Lenny Goldberg Bible Classes: Recent Episodes
lenny goldberg
The Bible is the foundation of Judaism. Unfortunately, as a result of our long exile, it has been neglected. Jewish studies today usually revolve around the oral traditions like the Talmud, and the Bible is left on the shelf. The Jews wrote it, and the gentiles read it. The fact is, only by studying Tanach can one can learn authentic Jewish concepts - nationalism, leadership, redemption, eretz yisrael, war, vengeance.... Through the David's, Saul's, Jonathan's, and other dynamic figures in the Bible, we reveal how a Jew conducted himself in the land of Israel before the exile.
Gideon takes ten men and destroys the altar of the Baal, and the Ashera tree next to it. The people of the town demand that his father turn him over
After getting reassurance, Gideon prepares a meal and the angel sacrifices it on a rock, and Gideon builds an altar there.
While threshing wheat in a wine press, Gideon is confronted by an angel of the Lord and given a charge to deliver Am Yisrael from the Midyanites.
Devora ends her song of praise with a graphic description of Yael's killing of Sisera and the anguish of Sisera's mother worrying about her late-arriving son. We explore the Talmud which says that a lot more happened between Yael and Sisera than meets the eye
Devora continues in her song to describe the war victory and the execution of Sisera by Yael
Shir Devora sings a song of triumph and gives us a glimpse into what it was like for the children of Israel under oppression.
Sisera escapes from the battlefield into the tent of Yael, who kills him with a tent peg.
During the days of Devora, the King of Hazor and Sisera, his captain of the host oppress Israel.
After escaping from Eglon's chamber, Ehud ben Gera rallies the Jewish forces to defeat the Moavite enemy.
After returning to the palace, Ehud ben Gera gets King Eglon alone and stabs him with his double-edged sword, and things get messy.
The enemy from Iraq attacks Israel from afar, with the first Judge, Otniel ben Kenaz to the rescue.
We examine the verses that the "Lord left the nations in order to test Israel, because they did not know the wars...." What does that mean?
In this shiur, we explain the two "introductions" to the book of Judges and then the narrative goes on to explain how the Jewish People deteriorated spiritually
A prophet, who according to the sages was Pinchas, comes from the Gilgal to rebuke the children of Israel for not expelling the inhabitants of the land.
The prophet lists the tribes that failed to disinherit the local Canaanites from their portions. In this shiur, we bring sources to show hw the mitzvah to "drive out" supersedes the mitzvah "to dwell".
The tribe of Yosef conquers Bet El, but the rest of the tribes fail to dispossess the Canaanites from their portion
We solve the mystery - what was the cause of the harsh punishment? Why did it all end up on the Temple Mt? What do we learn from the discrepancies in Chronicles on Shmuel on this episode?
A destructive angel kills 70,000 people, and then threatens Jerusalem. David buys the threshing floor on the Temple Mount to halt the plague.
Due to a sin not explained, David orders Yoav to take a census of the Jewish people in his kingdom
David's prophesy followed by a list of his top three warriors - HaAdiino HaEzni, Elazar ben Dodo, Shama....
David reflects on his life and writes this song of praise to Hashem. How is this song different than Psalms 18?
David takes the bones of Saul and his sons from Yavesh Gilad and brings them to their family burial plot in Binyamin.
After the Givonites force King David to hang 7 of Saul's descendants, Rizpta the daughter of Aya, Saul's concubine, stays with the hanged corpses for six months to shoo away the birds and beasts from devouring the bodies.
After three years of famine, it is revealed to King David that the cause of the drought is Saul's wiping out of the Gibeonites.
Yoav and a wise woman of the city have a conversation, and she uses her wisdom to convince the city to hand over Sheva ben Bichrti - his head is cut off and sent over the wall.
With the chase on, Sheva ben Bichri fortifies himself in the walled city of Avel, and Yoav and his men lay a siege on the city
Tension amongst the tribes culminates in the revolt of Sheva ben Bichri from the tribe of Benjamin
The tribe of Judah and the rest of the tribes argue with each other concerning who will escort David back to Jerusalem. This plants the seeds for yet another civil war.
