Interview - Biblical Times

An Interview with Gideon

I’ve just interviewed Gideon, who is the captain of the Israelite army. They defeated the Midianites three days ago and are getting ready for a huge celebration.
I asked Gideon what his response was when the Angel of the Lord told him to save the Israelites from the Midianites and to lead them back to God. His reply was he was too small and too poor to lead an army or do any miracles. But the angel showed him many signs from God, and Gideon obeyed by breaking down the Idols of Baal, building an alter for the Lord, and preparing an army.
When I asked him the reason why the Lord told him to send so many soldiers away before they fought, Gideon replied that God did not want the people to praise themselves for what He had done, and go back to their old ways.
I inquired how he was sure they’d win the victory with such a small army, and Gideon said the Lord told him He would be with them and to not be afraid, for He would not let them die.
Gideon said that the experience taught him that God is in control of everything, and he also learned to trust Him more, because the Lord is with him wherever he goes.
Gideon is now the new Judge of the people, and is helping them remember the one true God, who brought them out of Egypt and slavery, and the many miracles He has done for them in the past.

Weather - Biblical Times

Daily Forecast
Today the temperature is 82 degrees. It is sunny and humid. Tonight will be cloudy, the high will be 82 degrees and the low 61 degrees. Tomorrow will probably be sunny in the morning, with occasional showers throughout the afternoon, with a high of 81 degrees and a low of 61 degrees.

Writers

Gideon Destroys Baal
By Bayley
This morning it was found that during the night, Gideon the son of Joash tore down the altar of Baal in the city and cut down the grove that was beside it. As if this wasn't enough, Gideon also built an altar to his God in its place and sacrificed a bullock on it. The details of how this was accomplished is not yet known. When the men of the city commanded Joash to bring out his son to be killed, Joash surprised them all by telling them that if Baal really is a god then he will take care of himself and punish Gideon the way he would like to. The men were taken back by this response and Gideon's life is saved for the moment. We hope to have more details about this issue in the future.

Arts and Entertainment - Biblical Times

The Best Food in the Marketplace
By Rebekah
Everyday, the general marketplace is buzzing with activity as the Israelites go about their business by trading goods, auctioning livestock, and vending their harvested grains and produce.
By the end of the day, people are hungry and weary of wandering through crowded streets, toting restless children. Even though this is when most families walk homeward, some have found it refreshing to head to a small food stand on the East side of the market, where Joash and his wife, Sarah, are baking fresh loaves of bread, and simmering a hearty vegetable stew.
Every mealtime, this culinary pair tempts the crowd with quality food in the form of everything from fresh pastries to savory soups to ripened fruits. They have been cooking together for nearly seven years, and have perfected their methods of food preparation. Using finely ground wheat, Sarah kneads the dough to perfection, and Joash bakes it in the clay oven until the crust is golden.
Almost all those who have purchased meals from the duo agree that the food they offer is the best they’ve ever tasted. Their newest recipe for fig cakes has become exceedingly popular, and their customers are also raving about their wine.
The service is outstanding, too, for the couple is friendly to every customer. Joash greets people with a sincere ‘hello,’ and Sarah gives them a broad smile.
But perhaps what is most pleasing about Joash and Sarah’s stand is that their irresistible goods are sensibly priced, making it a good place to feed a family before returning home from a day in the streets. The two charge only what their ingredients are worth, plus a fair amount for profit and to compensate for their labors. The pleasing flavors, combined with the best service and reasonable cost, make Joash and Sarah’s stand a great location to end a day of business in the marketplace.


Crossword Puzzle
Kim F.


To complete this puzzle, simply click on the image above and print it out.


An Initation For all Jews
Queen Esther is throwing a big banquet for all the Jews at the palace. There will be foob and beverages as well as entertainment. It's from Wednesday at noon till ten at night the same day. Come with your children to enjoy hours of celebration for conquering the kings royal oficial, Haman. If you wish to come for only part of the time you may do so. The queen wishes to see you Wednesday!

