֹם Oved Edom Obed Edom o-VAYD e-DOM ַּפ ְג ִע ֵיאל Pagiel Pagiel pag-ee-AYL ַּפ ְל ִטי Palti Palti pal-TEE ַּפ ְל ִט ֵיאל Paltiel Paltiel pal-tee-AYL ֶּפ ַקח Pekach Pekah PE-kakh ְּפ ַד ְה ֵאל Pedael Pedahel p’-da-AYL ְּפ ַק ְחָיה Pekachya Pekahiah p’-kakh-YAH ָּפ ֶלג Peleg Peleg PE-leg ּ ְפ ִנ ָנּ ה Penina Peninnah p’-ni-NAH ֶּפֶרץ Peretz Perez PE-retz ְּפ ּתו ֵאל Petuel Pethuel p’-tu-AYL ִּפ ְינ ָחס Pinchas Phinehas peen-KHAS ָר ֵחל Rachel Rachel ra-KHAYL ָרם Ram Ram ram ָר ָמה Rama Ramah ra-MAH ְר ּעו Re’u Reu r’-U ְר ַח ְב ָעם Rechovam Rehoboam r’-khav-AM ְר ּאו ֵבן Reuven Reuben r’-u-VAYN ִר ְב ָקה Rivka Rebecca riv-KAH ּרות Rut Ruth rut ַשׂ ְל ָמה Salma Salmon/Salmah sal-MAH ַשׂ ְלמוֹ ן Salmon Salmon sal-MON ָשׂ ָרה Sara Sarah sa-RAH ָשׂ ַרי Sarai Sarai sa-RAI ֶס ָלה Selah Selah SE-lah ְשָׂרָיה Seraya Seraiah s’-ra-YAH ְשׂ ּרוג Serug Serug s’-RUG

102 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ְס ּתור Setur Sethur s’-TUR שׁ ַ ֲ ע ָ ר ִ י ם Shaarayim Shaaraim sha-a-RA-yim שׁ ַ ַ ּ ב ת Shabbat Sabbath sha-BAT ׁ ּ ַש ָ ּבתוֹ ת Shabbatot Sabbaths sha-ba-TOT שׁ ָ ָ פ ן Shafan Shaphan sha-FAN ָשָׁפט Shafat Shaphat sha-FAT ָשֵׁלם Shalem Salem sha-LAYM ַשּׁלּום Shalum Shallum sha-LUM ַשְׁמַּגר Shamgar Shamgar sham-GAR שׁ ַ ּ מ ּ ו ַ ע Shamua Shammua sha-MU-a שׁ ָ א ּו ל Shaul Saul sha-UL שׁ ְ ַ א ְ ל ִ ּ ת י ֵא ל Shealtiel Shealtiel sh’-al-tee-AYL שׁ ְ ָ א ר ָי שׁ ּו ב Shear Yashuv Shear-Jashub sh’-AR ya-SHUV שׁ ְ ַ כ ְ נ ָ י ה Shechanya Shecaniah sh’-khan-YAH שׁ ְ ֶ כ ם Shechem Shechem sh’-KHEM שׁ ֵ ָ ל ה Sheila Shelah shay-LAH שׁ ֶ ַ ל ח Shelach Shelah SHE-lakh שׁ ְ ֻ ל ִ מ י ֵא ל Shelumiel Shelumiel sh’-lu-mee-AYL שׁ ֵ ם Shem Shem Shaym ְשַׁמְעָיה Shemaya Shemaiah sh’-ma-YAH שׁ ֵ שׁ ְ ַ ּ ב ַ ּ צ ר Sheshbatzar Sheshbazzar shaysh-ba-TZAR שׁ ֵ ת Shet Seth Shayt שׁ ְ ָ ב ט Shevat Shebat sh’-VAT שׁ ִ לֹ ה Shilo Shiloh shi-LOH שׁ ִ ְ מ ִ ע י Shim’i Shimei shim-EE ׁ ִש ְמעוֹ ן Shimon Simeon shim-ON שׁ ִ ְ מ שׁ ֹ ו ן Shimshon Samson shim-SHON שׁ ְ לֹמֹה Shlomo Solomon sh’-lo-MOH שׁ ְ מ ּו ֵ א ל Shmuel Samuel sh’-mu-AYL שׁ ֹ ו ָפ ר Shofar Horn sho-FAR שּׁ ָֹופרֹות Shofarot Horns sho-fa-ROT שׁ ְֹמרוֹן Shomron Samaria sho-m’-RON