David wants to return kindness to Barzilai from Gilad, who took care of David when he fled Jerusalem to the east bank.
After hearing the side of Mifeboshet son of Yonatan, David rules that he and Ziva divide the state in half.
As David crosses the Jordan, Shimi ben Gera greets him and begs for forgiveness. David has to calm down Avishai who wants to kill Shimi, and then David swears to him that he will not harm him.
With the civil war over and Avshalom dead, David has to reinstate his kingdom. The tribes show their allegiance to him.
Upon hearing about the death of his son, David cries uncontrollably, until he is harshly rebuked by Yoav.
Avshalom is buried in the forest of Effraim, and Yoav sends Achimaatz and the Kushite to bring the tidings of the war to King David
The civil war is over quickly. Avshalom riding his mule, gets his hair stuck in a tree, and is hanging there... easy pickin's for Yoav to finish off... Like picking the fruit from the tree...
Achitopel commits suicide, David is greeted by friends, Avshalom appoints Amasa ben Yeter over his army
After Avshalom accepts Chushai's advice, he relays the message to the priests, who in turn deliver the message to their sons via a woman servant.
Achitopel gives Avshalom the war strategy to defeat David, but Avhshalom wants another opinion
Hushai convinces Avshalom that he is allied to him. Achitopel gives Avshalom the advice to sleep with his father's concubines.
David has to convince Avishai ben Zruya not to kill Shimi ben Gera, who is cursing David as he flees Jerusalem.
While fleeing Jerusalem, David is met by Ziva who is bearing food, drink and transportation. Afterwards, Shimi ben Gera curses David and his men.
While on the run from Jerusalem, David sets up a spy ring, employing the Priests and their sons, along with Hushai the Arkite.
Fearing that Avshalom will wipe out the city, David flees Jerusalem and is joined by many of his loyal servants.
Avshalom's leaves for Hebron and successfully plans the insurrection, with Achitopel coming aboard.
The wise woman of Tekoa explains to David that her story was a parable, and that Yoav sent her.
Yoav sends a wise woman to King David to tell a story that will convince David that he should forgive his son Avshalom, and bring him back home
Avshalom invites his brothers to a sheep shearing party, and murders Amnon by surprise. Avshalom flees to his grandfather in the land of Geshur
Following the assault and rape of Tamar, David is upset and Avshalom hatches his plan to kill Amnon.
After luring Tamar into his bedroom, Amnon rapes her and mercilessly throws out a distraught Tamar from his house.
As a punishment for his sin, David's son with Bat Sheva is stricken with a grave illness, and David prays and fasts for him to recover.
After being accused of being the rich man in the parable, David owns the sin, saying "I have sinned to the Lord"...
Now that Bat Sheva is pregnant, David has to scheme to cover up the scandal. He sends Uriyah out to his death.
David wants to return the chesed that his friend Yonatan did for him, and to fulfill the oath they made together
After telling us that King David ruled his nation rightly and justly, scripture outlines his ministers and associates.
In these wars, David takes from the plunder of the enemy, collecting materials for the Holy Temple
Upon hearing the prophesy that from him will emanate the monarchy, David offers a prayer of gratitude to Hashem
As David is dancing with great fervor as he escorts the arc, his wife Michal doesn't approve
After conquering Jerusalem, David tries to bring the arc there, but tragedy strikes. We take a deep dive into the importance of the arc in this class.
After conquering Jerusalem, David's kingdom expands and gains recognition among the nations. He takes additional wives and has more children.
Raichav and Baana run to David with Ishboshet's head thinking it's good news, but it turns out to be bad new for them...
Two men from the tribe of Binyamin murder Ishboshet the son of Saul while he is sleeping.
After Yoav kills Avner, David mourns excessively to show the people he was not partner to the assassination
While Avner leaves Hebron, Yoav calls him back, deceivingly engages him in conversation, and then murders an unsuspecting Avner. We examine many midrashim which elaborate on this event.
After their meeting to unite the kingdom, David sends Avner back, but Yoav shows up....