Come to Jude's inn!
Are you weary of travel? You must come and slumber at the inn of Jude!! It is at Market Street in Jerusalem, the second house on the left. There is affordable food and shelter at the inn for both man and beast. By Megan

Recipe - Biblical Times

Barley Cakes
By Rebekah

Mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible, bread was unmistakably one of the important foods of the Israelites’ diet. One particular type of bread, barley cake, is mentioned specifically several times, one of them being in Judges 7:13, when Gideon has a dream of a barley cake rolling through an enemy camp.

1 1/2 cups hot milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons honey
3 cups barley flour
3/4 cup raisins
Oil for frying

Combine all ingredients and shape into balls. Flatten into rounds. Fry in hot oil for 5 minutes on each side or bake 20 to 25 in a preheated oven at 400 degrees. Serve with Ur, green butter herb cheese.

Recipe originally published in The Good Book Cookbook, 1995.

Advertisements - Biblical Times

Israeli Sparrow Outfitters
There’s a huge sale at Israeli Sparrow tomorrow. Everything from purple robes to jeweled turbans is 50% off. Sandals that were once four denary are now just two. Headdresses are now only one denary though they were two before. Everything comes in several different colors from white to brown to purple. Here at IS we carry the latest fashion for men and women. Live Your Life® .

Scarves for sale
By Bayley
Come to the Spinster's shop and buy one of her beautifully made silk scarves! Each made in it's own unique and colorful pattern, you can pick the scarf of your choice for a very reasonable price. They are perfect for any special occasion! Make haste and purchase one (or two) of these lovely scarves while they can still be made!

Lentils For Sale
Fresh, home-grown lentils, picked daily from the Brett farm. Check out this weeks specials. All lentils are up to 40% off. For only one shekel you can enjoy an entire ephah of lentils. Hurry! The sale ends Friday, October 5th. Supplies are limited! Come get your lentils! by Hannah B.

Tunics and Robes for sale
Come and get your tunics, robes, and other clothing at Simon's tailor shop where prices are low! We have our clothing dyed in many colors including red and violet.
By Megan

Fish for Sale
By Hannah W.
Delicious Tilapia for affordable prices. They are fresh and plentiful at the market across from the weaver's shop.

Classifieds - Biblical Times

LOST AND FOUND
A big brown cow, last seen grazing in the field behind the blacksmith's shop. The cow is known as Ruth. If found please return to the pottery shop. Reward: 13 shekals of silver.

FOR SALE
The freshest figs, grapes, lemons, and limes you can buy. They're the cheapest in town. North corner of Town Market.

DONKEY FOR SALE
Pure bred labor donkey just gave birth. Six month old baby donkey for sale. Acts good around people, and follows instruction. Already weaned and stable-trained. Just needs another donkey to keep it company. Perfect for pulling wagons and plows. Children will enjoy riding it and feeding it by hand.

Three Black Sheep for sale! All female, medium sized, considerably healthy. See Joshua the shepherd to make an offer.

LOST AND FOUND
A bronze trumpet lost by Gideon’s men while they were fighting. It is probably located by the Midian camp. Reward is 4 shekels of sliver. Please return to the very grateful owner on market street, behind the Taylor Shop.

15 clay jars for sale. Small; can hold at least half a gallon each. 5 are slightly damaged - half off the price! If interested, please contact Ehud the potter

LOST AND FOUND
By Bayley
Yesterday evening a gold earring was discovered missing. According to the owner, the earring broke and fell somewhere between Baker and Flower Street. If anyone finds it's whereabouts, please return to the very grateful owner at the weaving shop for a plentiful reward.

Lost and Found
By Hannah W.
Lost diamond ring last seen on the corner of Baker and Pine Street. If found, please return to the carpenter's shop. Reward: 23 shekels of silver.

Editorials - Biblical Times