We will take ten of every group of a hundred men from all the tribes of Israel (and a hundred of every group of a thousand, and a thousand of every group of ten thousand) to get supplies for the army. When they arrive in Gibeah of Benjamin they will punish them for the atrocity which they committed in Israel.”

Samson went down to Timnah, where a Philistine girl caught his eye.

Gideon went and prepared a young goat, along with unleavened bread made from an ephah of flour. He put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot. He brought the food to him under the oak tree and presented it to him.

Samson went to Gaza. There he saw a prostitute and went in to have sex with her.

After this Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the Sorek Valley.

After two months she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. She died a virgin. Her tragic death gave rise to a custom in Israel.

There was a man named Manoah from Zorah, from the Danite tribe. His wife was infertile and childless.

He brought the tribute payment to King Eglon of Moab. (Now Eglon was a very fat man.)

Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, saying, “If you really do hand the Ammonites over to me,

Ehud made himself a sword – it had two edges and was eighteen inches long. He strapped it under his coat on his right thigh.

Samson went down to Timnah. When he approached the vineyards of Timnah, he saw a roaring young lion attacking him.

The Lord’s spirit took control of Gideon. He blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him.

Among this army were seven hundred specially-trained left-handed soldiers. Each one could sling a stone and hit even the smallest target.

“The trees were determined to go out and choose a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Be our king!’

They said to him, “Shut up! Put your hand over your mouth and come with us! You can be our adviser and priest. Wouldn’t it be better to be a priest for a whole Israelite tribe than for just one man’s family?”

Manoah said to his wife, “We will certainly die, because we have seen a supernatural being!”

When you invade, you will encounter unsuspecting people. The land is wide! God is handing it over to you – a place that lacks nothing on earth!”

Warriors were scarce, they were scarce in Israel, until you arose, Deborah, until you arose as a motherly protector in Israel.

Manoah said to the Lord’s messenger, “Please stay here awhile, so we can prepare a young goat for you to eat.”

Manoah’s wife gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The child grew and the Lord empowered him.