The episode also connects the biblical trajectory toward human dignity with the church’s role in opposing historical and contemporary forms of slavery, including human trafficking and forced labor.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/slavery.html 
2. Apologetics Canada. Does the Bible Endorse Slavery? YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qemsox_PlCo
3. CARM. Does the Bible Approve of Slavery? https://carm.org/does-the-bible-approve-of-slavery
4. Global Slavery Index 2023. Walk Free Foundation. https://www.walkfree.org/global-slavery-index/
5. Mako A. Nagasawa. Slavery in the Bible and Slavery Today. New Humanity Institute. http://www.newhumanityinstitute.org/pdfs/article-slavery-in-the-bible.pdf
6. Midtown Columbia. Does God Condone Slavery? https://midtowncolumbia.com/blog/does-god-condone-slavery
7. Gavin Ortlund. "Is the Bible Pro-Slavery?" The Gospel Coalition, July 2, 2024.
8. Skeptics Annotated Bible. Does God Approve of Slavery? https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/slavery.html
9. U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report (annual edition). https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/
10. United Nations and International Labour Organization. Global Estimates of Modern Slavery.
11. Human Rights Watch. Reports on slavery and human trafficking in Mauritania and Libya. https://www.hrw.org/
12. BBC News. Investigative reporting on slavery in Libya and Mauritania. https://www.bbc.com/ 
13. Hochschild, Adam. Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves. Houghton Mifflin, 2005.
14. Copan, Paul. Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God. Baker Books, 2011. 

Lewis takes on Dualism, the idea that two equal powers — one good and one evil — are locked in an eternal war. He argues that this view ultimately fails because evil is not an independent force. Evil is “spoiled goodness” — a parasite that must borrow its power from good in order to exist. This is why Christianity has always said the devil is a fallen angel.

Lewis then offers one of his most striking images:

“Enemy-occupied territory — that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful King has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.”

This chapter challenges the comfortable, feel-good version of Christianity so common today. Lewis reminds us that real Christianity has both a heart and a head. It tells us we are loved, but it also tells us the truth about the war we’re in — and calls us to join the King in taking back enemy-occupied territory. And unlike every other rebellion in history, this one ends in victory, because the King has already conquered through His death and resurrection.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

The episode concludes with practical lessons: Paul’s purpose was pastoral, not statistical, urging believers to learn from Israel’s failure, resist gradual compromise, and rely on Christ’s mercy rather than human perfection.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Lyons, Eric. "A Slip of the Mind?" Apologetics Press, 2001. https://apologeticspress.org/a-slip-of-the-mind-875/
3. Manning, Gary. "Were There 23,000 or 24,000 Slain?" Evidence Unseen. https://evidenceunseen.com/new-testament/1-corinthians/difficulties/were-there-23000-or-24000-slain/
4. Guzik, David. Numbers 25 Commentary. Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-25/
5. Mody, Rohintan. "Did Paul's Abacus Break? Numbers 25:9 and 1 Corinthians 10:7–10." Churchman 121, no. 1 (2007). https://www.churchsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Cman_121_1_Mody.pdf
6. "Why 24,000 vs. 23,000 Deaths?" Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/q/why_24,000_vs._23,000_deaths.htm
7. "Israel's Whoredom as a Warning for Us (1 Corinthians 10:5–11)." Knowing Scripture. https://knowingscripture.com/articles/israels-whoredom-as-a-warning-for-us-1-corinthians-10-5-11
8. Grant Richison. "1 Corinthians 10:8–11." Verse by Verse Commentary. https://versebyversecommentary.com/2002/10/20/1-corinthians-108-11/
9. "Bible Contradiction? How Many Did God Kill for Committing Whoredom with the Daughters of Moab?" Veritas Domain. https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2022/09/06/bible-contradiction-how-many-did-god-kill-for-committing-whoredom-with-the-daughters-of-moab/
10. "Did Paul Contradict Moses in 1 Corinthians 10:8?" Thoughts on Biblical Subjects. https://thoughtsonbiblicalsubjects.blogspot.com/2012/08/did-paul-contradict-moses-in-1.html

He explains Mark’s chronological “sandwich” and Matthew’s focus on immediacy, and connects the fig tree’s fruitlessness to a symbolic judgment on hollow religiosity.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/fig_temple.html and https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/fig.html 
2. Evidence Unseen: Does this account of Jesus cursing the fig tree contradict Mark’s account? https://evidenceunseen.com/new-testament/matthew/difficulties/does-this-account-of-jesus-cursing-the-fig-tree-contradict-marks-account-mk-1111-15-19-25
3. The Gospel Coalition: Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree? by Greg Lanier (October 2, 2018) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/jesus-curse-fig-tree/
4. Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Mark 11 by David Guzik https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/mark-11/
5. Gutenberg.edu: Making Sense of Jesus Cursing the Fig Tree https://gutenberg.edu/making-sense-of-jesus-cursing-the-fig-tree/
6. GotQuestions.org: Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-fig-tree.html
7. Catholic.com: Why Does Jesus Curse the Fig Tree? https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/why-does-jesus-curse-the-fig-tree
8. Keel, Perry S. Research Paper: The Temple Cleansing in John 2:13-22 and The Cursing of the Fig Tree in Matthew 21:18-22 (NBST815)
9. Simmonds, Andrew. “Cursing the Fig Tree in Mark” (2015)

Lewis addresses a common question: Do Christians have to believe every other religion is entirely wrong? He then explores the major division between those who see God as “beyond good and evil” and those who believe God is good, righteous, and actively calls us to set right what has gone wrong in His world.

In one of the most famous passages in the book, Lewis explains why Christianity has always carried a “fighting edge” — not against people, but against evil and brokenness itself. He also delivers his well-known argument: “A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.”