103 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ִס ָיון Sivan Sivan see-VAN ָת ָמר Tamar Tamar ta-MAR ָּת ַנ ְ”ך Tanakh Hebrew Bible ta-NAKH ַּת ּפ ּו ַח Tapuach Tappuah ta-PU-akh ָ ּתבוֹ ר Tavor Tabor ta-VOR ְ ּתקוֹ ָעה Tekoa Tekoa t’-KO-a ֶּתַרח Terach Terah TE-rakh ְט ֶבְרָיה Teveria Tiberias t’-ver-YAH ֵט ֵבת Tevet Tebeth tay-VAYT ִּתְר ָצה Tirtza Tirzah tir-TZAH ּתוֹ ָלע Tola Tola to-LA ָצדוֹ ק Tzadok Zadok tza-DOK ְצ ַפ ְנָיה Tzefanya Zephaniah tz’-fan-YAH ְצ ָל ְפ ָחד Tzelofchad Zelophehad tz’-la-f’-KHAD ְצ ּרוָיה Tzeruya Zeruiah tz’-ru-YAH ְצ ַפת Tzfat Safed tz’-FAT ִצ ְד ִקָּי ּהו Tzidkiyahu Zedekiah tzid-ki-YA-hu ִצ ְק ַלג Tziklag Ziklag tzi-k’-LAG ִצ ּיוֹ ן Tzion Zion tzi-YON ִצ ּפָֹרה Tzipora Zipporah tzi-po-RAH ָצְר ָעה Tzora Zorah tzor-AH ּצוִר ֵיאל Tzuriel Zuriel tzu-ree-AYL ֻא ָכל Ukal Ucal u-KAL ּאוִרי Uri Uri u-REE ּאוִרָּיה Uriya Uriah u-ri-YAH ּעוץ Utz Uz Utz ֻעִ ּזָּי ּהו Uzziyahu Uzziah u-zi-YA-hu ַי ֲעקֹב Yaakov Jacob ya-a-KOV ַי ֲחִז ֵיאל Yachaziel Jahaziel ya-kha-zee-AYL ָי ֵעל Yael Jael ya-AYL ָיפוֹ Yaffo Joppa/Jaffa ya-FO ָי ִאיר Yair Jair ya-EER

104 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ָי ֶקה Yakeh Jakeh ya-KEH ַּיְר ֵ ּדן Yarden Jordan yar-DAYN ַיְר ּמות Yarmut Jarmuth yar-MUT ְי ֶחְז ֵקאל Yechezkel Ezekiel y’-khez-KAYL ְי ִח ֵיאל Yechiel Jehiel y’-khee-AYL ְי ָכ ְנָיה Yechonya Jeconiah y’-khon-YAH ְי ּדו ּתון Yedutun Jeduthun y’-du-TUN ְיהוֹ ָא ָחז Yehoachaz Jehoahaz y’-ho-a-KHAZ ְ י ה ֹ ו ָא שׁ Yehoash Jehoash y’-ho-ASH ְיהוֹ ָח ָנן Yehochanan Jehohanan y’-ho-kha-NAN ְיהוֹ ָנ ָתן Yehonatan Jonathan y’-ho-na-TAN ְיהוֹ ָרם Yehoram Jehoram y’-ho-RAM ְ י ה ֹ ו שׁ ָ ָ פ ט Yehoshafat Jehoshaphat y’-ho-sha-FAT ְ י ה ֹ ו שׁ ַ ְ ב ַ ע ת Yehoshavat Jehoshabeath y’-ho-shav-AT ְ י ה ֹ ו שׁ ֶ ַ ב ע Yehosheva Jehosheba y-ho-SHE-va ְ י ה ֹ ו שׁ ֻ ַ ע Yehoshua Joshua y’-ho-SHU-a ְיהוֹ ָצ ָדק Yehotzadak Jehozadak y’-ho-tza-DAK ְי ָהוֹי ִכין Yehoyachin Jehoiachin y’-ho-ya-KHEEN ְיהוֹ ָי ָדע Yehoyada Jehoiada y’-ho-ya-DA ְי ָהוֹי ִקים Yehoyakim Jehoiakim y’-ho-ya-KEEM ֵי ּהוא Yehu Jehu yay-HU ְי ּהו ָדה Yehuda Judah y’-hu-DAH ְי ּהו ִדי Yehudi Jew y’-hu-DEE ְּי ּהו ִדים Yehudim Jews y’-hu-DEEM ֶיֶרד Yered Jared YE-red ְיִריחוֹ Yericho Jericho y’-ree-KHO ָיָר ְב ָעם Yerovam Jeroboam ya-rov-AM ְיֻר ַּב ַעל Yerubaal Jerubbaal y’-ru-BA-al ְי ּרושׁ ָ ִָלִים Yerushalayim Jerusalem y’-ru-sha-LA-yim ְ י שׁ ַ ְ ע ָ י ה ּו Yeshayahu Isaiah y’-sha-YA-hu ֵ י שׁ ּו ַ ע Yeshua Jeshua yay-SHU-a ִי ְפ ָּתח Yiftach Jephthah yif-TAKH

