Untold Stories Of The Torah (Jewish History)

In Part 3 of Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah: Kohen and Warrior, we continue with the dramatic opening of Shlomo HaMelech’s reign and the final reckoning with the unresolved enemies of Dovid HaMelech. The episode begins with Beniyahu carrying out Shlomo’s command to kill Yoav, the powerful general who had fled to the Mizbeach, and explores the deeper meaning of why Yoav’s downfall was necessary for the kingdom to be stabilized. From there, Beniyahu is elevated to become the new general of the army, taking the place of Yoav as the trusted military arm of Shlomo HaMelech. The episode then turns to Shimi ben Geira, whose earlier rebellion against Dovid now reaches its conclusion when he violates Shlomo’s warning and is executed by Beniyahu.
The second half of the episode shifts into one of the most mysterious and legendary parts of Shlomo HaMelech’s story: the search for the Shamir worm, the miraculous creature needed for the building of the Beis HaMikdash. This leads into the astonishing mission of Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah as he captures Ashmedai, the king of the demons for King Shlomo.
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah kills Yoav
12:00 - Beniyahu becomes General of Army
13:13 - Beniyahu kills Shimi Ben Geira
37:40 - Beniyahu and the Shamir Worm
46:38 - Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah Captures Ashmedai

In Part 2, the spotlight shifts to the dramatic succession struggle that followed the final days of Dovid Hamelech. The episode begins with Adoniyahu’s attempt to seize the throne and the efforts of Beniyahu and other loyalists who remained faithful to Dovid’s chosen successor. As the crisis unfolds, Dovid acts decisively, ordering that Shlomo be publicly anointed as king. The podcast explores this historic coronation and the final instructions Dovid delivers to his son, providing guidance on leadership, justice, and the unfinished matters that would shape the future of the kingdom.
The second half follows the challenges facing the newly crowned King Shlomo. When Adoniyahu launches another bid for power, Beniyahu is entrusted with carrying out the king’s judgment, demonstrating both his loyalty and his willingness to enforce difficult decisions. The episode also examines the banishment of Evyasar HaKohen, marking the end of a priestly dynasty and the fulfillment of earlier prophecies.
Finally, attention turns to Yoav, who realizes that his past actions have left him vulnerable under the new regime. Fearing retribution, he flees to the altar seeking refuge, setting the stage for one of the most consequential confrontations of Shlomo’s reign and further cementing Beniyahu’s role as both guardian of the kingdom and servant of justice.
00:00 - Intro
00:27 - Rebellion of Adoniyahu
08:03 - Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah and the Loyalists
10:08 - Dovid Hamelech has Shlomo Annointed as King
18:36 - King Dovid's Final Instructions to King Shlomo
21:37 - Adoniyahu Rebels Again
26:07 - Adoniyahu is Punished by Beniyahu
29:24 - King Shlomo Banishes Evyasar HaKohen
35:02 - Yoav Fears King Shlomo and Flees to the Altar

In Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah (Part 1), the episode introduces one of the most fascinating and paradoxical figures in Tanach, a Kohen who rose to prominence as a fearless warrior.
We begin with Beniyahu’s early life and the influence of his father. As a loyal soldier of Dovid Hamelech, Beniyahu emerges among the elite fighters, including the famous episode of the three warriors who risked their lives to draw water for the king. His rise continues as he is appointed commander of the Kreisi and Pleisi, positioning him at the heart of Dovid’s military leadership.The episode then broadens to the turbulent political and military landscape of Dovid Hamelech’s reign. During Avsholom’s rebellion, shifting loyalties lead to Achitophel's death and Yoav’s temporary demotion, opening space for other leaders like Beniyahu to rise.
The chaos continues with the rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri and the controversial assassination of Ammasa.
The episode concludes with a deep analysis of the verses describing Beniyahu’s legendary feats, unpacking both their literal meaning and the deeper significance behind his extraordinary acts of strength and devotion.

00:00 - Intro and Questions
01:54 - Early Life of Beniyahu and his Father
05:41 - A Loyal Soldier for Dovid Hamelech
07:17 - The Three Who Drew Water
20:25 - Commander of the Kreisi and Pleisi
23:08 - The Military Leadership of Dovid Hamelech
25:10 - Avsholom's Rebellion and Yoav's Demotion
32:46 - Rebellion of Sheva Ben Bichri and Assassination of Ammasa
38:11 - The Verses of the Mighty Feats of Beniyahu (and the meaning behind them)

Leilu Nishmas Dina Elka bas Tzvi Hirsh

In Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty (Part 4), Rus follows Noami’s guidance and quietly goes down to Boaz’s field at night. When Boaz awakens and discovers her presence, the tension gives way to dignity and restraint. Boaz blesses Rus for her purity of intent and loyalty, reassures her of his respect, and carefully outlines the proper path forward. Rus remains for the rest of the night without impropriety, preserving her honor and the integrity of the moment before returning to Noami with news that hope is within reach.
The narrative then shifts to daylight and public justice. Boaz brings the matter before the high court and summons Tov, the closer redeemer, to resolve the legal right to the land and marriage. When Tov steps aside, Boaz lawfully acquires the fields and marries Rus. Their union soon produces a son, anchoring Noami’s restoration and completing Rus’s transformation from foreign outsider to the mother of Jewish royalty.

00:00 - Intro and Recap
01:03 - Rus Goes Down to the Boaz's Field
02:17 - Boaz Goes to Sleep and Rus Approaches
06:06 - Boaz Awakens and Discovers Rus
11:08 - Boaz Blesses Rus and Tells her his Plan
19:57 - Rus Remains for Remainder of Night
27:08 - Rus Returns to Noami
31:07 - Boaz Summons Tov to the High Court
44:54 - Boaz Acquires the Fields and Marries Rus
49:24 - Rus has a Son
52:31 - The Legacy of Rus

In Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty (Part 3), the story continues with Boaz showing exceptional kindness toward Rus. He not only offers her food but also instructs his workers to secretly leave extra stalks for her to collect, ensuring she gathers abundantly. Rus’s hard work and Boaz’s generosity pay off as she returns home with an impressive amount of grain. When she shares the day’s events with Noami, their conversation reveals the first sparks of hope, the realization that Boaz is a potential redeemer of their family.

Over the next three months, Rus continues collecting in Boaz’s fields, supported by his protection and favor. As time passes, Noami begins to see divine providence unfolding and devises a bold plan to secure Rus’s future. The episode explores Noami’s wisdom, faith, and the deeper motivations behind her guidance to Rus, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal and heartfelt moments in the Book of Ruth, the night at the threshing floor.

00:00 - Quick Summary
01:19 - Boaz's kindness and food for Rus
07:04 - Boaz instructing his men to help Rus
12:59 - Rus's success in collecting
14:24 - Rus and Noami Discuss Boaz
22:54 - Rus collects for 3 months
27:57 - Noami discusses her plan with Rus
45:44 - Understanding motivation behind Noami's plan