If you’ve ever wondered how Christianity makes sense of the injustice and suffering we see in the world, this episode offers clear, thoughtful insight from one of the 20th century’s greatest apologists.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

The discussion touches on the Septuagint reading "Gog," the historical context of Amalek, and how the prophecy points beyond Saul and David to the ultimate king in the Davidic line. Practical and scholarly perspectives are offered to resolve the apparent chronological difficulty.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Guzik, David. “Numbers 24 – The Prophecies of Balaam (continued).” Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-24/
3. Precept Austin. “Numbers 24 Commentary.” https://www.preceptaustin.org/numbers-24-commentary
4. Translation Insights and Perspectives. “Translation commentary on Numbers 24:7.” https://tips.translation.bible/story/translation-commentary-on-numbers-247/
5. Biblical Scholarship. “Commentary on Numbers 23:27-24:13.” https://biblicalscholarship.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/commentary-on-numbers-2327-2413/
6. Additional background consultation included Bible Hub cross-references and related articles on biblical prophecy and intertextual themes. These supplementary resources informed the study but were not directly quoted.

Hello again, everybody! Join host Lance Smith for a special midyear check-in on the Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast. Whether you’ve been listening since our 2023 trailer or you’re just joining us, this episode is packed with encouragement, gratitude, and the latest numbers showing how God continues to use this little podcast.

We take a honest look back at the first half of 2026: • 11,755 downloads — a strong 70.8% increase over the first half of 2025 • Average ~1,959 downloads per month and ~245 downloads per episode (up from 143 last year) • On pace for over 23,000 downloads in full-year 2026 • International growth exploding: U.S. at 65.17%, with big surges from Singapore (13.94%) and Canada (10.70%), plus listeners across the UK, Germany, Hong Kong, and many more countries • Desktop listening surging (Windows at 29.77%, Google Chrome leading sources at 27.72%) alongside strong mobile numbers

We also celebrate the ongoing Tuesday Contradictions series (born from your feedback) and the well-loved Sunday series walking through C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity. Plus, Lance shares listener patterns, favorite moments, and why these “numbers” really represent people opening their Bibles and wrestling with God’s Word.

This episode is full of gratitude, honest reflection, and excitement for what’s ahead in the second half of 2026. Slow thinking still beats fast answers—thank you for being part of this community!

Links & Ways to Connect: • Website: https://bibledifficultiesandanswers.podbean.com • Email questions: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com • Facebook Group: Bible Difficulties and Answers (great conversations happen here!) • Support (optional): https://buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith

If this podcast has encouraged you, please: ✅ Tell two friends about it ✅ Leave a 5-star rating/review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean, etc. ✅ Join the conversation in our Facebook group

New episodes drop regularly—subscribe so you never miss one!

The episode also explores how Matthew’s detail highlights fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy and offers practical reasons—like keeping the colt calm—for bringing the mother donkey.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/one-or-two.html 
2. CARLSON, S. C. (2019). “The Jenny and the Colt” in Matthew’s Messianic Entry, Part 1: Matthew 21:5 as a Reading of Zechariah 9:9 in Light of Mark 11:1-10. The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 81(1), 62–84. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26649077 
3. Eric Lyons, “A Donkey and Her Colt,” Apologetics Press: https://apologeticspress.org/a-donkey-and-her-colt-773/
4. “Did Jesus Ride into Jerusalem on One Donkey or Two?,” Reluctant Xtian: https://reluctantxtian.com/2020/04/03/did-jesus-ride-into-jerusalem-on-one-donkey-or-two/
5. “Jesus rode into Jerusalem on one or two donkeys? The Triumphal Entry in the Gospels,” Essential Church: https://essentialchurch.net/2018/01/29/jesus-rode-into-jerusalem-on-one-or-two-donkeys-the-triumphal-entry-in-the-gospels/
6. “Did Jesus ride more than one donkey in His triumphal entry?,” Compelling Truth: https://www.compellingtruth.org/Jesus-ride-one-two-donkeys.html
7. Wayne Coppins, “Sitting on Two Asses? Second Thoughts on the Two-Animal Interpretation of Matthew 21:7”: https://religion.uga.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/Sitting-on-Two-Asses.pdf
8. Catherine Sider Hamilton, “Commentary on Matthew 21:1-11,” Working Preacher: https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/sunday-of-the-passion-palm-sunday/commentary-on-matthew-2711-54-7
9. Instone-Brewer, David. "The Two Asses of Zechariah 9:9 in Matthew 21." Tyndale Bulletin 54.1 (2003), pp. 87–98. https://tyndalebulletin.org/article/30226-the-two-asses-of-zechariah-9-9-in-matthew-21.pdf 

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

The host explains that God’s permission was conditional while His opposition targeted Balaam’s greedy motives; the donkey’s interventions are shown as merciful corrections. The episode emphasizes that God judges intentions as well as actions and uses this strange episode to teach humility and divine sovereignty.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Miller, Jeff. “Why Was God Mad at Balaam for Going If He Said He Could?” Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/qa-why-was-god-mad-at-balaam-for-going-if-he-said-he-could-4829/
3. Guzik, David. Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 22. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-22/
4. Wax, Trevin. “Donkeys and Diviners Are Under God’s Hand.” The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/donkeys-diviners-gods-hand/
5. “Why does God tell Balaam to go with the Moabites and then get angry because he went?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/Balaam-God-change-mind.html
6. Laurie, Greg. “Angels Stop Us.” Harvest.org. https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/angels-stop-us/
7. Schorer-Finkelman, Nava. “Understanding Balaam’s Donkey: An Intertextual Approach.” Jewish Bible Quarterly. https://jbqnew.jewishbible.org/assets/Uploads/492/jbq_492_schorerbalaam.pdf
8. Frisch, Amos. “The Story of Balaam’s Ass (Numbers 22:21–35): A New Literary Insight.” Hebrew Studies 56 (2015): 103–113. https://www.academia.edu/22340493/_The_Story_of_Balaam_s_Ass_Numbers_22_21_35_A_New_Literary_Insight_Hebrew_Studies_56_2015_pp_103_113