After lobbying for David amongst all the tribes, Avner pays a visit to David in Hebron to unite the kingdom under the Davidic dynasty.
Avner ben Nir agrees to bring the kingdom over to David and make a pact with him - but David has a condition....
When Ishboshet accuses Avner of being with Saul's concubine, Avner gets infuriated, and swears to bring the people over to Davi...
David settles in Hebron, and scripture relates who his wives and sons were. Why did so many of them go off the "derech"?
With Asael the son of Zruia chasing Avner ben Nir, Avner kills Asael with the butt end of his spear...
As Avner is making Ishboshet son of Saul King over Israel, Yoav and his men meet up with them at the pools of Givon
David and his men leave the underground and move to Hebron, the capital of the tribe of Judah, and David is anointed king by the elders of Yehuda
After the Amalekite gives over his version of how Saul died, David grills him and kills him.
While in Ziklag, an Amalekite brings to David the bad tidings about the fall of Am Yisrael
The Philistines abuse King Saul's body, the residents of Yavesh Gilad heroically come to the rescue
In a battle on Mt. Gilboa, the Israelites flee the Philistines, as Saul and his sons fight to the death.
After defeating Amalek, David's fighters don't want to share the great plunder with the soldiers who stayed back.
What was David's plan when he was suited up for war in the Philistine army in their war against the Jews?
Saul recovers, eats, and goes on his way. The sages praise Saul for accepting his fate.
A desperate King Saul turns to the baalat ov to do a seance in order to bring up the spirit of Shmuel.
As the Philistines mobilize for war, King Saul is inquiring of the prophets to find out what he should do. He gets no answers.
While at Ziklag, David and his men raid the Negev, kill the inhabitants, and bring the spoil to Achish. Daivd misleads Achish, telling him that he's raiding Jewish areas.
David leaves the land of Israel for the land of the Philistines, and makes an arrangement with Achish the King of Gat.
David speaks to Saul from afar and rebukes him. Saul is remorseful, but David doesn't trust him.
After taking King Saul's spear and water and crossing to the other side, David rebukes Saul's Captian of the Host - Avner Ben Nir
While the entire camp is asleep, David and Avishai descend to the army camp and take Saul's spear and water vessel. Why?
At the end of ch. 25, King Saul marries Michal off to Paltiel ben Lysh. Isn't Michal married to David? How does David take her back as a wife?
Avigail tells her husband Naval what happened, and Naval goes into a 10 day coma before dying. David then proposes to Avigail and marries her.
After Avigails's convincing speech, David agrees not to continue with his rampage against Naval.
Avigail intercepts David and tries to convince him not to go through with his plan to wipe out Naval's household
After getting word of what happened between Naval and David's men, Avigail springs into action to save the situation
After Naval harshly rejects David's messengers, David takes his 400 men to wipe out Naval and his household.
While Naval is having a "chag HaGez" - a sheep shearing party, David takes the opportunity to send his men to get some food.
David lets Saul know he could have killed him, Saul admits his guilt, breaks down and cries...
David and his men are trapped in a cave in Ein Geddi, and then King Saul walks in alone. Now, Saul is the one who's trapped....
The Zifites inform as to David's whereabouts, and King Saul gives chase. David is trapped, and only a miracle can save him.
While in the Zif desert, Yonatan visits David, and the Zif residents squeal to King Saul on David's whereabouts.
After saving the city, David is trapped. Will the residents of Kiela turn him over to King Saul?
King Saul rules that the priests in Nov collaborated with David, and puts them to death
Naval is having a "chag HaGez", and David takes the opportunity to send his men to request some food.
Following the purification of the Temple on the 25th of Kislev, the local heathens attacked the Jews throughout the land of Israel.
After getting scolded at the Rosh Chodesh table by his father, Yonatan warns David of the impending danger
David and Yonatan's plan goes into effect when David's vacant seat is noticed by King Saul on Rosh Chodesh
David and Yonatan work out the details of how they are going to communicate Saul's response at the Rosh Chodesh meal
With King Saul in pursuit, his daughter Michal helps David escape through the window. Saul continues the chase and ends up "prophesizing" on the floor.