105 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ִי ְג ָאל Yigal Igal yig-AL ִיְר ְמָי ּהו Yirmiyahu Jeremiah yir-m’-YA-hu ִ י שׁ ָ י Yishai Jesse yi-SHAI ִי ְשׂ ָר ֵאל Yisrael Israel yis-ra-AYL ִי ָּ ׂש ָשכר Yissachar Issachar yi-sa-KHAR ִי ְצ ָחק Yitzchak Issac yitz-KHAK ִיְזְר ֶעאל Yizrael Jezreel yiz-r’-EL י ֹ ו ָא שׁ Yoash Joash yo-ASH יוֹ ָאב Yoav Joab yo-AV יוֹ ָח ָנן Yochanan Johanan yo-kha-NAN יוֹ ֶכ ֶבד Yocheved Jochebed yo-KHE-ved יוֹ ֵאל Yoel Joel yo-AYL יוֹ ָנה Yona Jonah yo-NAH יוֹ ָנ ָדב Yonadav Jonadab yo-na-DAV יוֹ ָנ ָתן Yonatan Jonathan yo-na-TAN יוֹ ָרם Yoram Joram yo-RAM יוֹ ֵסף Yosef Joseph yo-SAYF יֹאשׁ ִ ָּי ּהו Yoshiyahu Josiah yo-shi-YA-hu יוֹ ָתם Yotam Jotham yo-TAM יוֹ ָצ ָדק Yotzadak Jozadak yo-tza-DAK יוֹ ָז ָבד Yozavad Jozabad yo-za-VAD ָזנוֹ ַח Zanoach Zanoah za-NO-akh ְז ַכְרָיה Zecharya Zechariah z’-khar-YAH ֶזַרח Zerach Zerah ZE-rakh ְזֻר ָּב ֶבל Zerubavel Zerubbabel z’-ru-ba-VEL ְז ּבו ֻלן Zevulun Zebulun z’-vu-LUN ִז ְל ָּפה Zilpa Zilpah zil-PAH ִז ְמִרי Zimri Zimri zim-REE

106 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew Jewish Holidays ֲח ּנו ָּכה Chanukah Hanukkah kha-nu-KAH ֶּפ ַסח Pesach Passover PE-sakh ּפ ּוִרים Purim Purim pu-REEM רֹאשׁ ַהׁ ָּש ָנה Rosh Hashana Jewish New Year rosh ha-sha-NAH שׁ ָ ּבועוֹת Shavuot Feast of Weeks sha-vu-OT ׁ ְש ִמ ִיני ֲע ֶצֶרת Shemini Atzeret Eight Day of sh’-mee-NEE a-TZE-ret Assembly ֻס ּכוֹ ת Sukkot Feast of Tabernacles su-KOT יוֹם ִּכ ּיפור Yom Kippur Day of Atonement yom kee-PUR

Biblical Measurements ַא ָּמה Amah Cubit a-MAH ַאמוֹ ת Amot Cubits a-MOT ַּבת Bat Bath bat ַּב ִּתים Batim Baths ba-TEEM ֶּב ַקע Beka half-shekel BE-ka ֳח ָמִרים Chomarim Homers kho-ma-REEM ֶחֹמר Chomer Homer KHO-mer ֵא ָיפה Efah Ephah ay-FAH ֵּגָרה Geira Gerah gay-RAH ּג ֶֹמד Gomed Gomed GO- med ִהין Hin Hin heen ַּקב Kav kab kav ְק ִשׂ ָיטה Kesita kesitah k’-see-TAH ִּכ ָּכר Kikar talent ki-KAR ִּכ ָּכִרים Kikarim talents ki-ka-RIM ּכֹר Kor kor kor ֶל ֶת ְך Letek lethech LE-tek לֹג Log Log log ָּמ ֶנה Maneh Mina ma-NEH ָמ ִנים Manim Minas ma-NEEM ֶעֹמר Omer Omer O-mer