After comparing details and timing, the host argues the simplest solution is that Jesus likely cleansed the temple twice, highlighting his consistent zeal for true worship and confronting corrupt practices.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/tantrum.html 
2. Clayton Kraby, “Did Jesus Cleanse the Temple Once or Twice? A Look at the Facts” – https://reasonabletheology.org/did-jesus-cleanse-the-temple-once-or-twice-evidence-for-twice/
3. Dr. Tim Chaffey, “The Temple Cleansing” – https://answersingenesis.org/jesus/the-temple-cleansing/
4. Eric Lyons, “Chronology and the Cleansing of the Temple” – https://apologeticspress.org/chronology-and-the-cleansing-of-the-temple-660/
5. GotQuestions.org, “How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple?” – https://www.gotquestions.org/temple-cleanse.html
6. Ligonier Ministries, “Jesus Cleanses the Temple” – https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/jesus-cleanses-the-temple
7. Allan Chapple, “Jesus’ Intervention in the Temple: Once or Twice?” – https://faithalone.org/journal-articles/jesus-intervention-in-the-temple-once-or-twice/
8. Reading Acts blog, “John 2:13-25 – The Temple Incident” – https://readingacts.com/2012/11/30/john-213-25-the-temple-incident-2/
9. Jimmy Akin (Catholic Answers), “Jesus Cleansing the Temple—Why and When?” – https://www.catholic.com/audio/tjap/jesus-cleansing-the-temple-why-and-when

The host invites listeners to notice the inner tug of conscience, honestly consider its source, and continue the series into chapter 5 where Lewis explores why that unease can be good news.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com

1. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

The episode explores the historical context, the difference between symbol and worship, Hezekiah’s destruction of Nahushtan, and Jesus’ reference in John 3 that the bronze serpent foreshadowed his being lifted up for salvation. It closes with practical lessons about guarding against turning good things into substitutes for God.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Gill, David L. “Snakes on a Plain: Numbers 21:4-9.” Covenant Theological Seminary paper, November 24, 2010. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/12579792/Snakes_on_a_Plain_Numbers_21_4_9
3. GotQuestions.org. “Why is a bronze serpent used to save the Israelites in Numbers 21:8-9?” https://www.gotquestions.org/bronze-serpent.html
4. JesusPlusNothing.com. “Faith, Idolatry and the Bronze Serpent.” https://jesusplusnothing.com/series/post/Wilderness8Num21
5. ChristOverall.com. “Snakes Alive!? or How Jesus Fulfills Numbers 21.” https://christoverall.com/article/concise/snakes-alive-or-how-jesus-fulfills-numbers-21/
6. Keystone Project. “Lessons from the Bronze Serpent.” https://www.keystoneproject.org/blog/lessons-from-the-bronze-serpent
7. BibleHub. “Why would God command Moses to create a bronze serpent?” https://biblehub.com/q/why_did_god_command_a_bronze_serpent.htm
8. TheTorah.com. “Nehushtan, the Copper Serpent: Its Origins and Fate.” https://www.thetorah.com/article/nehushtan-the-copper-serpent-its-origins-and-fate
9. Awabdy, Mark A. “Snake Iconography, Mythology, and the Meaning of the Bronze Snake Image in Numbers 21:4–9 and 2 Kings 18:4.” The Asbury Journal 77, no. 2 (2022): 217–244. https://place.asburyseminary.edu/asburyjournal/vol77/iss2/5 (PDF available via the site)
10. YouthPastorTheologian.com. “The Bronze Snake and John 3:16… A Lesson in Typology.” https://www.youthpastortheologian.com/blog/the-bronze-snake-and-john-316-a-lesson-in-typology

The episode explains that the accounts are complementary: Matthew records the total number, Mark and Luke focus on the most notable witness, and historical/contextual details (like two Jerichos) reconcile differences—showing the Gospels offer multiple, harmonious perspectives on the same event.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/blindmen.html 
2. GotQuestions.org, “Did Jesus heal two blind men or one blind man?” – https://www.gotquestions.org/one-two-blind-men.html
3. Eric Lyons, “Controversial Jericho,” Apologetics Press – https://apologeticspress.org/controversial-jericho-666/
4. SlimJim, “Bible Contradiction? How many blind men were healed near Jericho?,” Veritas Domain – https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2018/10/04/bible-contradiction-how-many-blind-men-were-healed-near-jericho/
5. Peter Goeman, “Does Blind Bartimaeus Expose a Contradiction in the Gospels?” (2026) – https://petergoeman.com/does-blind-bartimaeus-expose-a-contradiction-in-the-gospels/
6. Good Question Blog, “Why does Matthew say that Jesus healed two blind men...” – https://goodquestionblog.com/2020/07/05/why-does-matthew-say-that-jesus-healed-two-bind-men-outside-jericho-when-mark-and-luke-only-say-one/
7. Dr. Jim, “Two Blind Men Are Healed Near Jericho” – https://drjimsebt.com/2023/06/21/two-blind-men-are-healed-near-jericho/
8. Debie Thomas, “Blind Bartimaeus,” JourneyWithJesus.net – https://www.journeywithjesus.net/essays/412-blind-bartimaeus

Listen for the key takeaways: notice the gap between what you ought to do and what you do, feel the inner pressure of moral obligation, and ask what or Who placed that law in us. Next week’s episode moves into chapter 4 to investigate the source behind the law.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk 

