Ep 4.1 Deboarh, Barak, and the Tent Stake with Rabbi Evan Ravski

Rabbi Evan and Pastor A.J. dive into the first part of our new study of God-ordained Violence.  We outline some background information for Judges, talk about the specific story that takes place under the leadership of the Judge Deborah, including a tent stake through the head.  The next 5 weeks will include uncomfortable conversations around violence that happens in the Bible, God’s role in this, and how do we respond.  This episode talks about Judges 4:12-24.  You can download the study guide materials at https://www.tenfootpolepodcast.com/judges 

Discussion Questions:

1. Before we start, how do you perceive violence in the Bible?

2. How do you theologically understand “God-ordained” violence in the Bible?

3. How do you perceive Jael’s actions? Hospitality? Hospitality in times of war?

4. What is your theological understanding about the 5th commandment? In times of war?

5. Listening to Rabbi’s perspective on this violence, what differences do you notice in your own theology?

6. What does this tell us about God?

Other notes:

1. Visual for Song of the Sea/Song of Deborah: https://www.museumofthebible.org/magazine/collections/yom-va-yosha-and-the-song-of-the-sea  

2. ELCA Social Statement on Peace: https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/PeaceSS.pdf?_ga=2.58500010.1204821829.1726546425-502595238.1726546425