Riddles
Riddles were as popular in ancient Near Eastern cultures as they are around the world today. Samson’s riddle about the lion and the honey (14:5–18)… Read More »Riddles
Riddles were as popular in ancient Near Eastern cultures as they are around the world today. Samson’s riddle about the lion and the honey (14:5–18)… Read More »Riddles
Is it “Shibboleth” or “Sibboleth”? The Gileadites came up with a clever test to distinguish between their friends and their enemies (12:1–6). Knowing that the… Read More »Is it “Shibboleth” or “Sibboleth”?
Foolish vows. When Jephthah realized that his foolish vow could result in the death of his daughter (11:29–40), he could have broken the vow. For… Read More »Foolish vows
Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal make up the sides of the east-west pass into the Valley of Shechem. When Joshua conquered central Israel, he used… Read More »Mount Gerizim
Crescents. Midianite kings often decorated their camels with gold or silver pendants in the shape of a crescent moon (8:21). They may have believed the… Read More »Crescents
The night watch. Watchmen were an important part of life in Bible times. They provided night-time protection both for soldiers in their tents and for… Read More »The night watch
Camels at war? The Midianites were among the first to use camels in warfare (6:5). Their camels were most likely the single-humped dromedary, which could… Read More »Camels at war?
Donkeys played many roles in the ancient Near East. They provided much of the heavy labor in agriculture and provided personal transportation. The number of… Read More »Donkeys
Chariots of iron. Iron chariots were the equivalent of tanks in the ancient Near East. They were greatly feared by enemy foot soldiers. Charioteers could… Read More »Chariots of iron
Cool breezes were rare in the arid climate of ancient Israel. Usually the best place to feel a nice breeze was on the roof of… Read More »Cool breezes
Ashtoreth was the goddess of fertility, love, and war in Canaanite culture. Canaanite legends portray her as Baal’s wife or sister. She is also known… Read More »Ashtoreth
Toes and Thumbs. Victors in ancient battles would often cut off the thumbs and toes of their foes (1:6–7). This would allow their enemies to… Read More »Toes and Thumbs