Rather than a contradiction, the episode presents a harmonizing view: Israel was denied passage through Edom’s heartland, took a longer route around its borders, interacted peacefully along the edges, and followed God’s guidance—a lesson about detours and faithful direction.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. James, Mike. “Another Alleged Bible Discrepancy.” Church of God International, September 14, 2023. https://www.cgi.org/news-and-events/2023/9/14/another-alleged-bible-discrepancy
3. Seeking Scripture Team. “Sidebar: Is There A Contradiction Between Deuteronomy 2 and Numbers 20?” https://seekingscripture.com/sidebar-is-there-a-contradiction-between-deuteronomy-2-and-numbers-20/
4. Glatt-Gilad, David A. “Reimagining the Israelite-Edomite Encounter.” TheTorah.com, 2016. https://www.thetorah.com/article/reimagining-the-israelite-edomite-encounter
5. “You Shall Not Pass: Israelite Encounter with Edomites and Fear-Based Policy.” HIAS.org PDF. https://hias.org/wp-content/uploads/You-Shall-Not-Pass-Israelite-Encounter-with-Edomites-and-Fear-Based-Policy.pdf 
6. Guzik, David. Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 20. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-20/
7. “Evidence of Elusive Edom.” Biblical Archaeology Review / Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/evidence-of-elusive-edom/ 
8. Bienkowski, Piotr. “The Emergence of Edom: Recent Debate.” ANEToday, March 2023. https://anetoday.org/bienkowski-emergence-edom/
9. Nagtegaal, Brent. “Archaeology Confirms Biblical Account of Edomite Statehood.” Armstrong Institute, November 12, 2019. https://armstronginstitute.org/201-archaeology-confirms-biblical-account-of-edomite-statehood

The episode also discusses God's foreknowledge and human free will with a clear illustration, then highlights practical implications for evangelism and personal assurance.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/ransom.html 
2. Frank Turek video: “If God knows our choices before we make them, are we truly free?” https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1221904213172171 
3. Veritas Domain. “Bible Contradiction? Was Jesus a ransom for many or a ransom for all?” November 13, 2020. https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2020/11/13/bible-contradiction-was-jesus-a-ransom-for-many-or-a-ransom-for-all/
4. GotQuestions.org. “Limited Atonement – Is it Biblical?” https://www.gotquestions.org/limited-atonement.html
5. GotQuestions.org. “Is the Atonement of Christ Unlimited?” https://www.gotquestions.org/unlimited-atonement.html
6. GotQuestions.org. “What does it mean that Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many?” https://www.gotquestions.org/give-His-life-as-a-ransom-for-many.html
7. Kayser, Phillip G. “Ransom Paid: Does the Bible Limit the Atonement?” Biblical Blueprints. https://biblicalblueprints.com/Booklets/Ransom-Paid
8. Allen, David L. “Yes, Jesus Did Die for [the Sins of] Everyone!” https://drdavidlallen.com/yes-jesus-did-die-for-the-sins-of-everyone/
9. Piper, John. “Isn’t Unlimited Atonement More Glorious Than Limited Atonement?” Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/isnt-unlimited-atonement-more-glorious-than-limited-atonement
10. Wilkin, Bob. “Is Jesus the Ransom for Many or for All? (Matthew 20:28).” Faith Alone. https://faithalone.org/blog/is-jesus-the-ransom-for-many-or-for-all-matthew-2028/

Listen for practical takeaways: notice the inner voice telling you what you ought to do, consider whether you treat it as real, and join the conversation as the series continues into the origin of the moral law next week.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk 

The episode also reflects on Kadesh’s role in Israel’s story as a place of provision and testing, and how understanding ancient geography helps resolve modern reading challenges without undermining the text’s reliability.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Ben-Gad HaCohen, David. “Solving the Problem of ‘Kadesh in the Wilderness of Paran’.” TheTorah.com, 2015. https://www.thetorah.com/article/solving-the-problem-of-kadesh-in-the-wilderness-of-paran
3. “Wilderness Wanderings: Where is Kadesh?” Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-sites-places/biblical-archaeology-places/wilderness-wanderings-where-is-kadesh/
4. Bible.ca article on the Wilderness of Paran. https://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-exodus-route-wilderness-of-paran.htm
5. “Contradictory Kadesh Traditions.” contradictionsinthebible.com. http://contradictionsinthebible.com/contradictory-kadesh-traditions/
6. Bible Mapper: “Kadesh-Barnea and Its Surroundings.” https://biblemapper.com/blog/index.php/2024/01/15/kadesh-barnea-and-its-surroundings/
7. Jewish Virtual Library: Kadesh. https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/kadesh
8. HolyLandSite.com: Kadesh Barnea. https://www.holylandsite.com/kadesh-barnea
9. Finkelstein, Israel. “Kadesh Barnea: A Reevaluation of Its Archaeology and History.” Tel Aviv 37 (2010). https://israelfinkelstein.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/kadesh-barnea-tel-aviv-37-1.pdf

By the end you'll have a clear, simple framework to explain these passages, strengthen your faith, and confidently respond to skeptics.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/power.html 
2. GotQuestions: https://www.gotquestions.org/kenosis.html 
3. Christ is the Cure: “Christ Emptied Himself – The Kenosis of Christ” https://christisthecure.org/christ-emptied-himself-the-kenosis-of-christ/ 
4. Evidence Unseen: “The Incarnation” https://evidenceunseen.com/theology/christ/the-incarnation 
5. Mike Riccardi: “Veiled in Flesh the Godhead See” (TMSJ) https://tms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Riccardi-Veiled-in-Flesh-the-Godhead-See-TMSJ-Printed.pdf 
6. William Lane Craig: “The Incarnate Christ’s Knowledge” https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-book-blog/2024/the-incarnate-christ-s-knowledge 
7. Brian Hufing: https://brianhuffling.com/did-jesus-even-claim-to-be-god/ 
8. Monergism: https://www.monergism.com/kenosis-0 

Smith invites listeners to notice everyday moments of moral complaint and to consider where the sense of "ought" comes from, teasing Chapter 2 for the following week.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk 