107 Hebrew Name English Name Pronunciation Hebrew ִּפים Pim Pim peem ֵס ָאה Se’ah Seah say-AH ְס ִאים Se’eem Seahs s’-EEM שׁ ְ ָ ק ִ ל י ם Shekalim Shekels sh’-ka-LEEM שׁ ֶ ֶ ק ל Shekel Shekel SHE-kel ֶט ַפח Tefach Handbreadth TE-fakh ֶזֶרת Zeret Span ZE-ret

108 Photo Credits

Book Verse Photo Credit Genesis 1:01 Mark Neyman, GPO Genesis 2:05 Mark Neyman, GPO Genesis 7:19 Nathan Alpert, GPO Genesis 8:09 Ryan Rodrick Beiler, Shutterstock. com Genesis 13:10 Bill Rice, Wikimedia Commons Genesis 14:18 Stefano Rocca, Shutterstock.com Genesis 18:01 Eitan F., Wikimedia Commons Genesis 21:31 Dr. Avishai Teicher, Wikimedia Commons Genesis 22:18 Moshe Milner, GPO Genesis 23:19 Avi Ohayon, GPO Genesis 24:10 Elbud, Shutterstock.com Genesis 25:09 David Rabkin, Shutterstock.com Genesis 28:17 Andrew Shiva, Wikipedia Genesis 28:19 Dvirraz, Wikimedia Commons Genesis 33:19 Mark Neyman, GPO Genesis 35:19 Wikimedia Commons Genesis 37:02 Moshe Milner, GPO Genesis 43:11 Moshe Milner, GPO Genesis 46:04 Luis Villa del Campo, Wikimedia Commons Genesis 47:30 Moshe Milner, GPO Genesis 49:13 Mark Neyman, GPO

109 Chart of the Hebrew Months and their Holidays

Jewish Approximate Holiday Hebrew Date Notes Month Secular Date

Rosh Chodesh (Head of The first of every The Jewish Calendar is a lunar the Month) month calendar, and each month begins when the moon re-appears in the sky. The beginning of each new month is called Rosh Chodesh, which literally means ‘the head of the month.’ Rosh Chodesh is celebrated as a mini- holiday on the first day of every Jewish month, and special prayers are added into the daily service. When a month is 30 days long, the 30th day is celebrated as Rosh Chodesh in addition to the first day of the following month.

Nissan March-April Pesach (Passover) Begins on the Pesach is a seven day holiday 15th of Nissan commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. Outside of Israel, an eighth day is observed.

Yom Hashoa (Holocaust 27th of Nissan Yom Hashoa commemorates the 6 Memorial Day) million Jews who perished in the Holocaust.

Iyar April-May Yom Hazikaron (Memorial 4th of Iyar Yom Hazikaron is Israel’s memorial Day) day, a day to remember Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

Yom Haatzmaut (Israel’s 5th of Iyar Yom Haatzmaut celebrates Israel’s Independence Day) declaration of independence in 1948.

Lag Ba’Omer (33rd day of 18th of Iyar Lag Ba’Omer is a minor holiday the Omer) celebrated on the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer

Yom Yerushalayim 28th of Iyar Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, (Jerusalem Day) celebrates the re-unification of the city of Jerusalem following the 1967 Six-Day War.

Sivan May-June Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) 6th of Sivan Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Outside of Israel it is observed for two days, the 6th and 7th of Sivan.

110 Jewish Approximate Holiday Hebrew Date Notes Month Secular Date

Tammuz June-July Fast of the Seventeenth 17th of Tammuz The Fast of the Seventeenth of of Tammuz Tammuz commemorates the breeching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Temple. It begins a three week mourning period over the destruction of the Temple, culminating with the fast of Tisha B’Av.

Av July-August Tisha B’Av (Fast of the 9th 9th of Av Tisha B’Av is a fast day commemorating of Av) the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is the culmination of the three week mourning period over the destruction of the Temple which starts on the 17th of Tammuz.

Elul August- September

Tishrei September- Rosh Hashana (Jewish 1st and 2nd of Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year. October New Year) Tishrei

Tzom Gedalya (Fast of 3rd of Tishrei The Fast of Gedaliah commemorates Gedaliah) the death of Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the governor of Judah following the destruction of the First Temple. His death marked the end of Jewish rule in the Land of Israel for many generations and led to the exile of the few remaining Jews who had not been taken to Babylonia.

Yom Kippur (Day of 10th of Tishrei Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, Atonement) the holiest day of the year.

Sukkot (Feast of Begins on the Sukkot is a seven-day holiday Tabernacles) 15th of Tishrei celebrating God’s protection of the Jews in the wilderness

Shemini Atzeret/Simchat 22nd of Tishrei Shemini Atzeret is a holiday that Torah (Eighth Day of immediately follows Sukkot and Assembly) celebrates the unique relationship between God and the Children of Israel. Simchat Torah celebrates the completion and renewal of the Torah reading cycle. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day. Outside of Israel, they are celebrated on two consecutive days.

