Part 8.1

The first Judges

Israel fails to fully drive out Canaanites. God raises judges like Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar to deliver them after repeated cycles of sin and oppression.

Part 8.2

Deborah

Deborah and Barak lead Israel to victory over Canaanite commander Sisera. Jael kills Sisera. They compose a victory song celebrating God’s deliverance.

Part 8.3

Gideon

God calls Gideon to save Israel from Midianite oppression. Despite doubts, Gideon obeys, destroys idols, gathers an army, and confronts Midian

Part 8.4

Unrest

Israel turns from God after Gideon’s death. Abimelek seizes power violently. Later judges, including Tola, Jair, Jephthah, lead amidst conflict and continued unfaithfulness.

Part 8.5

Ruth

Ruth, a Moabite widow, loyally follows Naomi to Israel. She gleans in Boaz’s field, marries him, and becomes an ancestor of King David and Jesus.

Part 8.6

Samson

God raises Samson to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Empowered by God, Samson battles enemies but falls to Delilah’s betrayal, dying while defeating many Philistines.

Part 8.7

Micah

Micah builds a shrine with idols and hires a Levite. The tribe of Dan steals his idols and priest, then captures a city, continuing Israel’s unfaithfulness.

Part 8.8

The tribes fight

A Levite’s concubine is abused and killed, sparking outrage. Israel unites against Benjamin, leading to war, near extinction, and a desperate effort to preserve the tribe.