King Saul offers David his daughter Michal, on the condition that he brings back 100 foreskins of the Philistines. David is happy to oblige
By chucking a spear at him, by sending him out to dangerous wars, by dangling his daughters as bait, King Saul tries to get David killed
David and Yonatan make a pact. Saul becomes the sworn enemy of David when he hears the Jewish women praise him. What were they singing, anyway?
David knocks out Goliath with a slingshot, in the first round. He then cuts off Goliath's head to finish off the job.
King Saul gives David the green light and dresses David in his armor. But David prefers doing it his way.
King Saul tries to convince David that he is forbidden by Jewish law to fight Goliath. David has the answers. In the meantime, David's older brother, Eliav, tries to take the air out of his sails...
Why didn't Yonatan step up to fight the blaspheming giant? We learn about David's father Jesse, and why David wasn't in Saul's army at the time.
This iconic Bible episode opens up with a physical description of Goliath, and his proposal to the Jewish army.
David is anointed by the prophet Shmuel in Bethlehem. A spirit of G-d passes over him, and departs from King Saul
Shmuel arrives at the house of Jesse, prepared to anoint one of his sons.... they all pass before Shmuel, except one, whose tending the sheep
King Saul tries to save face, requests that Shmuel doesn't leave him... Shmuel proceeds to hack King Agag into pieces.
King Saul tries to wiggle out of responsibility for not finishing the job against Amalek. He blames the "people", and claims the spoil was intended to be used as an offering to the Lord.
King Saul fails in his mission to wipe out Amalek. What was the "mercy" involved here? Why is Saul paralleled to what happened in the days of Elijah the prophet? Why is Samuel the prophet taking it so hard?
Saul is commanded by the prophet to wipe out Amalek, but is having problems with this particular mitzvah.
Why didn't the Urim and Turim answer King Saul. Why did the lottery fall on Yonatan if he didn't eat intentionally?
While chasing the Philistines, Saul bounds the people by an oath that they will fast until the battle is over
Yonatan's plan works, and the Philistines go into panic mode. The Jews become a fifth column amongst the Philistine troops.
With odds against the Jewish army, Yonatan decides to go on offense. We also examine why the first king of Israel chosen wasn't from the tribe of Yehuda
With the Philistines mobilizing and his troops diminishing, King Saul has to wait for the prophet Shmuel for seven days.
On the east bank of the Jordan River, the Jews of Yavesh Gilad are attacked by KIng Nachash of Amon, who threatens to make of them one-eyed slaves.
Saul is chosen as King from amongst his brethren in a public forum. Is his modesty over the top?
Samuel the prophet anoints Saul, and tells him of the signs he will encounter on his way
The Philistines consult with their spiritual leaders regarding what to do with the Holy Arc
For Eli and his daughter in law, the national catastrophe of the Arc's capture trumps any personal considerations
The Philistines defeat the Children of Israel, and take the arc. A man of the tribe of Benjamin hurries to Shilo to bear the tidings.
The Jews take the arc from Shilo into battle with them, after suffering initial defeat at the hands of the Philistines.
Shmuel receives a prophecy, and eventually becomes a prophet, and changes the culture in Israel.
The young Shmuel hears G-d's voice for the first time, and thinks it is Eli who is calling him.
Hofni and Pinchas, the priests in Shilo, sin to the Lord, and they are rebuked by their father Eli
This first chapter introduces us to the parents of Shmuel, who make the trip to Shilo during the holidays. Chana, the wife of Elkana is barren, and she prays fervently for a son. Her prayers are answered when Shmuel is born. She "donates" him to the Lord.
After 37 years in a Babylonian prison, the Evil Merodach releases King Yehoyachin. What is the symbolism of this event?
The King of Babylonia allows a remnant to remain in Judea, under the supervision of Gedalia ben Achikam
Nevuzadaran, the Chief Butcher of the Babylonian King slaughters without mercy. He miraculously becomes a convert to Judaism.