The episode highlights that while judgment fell on those who joined the revolt, mercy preserved the faithful remnant—whose descendants later became temple singers, psalmists, and ancestors of Samuel.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Guzik, David. Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 16. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-16/
3. Garris, Zachary. “The Faithful Sons of the Rebel Korah (Numbers 16).” KnowingScripture.com. https://knowingscripture.com/articles/the-faithful-sons-of-the-rebel-korah-numbers-16
4. “What was the significance of the rebellion of Korah?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/rebellion-of-Korah.html
5. Albright, Charlie. “Numbers 16:16-35 (Korah Meets His Maker).” SuperiorWord.org. https://superiorword.org/numbers-16-16-35-korah-meets-his-maker/
6. “The Redemption of Korah: the Sons of Korah.” Navigating by Faith. https://navigatingbyfaith.com/2020/07/04/the-redemption-of-korah-the-sons-of-korah/
7. “Numbers 16:23-35: The Sons of Korah Resist The Pull of Rebellion.” Edge Induced Cohesion. https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011/03/19/numbers-16-23-35-the-sons-of-korah-resist-the-pull-of-rebellion/

The episode also explores the message behind the request—ambition and misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom—and how Jesus teaches servant leadership, turning a moment of pride into a lesson on humility and sacrifice.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/best_seats.html 
2. David Wright, “Contradictions: Mother Knows Best,” Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/mother-knows-best/
3. Eric Lyons, “Who Made the Request to Sit at Jesus’ Side?,” Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/who-made-the-request-to-sit-at-jesus-side-4121/
4. “Bible Contradiction? Who asked for the best seats in heaven?,” Veritas Domain. https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2021/03/04/bible-contradiction-who-asked-for-the-best-seats-in-heaven/
5. Stephen J. Graham, “Does Matthew 20 contradict Mark 10?,” stephenjgraham.wordpress.com. https://stephenjgraham.wordpress.com/2016/12/12/does-matthew-20-contradict-mark-10/
6. Bible Hub community discussion: https://biblehub.com/q/why_does_matthew_mention_their_mother.htm
7. Phil Long, “The Mother of James and John Asks for a Favor – Matthew 20:20–21,” Reading Acts. https://readingacts.com/2022/03/02/the-mother-of-james-and-john-asks-for-a-favor-matthew-2020-21/

Next week: chapter one on the law of human nature.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk 

The episode cites later biblical passages and modern commentators to clarify the narrative and previews a follow-up on whether some of Korah's family survived the rebellion.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Adelman, Rachel. “The Mysterious Literary Life and Death of Korah.” TheTorah.com (2014). https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-mysterious-literary-life-and-death-of-korah
3. Guzik, David. Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 16. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-16/
4. Garris, Zachary. “The Faithful Sons of the Rebel Korah (Numbers 16).” KnowingScripture.com. https://knowingscripture.com/articles/the-faithful-sons-of-the-rebel-korah-numbers-16
5. “What was the significance of the rebellion of Korah?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/rebellion-of-Korah.html
6. Adelman, Rav Rachel. “When the Earth Opened her Mouth.” Hebrew College Blog. https://hebrewcollege.edu/blog/when-the-earth-opened-her-mouth/
7. Albright, Charlie. “Numbers 16:16-35 (Korah Meets His Maker).” SuperiorWord.org. https://superiorword.org/numbers-16-16-35-korah-meets-his-maker/

The episode addresses apparent contradictions—iron chariots, Jesus’ limits in Nazareth, and the claim that God cannot lie—explaining these as human failure, relational restraint, or moral perfection rather than divine weakness.

Practical encouragement follows: trust God with your impossible situations, pray with confident dependence, and cling to the assurance that God’s promises are steadfast.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/cando.html 
2. GotQuestions.org, “What does it mean that God is omnipotent?” https://www.gotquestions.org/God-omnipotent.html
3. John Rothra, “Biblical Omnipotence: 7 Things God Cannot Do” https://www.johnrothra.com/know/theology/biblical-omnipotence-7-things-god-cannot-do/
4. Mathew Gilbert, “God Is Omnipotent: What Does This Mean?” https://matgilbert.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/god-is-omnipotent-what-does-this-mean/
5. Veritas Domain, “Bible Contradiction? How much power did Jesus have?” https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2025/05/02/bible-contradiction-how-much-power-did-jesus-have/
6. Paul Ellis, Escape to Reality https://escapetoreality.org/2010/08/02/does-god-give-and-take-away/  
7. Randy DeVaul, BCWorldview.org, “GOD CANNOT LIE” https://bcworldview.org/god-cannot-lie/
8. Robert Ream, OPC.org, “The ‘Inability’ of God” https://opc.org/new_horizons/NH02/06b.html
9. Jovan Payes, Biblical Faith Online, “Titus 1:2: Does God Choose Not to Lie?” https://biblicalfaith.online/2022/12/28/titus-12-does-god-choose-not-to-lie/

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

The episode clarifies how the texts complement one another, draws out the crucial distinction between unintentional and deliberate sin, and points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Heereman, Vincenz. “Sacrificial Atonement in Numbers 15:22–31: Theological Implications of an Unforgivable Sin.” In Remember Their Sin No More? Forgiveness and the Hebrew Bible, edited by David J. Shepherd and Richard S. Briggs. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2022. 22–38.
3. Dunham, Kyle C. “The Sin Offering and the Guilt Offering of the Levitical Cult.” Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, September 6, 2023. Available at: https://dbts.edu/2023/09/06/the-sin-offering-and-the-guilt-offering-of-the-levitical-cult/ (full PDF at https://dbts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-Sin-Offering-and-the-Guilt-Offering-of-the-Levitical-Cult-by-Kyle-C-Dunham.pdf)
4. Rashi. Commentary on Numbers 15 (traditional Jewish view). Betemunah.org. Available at: https://www.betemunah.org/offering.html
5. Bible Hub. Commentaries on Numbers 15:24. BibleHub.com. Available at: https://biblehub.com/commentaries/numbers/15-24.htm
6. StudyLight.org. Verse-by-Verse Commentary on Numbers 15:24. Available at: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/numbers/15-24.html
7. Precept Austin. Numbers 15 Commentary. Available at: https://www.preceptaustin.org/numbers-15-commentary
8. Enduring Word. Bible Commentary on Leviticus 4. Available at: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/leviticus-4/