111 Jewish Approximate Holiday Hebrew Date Notes Month Secular Date

Cheshvan October- Map of Modern-Day Israel and its Neighbors November Kislev November- Chanukah (Hanukkah) Begins on the Chanukah is an eight day festival December 25th of Kislev which celebrates the defeat of the The following is a map of modern-day Israel and the surrounding countries Syrian-Greeks, the re-dedication of the

Euphrates River Temple in Jerusalem, and the miracles that God preformed to facilitate these events.

Tevet December- The end of Chanukah Chanukah ends Capital City I January (Hanukkah) on the 2nd or City LEBANON 3rd of Tevet N River SYRIA depending on Border the year, since IRAQ Kislev contains Mediterranean either 29 or 30 Sea days Jerusalem Fast of the 10th of Tevet 10th of Tevet The Fast of the 10th of Tevet ISRAEL commemorates the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem prior to the destruction of the First Temple. JORDAN Shevat January-February Tu B’Shvat (15th of 15th of Shevat Tu B’Shvat marks the beginning of the SINAI Shevat) new year for trees. It is when the first trees in the Land of Israel begin to blossom again after the winter season. SAUDI ARABIA Adar* February-March Fast of Esther 13th of Adar The Fast of Esther commemorates the EGYPT fast observed by the Jewish people in Persia at the time of Mordechai and Esther.

Purim 14th/15th of Purim celebrates God’s salvation of Adar the Jews from the evil Haman’s plot to destroy them. In most places, this holiday is celebrated on the 14th of Adar. In Jerusalem, it is celebrated on the 15th of Adar.

* During a leap year, an extra month of Adar is added so that the Jewish lunar calendar remains aligned with the solar seasons. A leap year occurs 7 times in every 19 year cycle. When this happens, Purim is celebrated in the second Adar.

112 Map of Modern-Day Israel and its Neighbors

The following is a map of modern-day Israel and the surrounding countries

Euphrates River

I Capital City City LEBANON N River SYRIA Border IRAQ Mediterranean Sea Jerusalem

ISRAEL

JORDAN

SINAI

SAUDI ARABIA

EGYPT

113 List of Prime Ministers of the State of Israel

Below is a list of the Prime Ministers of the State of Israel since the declaration of the State in 1948 until the present.

Number Name Years Term

1 David Ben-Gurion (1886 – 1973) May 1948- January 1954

2 Moshe Sharett (1894-1965) January 1954-November 1955

3 David Ben-Gurion (1886-1973) November 1955-June 1963

4 Levi Eshkol (1895-1969) June 1963-February 1969

5 Golda Meir (1898-1978) March 1969-June 1974

6 Yitzchak Rabin (1922–1995) June 1974-June 1977

7 Menachem Begin (1913–1992) June 1977-October 1983

8 Yitzchak Shamir (1915–2012) October 1983-September 1984

9 Shimon Peres (1923–2016) September 1984-October 1986

10 Yitzchak Shamir (1915–2012) October 1986-July 1992

11 Yitzchak Rabin (1922–1995) July 1992-November 1995

12 Shimon Peres (1923–2016) November 1995-June 1996

13 Benjamin Netanyahu (Born 1949) June 1996-July 1999

14 Ehud Barak (Born 1942) July 1999-March 2001

15 Ariel Sharon (1928–2014) March 2001-April 2006

16 Ehud Olmert (Born 1945) April 2006-March 2009

17 Benjamin Netanyahu (Born 1949) March 2009-Present

114 Prayer for the State of Israel

אָ בִֽינוּ שֶׁ בַּשָּׁ מַֽיִם Our Heavenly Father a-VEE-nu she-ba-sha-MA-yim

צוּר יִשְׂ רָאֵ ל וְגוֹאֲ לוֹ Israel’s Rock and Redeemer tzur yis-ra-AYL v’-go-a-LO

בָּרֵךְ אֶת מְדִ ינַת יִשְׂ רָאֵ ל Bless the State of Israel ba-RAYKH et mi-dee-NAT yis-ra-AYL

רֵאשִׁ ית תצְמִיחַ גְּאֻלָּתֵֽ נוּ the first flowering of our ray-SHEET tz’-mee-KHAT redemption g’-u-la-TAY-nu

הָ גֵן עָ לֶֽיהָ בְּאֶבְרַ ת Shield it under the wings of ha-GAYN a-LE-ha b’-ev-RAT סְחַ דּ ֶֽ ךָ Your loving kindness khas-DE-kha

