Jael and Sisera, Jacopo Amigoni, circa 1739.

The Book of Judges throws the triumphal narrative of Joshua into disarray, introducing a chaotic landscape dominated by guerrilla warfare, extreme violence, and charismatic leaders. Today, the Third Hour Podcast discusses the Song of Deborah, the many identities of Gideon, and why Judges might have been considered humorous to its original recipients.

Read along in Judges 1-8.