The episode highlights examples from Scripture, explains stewardship and dependence on God, and concludes that wealth is neutral—what matters is how we use it and whom we serve.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/rich.html 
2. “Wealth and Righteousness,” Ron Blue Institute: https://ronblueinstitute.com/article/wealth-and-righteousness/
3. “A Biblical View of Wealth,” Costi Hinn, For the Gospel: https://www.forthegospel.org/read/a-biblical-view-of-wealth
4. “Are Riches and Righteousness At Odds?,” Institute for Faith, Work & Economics: https://institutefc.org/are-riches-and-righteousness-at-odds/
5. “Wealth and Stewardship: Key Biblical Principles,” Michael W. Austin, Christian Research Institute: https://www.equip.org/articles/wealth-stewardship-key-biblical-principles/
6. “The Danger of Wealth,” Christian Stewardship Network: https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/blog/2022/7/7/the-danger-of-wealth
7. “What Does the Bible Say About Wealth and Provision?,” Theology of Work Project: https://www.theologyofwork.org/key-topics/provision-wealth/
8. “Reflections on Wealth and Poverty in the Hebrew Bible,” Joel Kaminsky: https://scholarworks.smith.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1026&context=rel_facpubs
9. “The Morality of Wealth,” Ismar Schorsch, Jewish Theological Seminary: https://www.jtsa.edu/torah/the-morality-of-wealth/

The episode argues the absence of durable graves fits the Bible’s description of a judged, transient generation and explains why lack of visible remains is not evidence against the Exodus account.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Franz, Gordon. “Where are the Israelite Burials From the Wilderness Wanderings?” Associates for Biblical Research. https://biblearchaeology.org/research/exodus-from-egypt/3811-where-are-the-israelite-burials-from-the-wilderness-wanderings
3. “Why haven’t we found the graves of the Israelites in the wilderness?” BibleAsk.org. https://bibleask.org/why-havent-we-found-the-graves-of-the-israelites-in-the-wilderness/
4. Christian Think Tank material on related archaeological questions: https://www.christian-thinktank.com/noai.html
5. “Ancient Israelite Tombs and Burial Practices,” Posen Library. https://www.posenlibrary.com/guide/ancient-israelite-tombs-and-burial-practices 
6. “Israel in the Wilderness: Evidence in the Right Place and at the Right Time?” Truth in Time. https://truthintime.org/israel-in-the-wilderness-evidence-in-the-right-place-and-at-the-right-time/
7. Maritis, Tony. “Is There Any Archaeological Proof At All For The Biblical Exodus?” Medium. https://tonymaritis.medium.com/is-there-any-archaeological-proof-at-all-for-the-biblical-exodus-3f770d0b6763

The episode shows the Bible consistently condemns theft and explains the highlighted Old Testament cases as descriptive, cultural, or acts of divine justice rather than endorsements of stealing.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/steal.html 
2. “What Does the Bible Say about Stealing?,” Vivian Bricker, Christianity.com. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-does-the-bible-say-about-stealing.html
3. Bar Niv, Moshe. “Regulating Theft – Lessons from Biblical Law.” Rutgers Journal of Law & Religion, Vol. 16, 2014. https://sites.camden.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2017/03/Regulating-Theft-Bar-Niv.pdf
4. “Israelite Plundering and a Missing Donkey,” Eric Lyons, Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/israelite-plundering-and-a-missing-donkey-649/
5. “Exodus 3:22 – The Israelites Leave Egypt,” Wayne Jackson, Christian Courier. https://christiancourier.com/articles/exodus-3-22-the-israelites-leave-egypt
6. “What is the meaning of ‘spoiled the Egyptians’ in Exodus 12:36?,” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/spoiled-the-Egyptians.html
7. “Why did people keep family idols in the Bible?,” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/family-idols.html
8. “Laban Searches for His Stolen Idols—Genesis 31:33,” Emanuel Tov, TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/laban-searches-for-his-stolen-idols-genesis-31-33
9. “Rachel’s Teraphim: A Critique of the Northern Kingdom,” Erin D. Darby, TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/rachels-teraphim-a-critique-of-the-northern-kingdom
10. “Why Steal the Household gods?,” Entrusted to the Dirt. https://entrustedtothedirt.com/2021/03/22/why-steal-the-household-gods/
11. Sláma, Petr. “‘Thus they despoiled the Egyptians’ (Exod 12:36 and parallels): On the scandal of asking silver and gold from innocent neighbours.” https://www.academia.edu/38556165/_Thus_they_despoiled_the_Egyptians_Exod_12_36_and_parallels_On_the_scandal_of_asking_silver_and_gold_from_innocent_neighbours 

He explains how the same people in the southern Negev could be described both ways depending on perspective and terrain, showing the verses are complementary rather than contradictory.

The episode connects this close reading to a broader point about trusting Scripture and obeying God, and points listeners to further resources and commentary.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. “Shelach – Emek and Har: The Dwelling Place of the Amalekites and the Canaanites,” Israel Koschitzky Virtual Beit Midrash (Yeshivat Har Etzion). https://www.etzion.org.il/en/tanakh/studies-tanakh/core-studies-tanakh/shelach-emek-and-har-dwelling-place-amalekites-and
3. “Do the Amalekites live in the land of the Negeb OR in the valley?” contradictionsinthebible.com. https://contradictionsinthebible.com/amalekites-live-in-negeb-or-valley/
4. Bible Hub Commentaries on Numbers 14:25. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/numbers/14-25.htm
5. StudyLight Verse-by-Verse Commentaries on Numbers 14:25. https://www.studylight.org/commentary/numbers/14-25.html
6. “The Amalekites,” Jewish Virtual Library. https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-amalekites (Plus additional geographical insights from Biblical Archaeology Society and related sources on Negev terrain.)