וּפְרוֹס עָ לֶֽיהָ סֻכַּ ת -’And spread over it the uf-ROS a-LE-ha su-KAT sh שְׁ לוֹמֶֽךָ Tabernacle of Your peace lo-ME-kha

וּשְׁ לַח אוֹרְךָ וַאֲמִתְּ ךָ -Send Your light and truth ush-LAKH o-r’-KHA va-a-mi t’-KHA

לְרָאשֶֽׁיהָ, שָׂ רֶֽיהָ -to its leaders, ministers and l’-ro-SHE-ha, sa-RE-ha v’-yo וְיוֹעֲ צֶֽיהָ officials a-TZE-ha

וְתַקְּ נֵם בְּעֵצָה טוֹבָ ה And direct them with good v’-ta-k’-NAYM b’-ay-TZAH מִ לְּ נ פָ ֶֽ י ךָ counsel before You to-VAH m’-li-fa-NE-kha

חַ זֵּק אֶ ת יְדֵי מְ גִנֵּי אֶרֶ ץ -Strengthen the hands of the kha-ZAYK et y’-DAY m’-gi קָ דְ שֵֽׁ נ וּ defenders of our Holy Land NAY E-retz kod-SHAY-nu

וְהַ נְחִילֵם אֱ לֹהֵֽ ינוּ -Grant them deliverance, our v’-han-khee-LAYM e-lo-HAY יְשׁוּעָ ה God nu y’-shu-AH

וַעֲ טֶֽרֶ ת נִצָּחוֹן תְּעַטְּרֵ ם And crown them with the va-a-TE-ret ni-tza-KHON crown of victory t’-a-t’-RAYM

וְנָתַתָּשָׁ לוֹם בָּאָֽרֶ ץ -Grant peace in the land v’-na-ta-TA sha-LOM ba-A retz

וְשִׂמְחַת עוֹלָם לְיוֹשְׁ בֶֽיהָ -’and everlasting joy to its v’-sim-KHAT o-LAM l’-yo-sh inhabitants VE-ha

115 וְאֶת אַ חֵֽינוּ כָּל בֵּ ית As for our brothers, the whole v’-ET a-KHAY-nu kol bayt ִ י שְׂ רָ אֵ ל house of Israel yis-ra-AYL

פְּקָ ד נָא בְּכָל אַרְ צוֹת -Remember them in all the p’-KOD na b’-KHOL ar פְּזוּרֵיהֶ ם lands of their dispersion TZOT p’-zu-ray-HEM

וְתוֹלִיכֵם מְהֵרָ ה -And swiftly lead them upright v’-to-lee-KHAYM m’-hay קוֹמְמִ יּוּת RAH ko-m’-mi-YUT

לְצִיּוֹן עִ ירֶֽךָ to Zion Your city l’-TZI-yon ee-RE-kha

וְלִירוּשָׁ לַֽיִם מִשְׁ כַּן שְׁ מֶֽךָ -And Yerushalayim Your v’-lee-ru-sha-LA-yim mish dwelling place KAN sh’-ME-kha

כַּכָּתוּב בְּתוֹרַת מֹשֶׁ ה -As is written in theTorah of ka-ka-TUV b’-to-RAT mo עַבְ דֶּֽךָ )דברים ל:ד-ה(: :Moses Your servant (Deut. SHEH av-DE-kha 30:4-5):

“אִ ם יִהְ יֶה נִדַּחֲךָ בִּקְצֵ ה Even if you are scattered to “im yih-YEH ni-da-kha-KHA“ שָּׁהַ מ ָֽ ִ י ם the furthermost lands under bik-TZAY ha-sha-MA-yim the heavens

םמִשָּׁ יְקַבֶּצְךָ יְיָאֱ לֹהֶֽיךָ From there the Lord your mi-SHAM yi-ka-betz-KHA God will gather you a-do-NAI e-lo-HE-kha

םוּמִשָּׁ יִקָּ חֶֽךָ and from there He will and u-mi-SHAM yi-ka-KHE-kha take you back

וֶהֱבִיאֲךָ יְיָאֱ לֹהֶֽיךָ אֶ ל The Lord your God will bring ve-he-vee-a-KHA a-do-NAI הָ אָֽ רֶ ץ you to the land e-lo-HE-kha el ha-A-retz

ראֲשֶׁ יָרְשׁוּ אֲ בֹתֶֽיךָ -That your ancestors possessed a-SHER ya-r’-SHU a-vo-TE khe