Nevuzadaran, the Chief Butcher and servant to Nevuchadenzzar, burns down the Temple and pillages the vessels
In this final chapter of the Book of Kings, Jerusalem is besieged as the Babylonian exile gets underway
We examine the complex relationship between King Zedkiyahu and the Prophet Jeremiah. We also learn about the oath that Zedkiyahu made to the King of Babylon
As the Babylonian exile approaches, King Zedkiyahu is chosen by the Babylonian king to rule Judea.
King Yoshiyahu confronts Pharo Necho of Egypt, who is passing through his land, and is shot down.
The verses show us step by step how King Yoshiyahu cleanses Judea, and then moves on to Bet El
We examine the usual excuses dismissing us from building the Temple, and then we get to the real obstacle
KIng Yoshiyahu, in an effort to thwart the imminent destruction, holds a huge Torah rally
What do the Bible critics say about the found Torah scroll in the days of King Yoshiyahu
The righteous King Yoshiyahu is presented with a newly discovered Torah scroll. He rents his garments. What is going on?
We address the issue - if he repents, why is he still considered a king that has no portion in the world to come? Why did the decree of the destruction of Judea remain? Why isn't his repentance mentioned in Kings?
Explaining how King Menashe, the son of the righteous King Hezkiyahu, could stray so far from the path
Menashe, kind of Judea, brings in the Baal, Ashera, alters of foreign deities into the Temple.
What did King Hezkiyahu do wrong in receiving the Babylonian monarch? What warranted such severe punishment
Reviewing the basics of Pesach : Redemption, Vengeance, Self-Sacrifice, The Pesach Korban today
Is it OK to test Hashem and ask for a sign? How did Hezkiyahu and Gideon get away with it?
King Saul fails to wipe out Amalek as commanded, which eventually brings on the evil Haman, the Purim villain.
How do historians and professors explain the fall of Sanchreev outside the walls of Jerusalem?
In this shiur we take a deep dive into the concept of National Kiddush Hashem and Hillul Hashem
King Hezkiyahu turns to Isaiah the prophet for council. Sanchreev leaves the Jews alone temporarily, but blasphemes the Lord on his way out.
The apostate, Ravshakeh, goes on a 20 verse rant intended to demoralize the Jews of Judea, and turn them against their king.
Hanukah is widely celebrated by secular and religious Jews, but often for very different reasons. Another interesting subject: Judah Macabees brit with Rome - why did he do it? Was it worthwhile?
Hezkiyahu rejects his father's "derech". He prepares for the imminent confrontation with Assyria.
How can a priest from Bet El teach the new heathens in Samaria to worship G-d properly?
Why are the 10 tribes accused of tearing away from the Kingdom of David, if the split was a decree from G-d. Why did lions attack the new inhabitants who entered Samaria?
The Tanach enumerates further the sins of the Kingdom of Israel causing their exile - forsaking the statutes, rejecting the prophets, worthless pursuits, Molech worship, bowing to the stars, witchcraft
We take a dive into the Book of Isaiah to get the prophet's perspective on Assyria. We begin to review the the demise of the Ten Tribes.
Why were the tribes of Israel exiled during the reign of a righteous King? What are the implications for the Jews of the exile today?
Achaz makes some strange alterations to the Temple. Why? And if he so wicked, why isn't he enumerated as one of the three Kings who has no share in the World to Come (along with Menashe, Ahab and Yeruvam ben Navat)?
The wicked King Achaz is so impressed by the altar in Damascus, he builds a replica and replaces the original in the Temple
For the complete picture of events, we dive into the book of Isaiah, Chronicles and Kings.
Achaz, the wicked Judean King, is attacked by both Aram and Israel. A complete picture of the episode can only be provided by diving into the Book of Chronicles and the Book of Isaiah.
How did Yehu's dynasty end? Why did the rebellion against the Israeli monarchs emanate from the east bank of the Jordan?
What was the attraction of the incense burning on the altar? What can be wrong with being a "lover of the land?"
We take a deep dive into Chronicles to learn about King Uziyahu. He was a powerhouse, until he was stricken with Tzaraat...
