Gideon is instructed to destroy the altar and Asheirah of the idol Ba'al. The people of his town want to have him executed, but Yo'ash his father defends his son. If Ba'al is so great, let him defend himself! Gideon thus establishes that to win against the Midianites, the people will need to rededicate themselves to the One True God.

The cycle continues, and the people are subjugated under the oppressive marauding bands of the Midianites. God appears through an angel to a simple, humble man from the tribe of Manasseh named Gideon. He is chosen to rescue the people from Midian.

Deborah praises the bravery of Yael, and highlights the difference between herself, a mother in Israel and the cruel and primitive mothers of Canaan.

Deborah commends the tribes that participated in the battle, and excoriates those who remained on the sidelines.

We here the song of Deborah, an outpouring of song from this "Mother in Israel". Deborah teaches us how her leadership differs from the other leaders of the time, and how the bond between Israel and God is the only thing that will save Israel.

We read the story of Deborah the Prophetess and Judge, and how she led the people to victory. We also learn of the bravery of Yael who defied her turncoat husband and assassinated the enemy general Sisera. Even the male hero of the chapter, Barak, followed the lead of the prophetess as he battled the enemy.

We begin to read the stories of each of the Judges who led Israel through these times of challenge. The first judge we read about is Otniel, the son-in-law of Caleb.

We read the story of Ehud and the assassination of the King of Moab, and the short story of Shamgar and his unusual weapon.

In this prologue, we read a summary of what to expect in this book that covers several hundred years of history. Round and round the cycle repeats itself.

A messenger of God delivers a prophecy that was a portent for things to come.