ִ ו י רִ שְׁ תָּ הּ and you will possess it vee-rish-TAH

וְ הֵ י טִ בְ ךָ וְ הִ רְ בְּ ךָ And He will make you more v’-hay-tiv-KHA v’-hir-b’-KHA מֵאֲ בֹתֶֽיךָ ” ”prosperous and numerous may-a-vo-TE-kha than your ancestors”

וְיַחֵד לְבָ בֵֽנוּ Unite our hearts v’-ya-KHAYD l’-va-VAY-nu

לְאַהֲבָה וּלְ יִרְאָה אֶ ת -’to love and revere Your name l’-a-ha-VAH ul-yir-AH et sh שְׁ מ ֶֽ ךָ ME-kha

וְלִשְׁ מֹר אֶת כָּל דִּבְרֵ י And observe all the words of v’-lish-MOR et kol div-RAY תוֹרָתֶֽךָ Your Torah to-ra-TE-kha

116 וּשְׁ חלַ לָֽנוּ מְהֵרָ ה -And swiftly send us ush-LAKH LA-nu m’-hay RAH

בֶּן דָּ וִד מְשִֽׁיחַצִדְקֶֽךָ Your righteous anointed one ben da-VID m’-SHEE-akh of the house of David tzid-KE-kha

לִפְדוֹת מְחַכֵּי קֵ ץ To redeem those who long for lif-DOT m’-kha-KAY kaytz יְשׁוּעָ תֶֽךָ Your salvation y’-shu-a-TE-kha

הוֹפַע בַּהֲדַר גְּאוֹן עֻ זֶּֽךָ Appear in Your glorious ho-FA ba-ha-DAR g’-ON majesty u-ZE-kha

עַל כָּל יוֹשְׁ בֵי תֵבֵ ל over all the dwellers on earth al kol yo-sh’-VAY TAY-vayl אַ רְ צֶֽ ךָ ar-TZE-kha

וְיֹאמַר כֹּל אֲשֶׁ ר נְשָׁמָ ה -’And let all who breathe v’-yo-MAR kol a-SHER n בְ אַ פּ וֹ declare: sha-MAH v’-a-PO

יְיָ יאֱלֹהֵ יִשְׂ לרָאֵ מֶֽלֶךְ -The Lord God of Israel is King a-do-NAI e-lo-HAY yis-ra AYL ME-lekh

וּמַלְכוּתוֹ בַּכֹּל מָשָֽׁלָ ה -And His kingship has u-mal-khu-TO ba-KOL ma dominion over all sha-LAH,

מֵאָ ן סֶֽ לָ ה Amen, Selah a-MAYN SE-lah

117 Prayer for the Welfare of Israel’s Soldiers

ִמי ׁ ֶש ֵּבַר ְך ֲא ֵבוֹת ּינו -He Who blessed our mee she-bay-RAKH a-vo-TAY forefathers nu ַא ְבָר ָהם ִי ְצ ָחק ְוַי ֲעקֹב -Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov av-ra-HAM yitz-KHAK v’-ya a-KOV ּהוא ְי ָבֵר ְך ֶאת ַחָּי ֵלי -may He bless the fighters of hu y’-va-RAYKH et kha-ya ְצ ָבא ַה ֲה ַג ָנּה ְלִי ְשָׂר ֵאל the Israel Defense Forces LAY tz’-VA ha-ha-ga-NAH l’-yis-ra-AYL ְו ַא ְנׁ ֵשי ּכֹחוֹת ַה ִּב ָּטחוֹן -and the security personnel v’-an-SHAY ko-KHOT ha-bi ta-KHON ָה ְעוֹמ ִדים ַעל ִמׁ ְש ַמר who stand guard over our land ha-o-m’-DEEM al mish-MAR ַאְר ֵצ ּנו ar-TZAY-nu ְו ָעֵרי ֱא ֵלֹה ּינו and the cities of our God v’-a-RAY e-lo-HAY-nu ִמ ְּג ּבול ַה ְּל ָבנוֹן ְו ַעד -’from the border of the mi-g’-VUL ha-l’-va-NON v ִמ ְד ַּבר ִמ ְצַרִים Lebanon to the desert of AD mid-BAR mitz-RA-yim Egypt ּו ִמן ַהָּים ַה ָּגדוֹל ַעד and from the Great Sea unto u-MIN ha-YAM ha-ga-DOL ְלבוֹא ָה ֲעָר ָבה the approach of the Aravah ad l’-VO ha-a-ra-VAH ַּבַּי ָּבׁ ָשה ָּב ֲאִויר ּו ַבָּים on the land, in the air, and on ba-ya-ba-SHAH ba-a-VEER the sea u-va-YAM ִי ֵּתן ְיָי ֶאת ְאוֹי ֵב ּינו May the Almighty cause the yi-TAYN a-do-NAI et ַה ָּק ִמים ָע ֵל ּינו enemies who rise up against us o-y’-VAY-nu ha-ka-MEEM a-LAY-nu ִנ ָּג ִפים ִל ְפ ֵנ ֶיהם to be struck down before them ni-ga-FEEM lif-nay-HEM ַה ָּקדוֹשׁ ָּב ּרו ְך ּהוא May the Holy One, Blessed ha-ka-DOSH ba-RUKH hu is He ִיׁ ְשמֹר ְוַי ִּציל ֶאת ַחָי ֵל ּינו preserve and rescue our yish-MOR v’-ya-TZEEL et fighters kha-ya-LAY-nu ִמכׂל ָצָרה ְו ּצו ָקה from every trouble and mi-KOL tza-RAH v’-tzu-KAH distress