Why would someone call his son "Yeruvam"? Why did Yeruvam enjoy such great national prosperity if he was not a righteous king? What does Yona the prophet have to do with all this? What are the redeeming qualities of King Yeruvam?
King Yehoash goes to Bet Shemesh, the territory of Judea, and soundly defeats the Judean army. The temple treasury is pillaged. We then sum up both kings Amazyiahu and Yehoash.
We learn from Chronicles some major events in King Amazyiahu's war against Edom. Then, Amazyiahu takes on Yoash the King of Israel. We discuss the motivations behind this, and try to interpret King Yoash's parable about the thistle and the cedar.
Kings Amatziyahu, King of Judea is the subject. He executes the assassins of his father Yoash, wars with Edom.
G-d delays the inevitable exile of the Kingdom of Israel because of the brit avot. We review Jeremiah Ch. 31 to see how it relates to the ten tribes.
Before Elisha the prophet passes away, he instructs King Yoash to shoot an arrow out the window eastward, and then to pound the arrows into the ground. What are the meanings of these symbols? Finally, Elisha performs a miracle while in the grave!
We continue learning about King Yehoachaz, who is replaced by his son Yoash. Why do the kings of Israel and Judea have identical names? Yoash visits the prophet Elisha, showing great reverence for the prophet.
King Yehoachaz, the son of Yehu ben Nimshi takes the throne. He continues in the sinful ways of Yeruvam son of Navat. We review the sin of Yeruvam, and try to figure out who the "savior" is, that is mentioned in verse 5.
Regarding King Yohash, the narrative in Chronicles is vastly different than the narrative in the Book of Kings. Why? What caused Yohash to suddenly stray from the righteous path?
After repairing the Temple, the end of the chapter describes how Yoash is attacked by the armies of Aram. After opening the Temple treasuries to bribe the King of Aram, Yohash is executed by his servants. What happened and why?
King Yohash is described as a righteous king. He starts to repair the Temple, which had deteriorated over time.
In a perfectly executed rebellion directed by Yehoyada the Priest, Atalya is Executed, Yoash is Crowned as the new king of Yehuda. Yehoyada then leads the charge to trash the Baal worship that had been established in Yehuda during Atalya's wicked reign.
We summarize Yehu Ben Nimshi's reign. Was he a tzadeek? How does he go down in Bible history?
The priest Yehoyada steps up to rebel against Ayalyia. He enlists allies and plans a rebellion in cooperation with the priests and soldiers. The goal is to crown the 7 year old Yoash.
Atalyia, the mother of the slain King Achaziyahu exterminates the offspring of the royal family. Yehoshaeva, the sister of the king, saves the day. Why did Atalyia do it?
Yehu feigns that he is loyal to the Baal, drawing all the Baal worshipers to the Temple of Baal. He then proceeds to destroy them all, including their idols.
Who is Yehonadav ben Reichav? Why does Yehu want to ally himself with him? What is the significance of their relationship
The heads of Ahab's 70 sons are severed and placed in a basket, and delivered to Yehu. He then kills the relatives of King Achaziayhu, the king of Judea who he encounters coincidentally.
King Yehu sets his sights on Ahab's 70 sons in Samaria. He writes letters to the Ahab loyalists, and gives them an ultimatum
The new King of Israel, Yehu, kills Yehoram with his bow and arrow, and throws his body into the field of Navot. He also kills Achaziyahu, the king of Yehuda on the fly.
Yehu starts the rebellion, and is on his way to kill King Yehoram, son of Achav, in his first move to wipe out the House of Ahab. On his way to Yehoram, he is described as riding like a madman.
Upon being anointed, Yehu is giving the charge to strike down the house of Ahab, whom are the masters of Yehu, who serves as a general in their army. Ahab and Jezebel are cursed.
Yehu, who at the time was a general in King Yehoram's army, is secretly annointed by the disciple of Elisha. He is hesitant to tell his soldiers about it.
The scripture teaches that Yehoram son of Yehoshafat was an evil king. Here we end the string of righteous kings ruling in Judea.
