The phrase
When there was no king in Israel
is used by Hebrew scribes to justify the rejection of God as King in preparation for a long-desired earthly king. All so they could be like everyone else. Deborah’s leadership and Yael’s bravery are explored.
The Levite’s concubine
sheds more light on the distasteful story of human trafficking by giving a voiceless Adina the ability to tell her tale of abuse. The hopeless dilemma of Naomi reveals how women with no rights had to conspire to overcome the adversity faced in trying to obtain justice in a male-dominated society. Naomi demonstrates how the church has
cleaned up
her story to make Ruth appear as a temple of purity and an example of untarnished morals. Finally, Saul is called upon to defeat King Nahash and rescue the people of Yabesh. When the people cry for a king, God relents, and Samuel anoints Saul. Saul calls upon God to give him victory over King Agag, but he disobeys God’s first command. Disobedience leads to Saul’s downfall and sets the stage for David to be anointed, the second king of Israel.