The episode clarifies translation differences, context with the rich young man, Jesus’ teaching method, and how the passage exposes misplaced confidence while strengthening trust in Scripture.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/jesus-good.html 
2. GotQuestions.org articles: https://www.gotquestions.org/good-God-alone.html , https://www.gotquestions.org/why-do-you-call-me-good.html , https://www.gotquestions.org/rich-young-ruler.html
3. Catholic Answers: “Why Different Translations for Matthew 19:16-17?” https://www.catholic.com/qa/why-different-translations-for-matthew-1916-17
4. Douglas Groothuis, “Jesus: Philosopher and Apologist,” Christian Research Journal (2002/updated 2009) https://www.equip.org/articles/jesus-philosopher-and-apologist/
5. Terry J. Hedrick, “Jesus as Shepherd in the Gospel of Matthew,” PhD thesis, Durham University (2007) https://etheses.durham.ac.uk/id/eprint/2536/1/2536_547.pdf
6. Answering Islam rebuttal by David Thompson: https://www.answering-islam.org/authors/thompson/rebuttals/questionmark/response_where_i_am_god.html
7. Hold Fast Blog: “Why Do You Call Me Good? Mark 10:18” https://holdfast.blog/2025/11/15/why-do-you-call-me-good-mark-1018/
8. Beautiful Christian Life: “What Point Was Jesus Making to the Rich Young Ruler?” https://beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/what-point-was-jesus-making-to-the-rich-young-ruler

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Utley, Bob. Free Bible Commentary on Numbers 13. http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/old_testament_studies/VOL02COT/VOL02COT_13.html
3. Knowing Scripture. “Giants in the Land: A Biblical Theology of the Nephilim, Anakim, Rephaim, and Goliath.” https://knowingscripture.com/articles/giants-in-the-land-a-biblical-theology-of-the-nephilim-anakim-rephaim-and-goliath
4. Bradley, Jamin. “The Giant Clans of the Bible.” https://jaminbradley.com/2019/07/03/the-giants-clans-of-the-bible/
5. Hadar Institute. “Uncovering the Spies.” https://www.hadar.org/torah-tefillah/resources/uncovering-spies
6. The Gospel Coalition. Numbers Commentary. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/commentary/numbers/

Listeners will learn how the three accounts offer complementary perspectives on the rich young man’s question about eternal life and why the passage highlights discipleship and the heart’s true loyalties.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/sixth.html 
2. Michael A. LaFramboise, “A Discourse Analysis of Matthew 19:16-30: The Pericope of the Rich Young Man,” (Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, June 5, 2023).
3. David N. Bivin, “Rich Man Declines the Kingdom of Heaven,” Jerusalem Perspective (18 Nov 2014): https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/12323/
4. John J. Collins, “Love Your Neighbor: How It Became the Golden Rule,” TheTorah.com (27 April 2020): https://www.thetorah.com/article/love-your-neighbor-how-it-became-the-golden-rule
5. David Guzik, “Matthew Chapter 19,” Enduring Word Bible Commentary: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-19/
6. “Why did Jesus tell the rich young ruler he could be saved by obeying the commandments?” GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/rich-young-ruler.html
7. Layton Talbert, “Diagnosing the Rich Young Ruler’s Problem,” BJU Seminary (20 June 2019): https://seminary.bju.edu/theology-in-3d/what-was-the-rich-rulers-problem/
8. “Which Commandments Should We Really Follow? (Matthew 19),” Rethinking Scripture: https://rethinkingscripture.com/which-commandments-should-we-really-follow/

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Zev Farber, “Why Was Joshua Singled Out by Moses? A New Insight into an Old Question,” TheTorah.com (June 10, 2014). https://www.thetorah.com/article/why-was-joshua-singled-out-by-moses
3. “The 12 Spies (Meraglim) in the Bible,” Chabad.org. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3700062/jewish/The-12-Spies-Meraglim-in-the-Bible.htm
4. BibleHub discussion: “Why did Moses change Hoshea’s name to Joshua?” https://biblehub.com/q/Why_did_Moses_rename_Hoshea_Joshua.htm
5. Mesu Andrews, “Moses Changed Joshua’s Name—Why It Matters.” https://mesuandrews.com/moses-changed-joshuas-name-why-it-matters/
6. Elinoar Bareket, “What’s in a Name?: The Bible vs. the Middle Ages,” TheTorah.com (December 12, 2016). https://www.thetorah.com/article/whats-in-a-name-the-bible-vs-the-middle-ages
7. David Frankel, “The Story of the Anonymous Scouts, Modified by the Book of Numbers,” TheTorah.com (June 23, 2022). https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-story-of-the-anonymous-scouts-modified-by-the-book-of-numbers

The episode traces the biblical trajectory through Isaiah 56 and Acts 8 to demonstrate inclusion and redemption rather than exclusion, concluding that Scripture cares about the heart and faith, not physical condition.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/castrated.html 
2. “The Prohibition of Joining the Assembly of the Lord.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-prohibition-of-joining-the-assembly-of-the-lord
3. “Even Eunuchs Are Included.” Ligonier Ministries. https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/even-eunuchs-are-included
4. “Tough Passages #5: Eunuchs and Pharisees (Deuteronomy 23:1).” Redeeming Culture. https://redeemingculture.com/theology/tough-passages/2613-tough-passages-5-eunuchs-and-pharisees-deuteronomy-231
5. “What is a eunuch in the Bible?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/eunuch-eunuchs.html
6. “Eunuchs in the Bible.” Biblical Archaeology Review / BiblicalArchaeology.org. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/bible-interpretation/eunuchs-in-the-bible/
7. “Difficult Bible Passages: Matthew 19:12.” Bill Muehlenberg. https://billmuehlenberg.com/2009/10/30/difficult-bible-passages-matthew-1912/