Elisha goes to Damascus and prophesies that Hazael will replace Ben Hadad as king. Through prophesy, Elisha knows the cruelty Hazael will impose on Israel.
The Shunammite woman has her property stolen while she was away. Through a great coincidence, the king orders that her property be returned.
The gatekeeper who doubted Elisha's prophesy is trampled at the gate. We examine the reason why the last two chapters repeat what was already in the narrative. Finally, what is the significance that the salvation come about through lowly lepers?
During the brutal siege, Elisha guarantees a surplus of food. Four Jewish lepers outside the city walls find the camp of Aram abandoned, and eventually report it to their brethren.
When Aram lays a seige on Samaria, famine and shocking cannibalism ensues. The King of Israel blame Elisha for the tragedy.
When Elisha warns against Aram's ambush, they try to capture the prophet, but no avail. Elisha eventually leads Aram to defeat.
As the prophets are building a new yeshiva, one of their tools falls into the water, and Elisha pulls off another miracle.
Elisha curses his servant Gehazi. In this shiur, we go over Trachtate Sota (uncensored version) where the rabbis discuss Gehazi and Jesus to learn important lessons.
Elisha refused Naaman's gift, but Elisha's servant Gehazi chases down the Aramean general, lies to him, and takes a gift
Acting on the advise of his wife's servant, Naaman, the commander of the army of Aram goes to the land of Israel to seek a cure for his leprosy. Elisha obliges, but a lot happens on the way
The prophets are starving and we see various miraculous ways in which Elisha sustains them.
Elisha returns the child to life. We see that for a miracle to work, one has to assert maximal effort, and make it seem as "natural" as possible.
A prominent woman from Shunem offers to Elisha the hospitality of her home, and Elisha blesses her with a son. The son suddenly dies, and she goes to Elisha for help.
Elisha helps a widow (of the prophet Ovadia) who has lost all her possessions . Elisha performs a miracle, where an unending flow of oil flows into vessels she prepares. In this class, we learn some of the rules of miracles.
In this class, we examine the bizarre ending to chapter three. What did the King of Moav actually do, and what brought wrath upon Israel, causing them to return to their land?
Kings Yehoram, Yehoshafat and the King of Edom consult Elisha when their battle plan goes awry. The prophet predicts victory. Moab is indeed routed, but there is one crazy ending to this story.
When Mesha King of Moav rebels against the Israeli King Yehoram, the King allies himself to Yehoshafat king of Judea for war.
After Elijah descends, it's Elisha's turn to lead. He demonstrates supernatural powers.
While Elijah and Elisha are at the Jordan River, Elisha requests twice his spirit. Elijah then ascends into the heavens in a blaze of glory.
Elisha stays close to his mentor Elijah before the latter's eventual ascent to heaven. They make the rounds to Bet El and then Jericho
Elijah descends from the mountain, and faces Achaziyahu. He rebukes the king for worshipping the Baal Zvuv (Lord of the Flies), and prophesies his death.
Elijah intercepts King Achaziyahu's messengers, they come after him, and are devoured by fire from the heavens.
King Ahab disobeys the real prophet, and goes to battle. He is wounded by an inadvertent arrow, but props himself up in his chariot so as not to demoralize the people.
Michiyahu, the true prophet prophesies disaster for Ahab, and is challenged by the false prophet, Zedekiah ben Chenaanah
King of Judea, Yehoshafat, travels to Samaria to meet with King Ahab. They both inquire of the prophets whether they should go to battle against Aram.
Jezebel sets up a bogus trial with false testimony to kill the innocent Navot. Ahab proceeds to occupy the vineyard.
King Ahab craves Navot's vineyard, but is rebuffed. His wife Jezebel comes to the "rescue".
King Ahab triumphs, but Aram prepares a new attack. A prophet assures Ahab and Aram is routed.
Ahab caves in to Ben Hadad. When Ben Hadad oversteps and boasts, G-d promises victory for King Ahab and the Jewish army.
Elijah's vision continues. Hashem reveals Himself to Elijah in different ways, and sends Elijah to annoint kings and a prophet.