118 ּו ִמכׂל ֶנ ַגע ּו ַמ ֲח ָלה -and from every plague and u-mi-KOL NE-ga u-ma-kha illness LAH ְוִיׁ ְש ַלח ְּבָר ָכה ְו ַה ְצ ָל ָחה and may He send blessing and v’-yish-LAKH b’-ra-KHAH success v’-hatz-la-KHAH ְּב ָכל ַמ ֲע ֵשׂה ְי ֵד ֶיהם -in their every endeavor b’-KHOL ma-a-SAY y’-day HEM ַי ְד ֵּבר ְשׂוֹנ ֵא ּינו ַּת ְח ֵּת ֶיהם -May He lead our enemies yad-BAYR so-n’-AY-nu takh under our soldiers’ sway tay-HEM ִו ַיע ְּטֵרם ְּב ֶכ ֶתר ְישׁ ּו ָעה and glorify our forces with the vee-a-t’-RAYM b’-KHE-ter crown of salvation y’-shu-AH ּו ְב ֲע ֶטֶרת ִנ ָּצחוֹן and the mantle of victory uv-a-TE-ret ni-tza-KHON ִו ֻיקַּים ָּב ֶהם ַה ָּכ ּתוב -And may there be fulfilled for vee-ku-YAM ba-HEM ha-ka )דברים כ,ד(: :them the verse (Deuteronomy TUV 20:4): ִּ“כי ְיָי ֱא ֵלֹה ֶיכם ַה ֵהֹל ְך -For it is the Lord your God, “kee a-do-NAI e-lo-hay“ ִע ָּמ ֶכם -Who goes with you KHEM ha-ho-LAYKH i-ma KHEM ְל ִה ָּל ֵחם ָל ֶכם ִעם to battle your enemies for you l’-hi-la-KHAYM la-KHEM im ְאֹי ֵב ֶיכם o-y’-vay-KHEM ְל ׁ ִהוֹש ַיע ֶא ְת ֶכם” ”to save you” l’-ho-SHEE-a et-KHEM ְו ַנֹאמר: ָ“א ֵמן” ”Now let us say: Amen v’-no-MAR “a-MAYN

119 Hatikvah

ּכֹל עוֹד ַּב ֵּל ָבב ְּפ ִנ ָימה As long as in the heart, within kol od ba-lay-VAV p’-NEE-mah ֶנ ֶפשׁ ְי ּהו ִדי ִהוֹמָּיה A Jewish soul still yearns NE-fesh y’-hu-DEE ho-mi-YAH ּו ְל ַפ ֲא ֵתי ִמְזָרח, ָק ִד ָימה -And onward, towards the ends ul-fa-a-TAY miz-RAKH ka of the east DEE-mah ַעִין ְל ִצ ּיוֹן ִצוֹפָּיה An eye still gazes toward Zion A-yin l’-tzi-YON tzo-fi-YAH עוֹד לֹא ָא ְב ָדה ִּת ְקָו ֵת ּנו Our hope is not yet lost od lo av-DAH tik-va-TAY-nu ַה ִּת ְקָוה ַּבת שׁ ְ נוֹת -The hope two thousand years ha-tik-VAH bat sh’-NOT al ַא ְל ַּפִים old PA-yim ִל ְהיוֹת ַעם ָח ְפשׁ ִ י -To be a free nation in our land lih-YOT am khof-SHEE b’-ar ְּב ַאְר ֵצ ּנו TZAY-nu ֶאֶרץ ִצ ּיוֹן ִו ּירושׁ ָ ַלִים -The Land ofZion and E-retz tzi-YON vee-ru-sha-LA Yerushalayim yim

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