Elijah is forced to flee, journeys into the wilderness and has a Moses-like revelation on Mount Sinai
In dramatic fashion, Elijah brings down fire from the Heavens. The people repent, rain finally pours down, and Elijah escorts King Ahab back to Jezreel
Elijah and Ahab gather the people for a showdown at Mount Carmel between the G-d of Israel and the Baal
Elijah the prophet appears before Ahab in the midst of a severe famine. Their conversation is epic.
First we get into the prohibition of building in Jericho, which Ahab was punished for. Elijah rebukes Ahab and flees to the Cherith Brook where he is fed by ravens.
Omri wins the power struggle and takes the throne. He consolidates his sinful reign. His son Ahab rules after him, continuing the wicked ways of the Kings of Israel.
King Baasa's ignominious death, his son Ela takes over. Zimri assassinates Ela and chaos ensues
The scripture quickly describes these three kings. Was the civil war between King Asa of Judea and King Baasha of Israel a bad thing?
The righteous King Asa rules for 41 years. He had constant wars with the Basha the King of Israel
Achiya give further as to the fate of prophesy. Yeruvam child dies and merits a huge burial. What was special about Yeruvam's child?
Yeruvam's wife visits the prophet Achia HaShiloni to learn the fate of her son. The prophet lays down a frightening prophesy concerning the house of Yeruvam.
We try to reveal the motive of the false prophet who deceived the true prophet. There are many different opinions amongst the commentators. After all that has transpires, King Yeruvam does not repent from his evil ways.
A false prophet pursues the true prophet. This is one bizarre story, as the old (false) prophet deceives the Man of G-d, and it ends badly.
A prophet denounces King Yeruvam's idolatry. Yeruvam is punished, and the prophet departs back to Judea, where he came from .
The Kingdom splits in two, with King Rechavam son of Solomon leading the tribe of Yehuda and Binyamin , and Yeruvam ben Navat ruling over the rest of the tribes
Rechavam, son of Solomon, is crowned king in Shchem. He takes counsel with his advisors on how to deal with the tribes of Israel.
The prophet Achia HaShiloni ordains the split in the kingdom, Yeruvam is annointed King over the tribes of Israel
The decree of the split in the Davidic dynasty is given. Various antagonists to Solomon begin popping up.
Solmon's many wives lead him astray. Was he actually an idol worshipper as the verses indicate?
The queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, and comes to Jerusalem to test him with riddles. She returns to her land impressed
King Solomon blesses the people and brings offering before Hashem as he concludes the dedication of the Temple and celebration.
King Solomon gathers the elders of Israel and brings up the Arc of the Covenant from the City of David
King Solomon build his palace, hall of justice and ornamental pillars. Then he builds the "sea" (see picture).
We continue with the building of Solomon's Temple - the Cherubim, entrance doors and courtyard walls
Who were these laborers who build the First Holy Temple? How were there still so many gentiles in the land?
King Solomon's covenant with King Hiram of Tyre. Also, why didn't King David build the Holy Temple?
Why did King Solomon marry the daughter of Pharo? Where was his halachic justification? What do the sages about this union?
King Solomon sends Binyahau to kill Yoav. This episode delves into the multifaceted personality of Yoav ben Zruriya, aided by the midrashim of our sages.
David passes away after a 40 year reign. Before he dies, he warns his son Solomon about Shimi ben Gera, the Benjaminite. Afterwards, Adoniyahu asks Bat Sheva to intervene on his behalf, to convince King Solomon to allow him to marry Avishag the Shunamit
We end chapter 1 where Adoniyahu begs King Solomon for a pardon after his failed rebellion. We begin chapter 2 where David gives his son Solomon valuable advice on how to run the kingdom.
According to King David's instructions, King Solomon is anointed, Adoniyihau gets the bad news.
Natan advises Bat Sheva, and they team up to convince King David to take action against Adoniyahu. The class emphasizes the different approach each one takes to shake King David out of his slumber.
With King David bedridden, his son Adonyahu takes the opportunity to claim himself as heir to the throne.