Listeners will hear how the term ʿānāv can mean humble or afflicted, how Numbers 11–12 shape our understanding of Moses' character, and why ancient manuscripts and theological insight support the verse's reliability and purpose.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library. Manuscript 4Q27 (4QNum^b). Accessed via https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/explore-the-archive/manuscript/4Q27-1
3. Rogers, Cleon. “Moses: Meek or Miserable?” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 29/3 (1986): 257–263. Available at: https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/files_JETS-PDFs_29_29-3_29-3-pp257-263_JETS.pdf
4. Dawes, Stephen B. “Numbers 12.3: What Was Special About Moses?” The Bible Translator 41, no. 3 (July 1990).
5. Ward, Doug. “The Meanings of Moses’ Meekness.” http://graceandknowledge.faithweb.com/num12.html
6. “How could Moses write this, if he was more humble than all men?” Evidence Unseen. https://evidenceunseen.com/old-testament/numbers/difficulties/how-could-moses-write-this-if-he-was-more-humble-than-all-men
7. Butt, Kyle. “How Humble Could Moses Have Been?” Apologetics Press, 2002. https://apologeticspress.org/how-humble-could-moses-have-been-939/
8. Jeff. “How Can Moses Say He is the Most Humble Man on the Earth?” Anti-Itch Meditation, February 21, 2023. https://antiitchmeditation.wordpress.com/2023/02/21/how-can-moses-say-he-is-the-most-humble-man-on-the-earth/
9. Hamilton, Jim. “Failed Humblebrag? Mosaic Self-Promotion? Or True Humility?” September 14, 2011. https://jimhamilton.info/2011/09/14/failed-humblebrag-mosaic-self-promotion-or-true-humility/
10. “Evidence for Mosaic Authorship of the Torah.” Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/
11. Rashi, Commentary on Numbers 12:3. (See standard editions or Sefaria.org for English rendering: “ענו means, humble and patient.”)

The episode also addresses contemporary cultural challenges, urges churches to hold to Scripture’s teaching, and offers compassion and hope to listeners wrestling with gender questions.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/male_and_female.html 
2. Troy Lacey, “Does Genesis 1:27 Mean That God Originally Created Adam with Both Genders?” Answers in Genesis, July 1, 2022. https://answersingenesis.org/family/gender/god-created-adam-both-genders/
3. Ryan Pauly, “Are Genesis 1 and 2 Contradictory Creation Accounts?” Think Well, January 2, 2018. https://think-well.org/2018/01/02/are-genesis-1-and-2-contradictory-creation-accounts/
4. Carey Griffel, “Are Genesis 1 and 2 Separate Creation Accounts? Comparing the Two Stories,” Genesis Marks the Spot. https://www.genesismarksthespot.com/blog/two-creation-accounts-in-genesis-1-2/
5. “What does the Bible mean by ‘male and female He created them’ (Genesis 1:27)?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/male-and-female-He-created-them.html
6. “Male and Female Forever? Complementarity in the New Creation,” Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/male-and-female-forever
7. Eikon: A Journal for Biblical Anthropology, Fall 2019 issue (Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood). Free PDF: https://cbmw.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/eikon_issue2_web_2.pdf

More than a historical event, the resurrection is presented as a present, life-changing reality—proof that broken things can be restored and that hope defeats death. Lance offers a simple challenge: read Luke 24, reflect on the shift from confusion to joy, and invite the risen Jesus to renew your heart.

He reflects on prophecy fulfilled, the personal cost of sin, and the hope of resurrection, inviting listeners to pause, read the accounts slowly, and let the cross speak into their lives.

The episode contrasts God’s daily provision with Israel’s persistent grumbling, explains how the quail became a test and judgment, and applies the lesson to modern life by urging contentment in Christ.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Guzik, David. “Numbers 11.” Enduring Word Bible Commentary. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-11/
3. Utley, Bob. “Numbers 11.” Free Bible Commentary. https://www.freebiblecommentary.org/old_testament_studies/VOL02COT/VOL02COT_11.html
4. “What were the quail mentioned in the Bible?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/quail-in-the-Bible.html
5. Wilkinson, John. “The Quail Epidemic of Numbers 11:31-34.” Evangelical Quarterly (1999). https://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/eq/1999-3_195.pdf
6. “Complaint and Judgment – Numbers 11.” Redeemed Mind (2022). https://redeemedmind.com/2022/12/16/complaint-and-judgment-numbers-11/

The episode explains Genesis, Jesus' teaching, Paul's guidance, and church history to show there is no contradiction—only two complementary callings designed by God.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/marriage.html 
2. Oyeniyi, Oluseye David. “The Theology of Marriage in Matthew 19:1-12 as a Response to Marital Instability in African Christian Communities.” Pan-African Journal of Theology, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2025, pp. 1-20. https://doi.org/10.56893/pajot2025v04i02.01
3. Guzik, David. Enduring Word Bible Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-corinthians-7/
4. GotQuestions.org: • “Better to Marry Than to Burn”: https://www.gotquestions.org/better-to-marry-than-to-burn.html • “What Does the Bible Say About a Christian Staying Single?”: https://www.gotquestions.org/single-Christian.html
5. “The Significance of Singleness: A Theological Vision for the Future of the Church” (Denver Journal, Denver Seminary): https://denverjournal.denverseminary.edu/the-denver-journal-article/the-significance-of-singleness-a-theological-vision-for-the-future-of-the-church/
6. “Singleness in the Bible” (Renew.org): https://renew.org/singleness-in-the-bible
7. “What is the Gift of Singleness?” (Living Out): https://www.livingout.org/resources/articles/51/what-is-the-gift-of-singleness
8. “When Did the Catholic Church Decide Priests Should Be Celibate?” (History News Network): https://www.historynewsnetwork.org/article/when-did-the-catholic-church-decide-priests-should-be-celibate

The episode shows how that layout resolves the difficulty, highlights God’s presence in the midst of his people, and notes how the Spirit moved freely when 70 elders (and two who stayed back) began to prophesy.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Farber, Zev. “The Other Ohel Moed.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-other-ohel-moed
3. Guzik, David. Enduring Word Bible Commentary on Numbers 11. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/numbers/numbers-11.cfm
4. Jeon, Jaeyoung. “Israel’s Wilderness Camp Modeled on the Persian Military Formation.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/israels-wilderness-camp-modeled-on-the-persian-military-formation
5. “Tabernacle Camp of Israel.” Bible Discovery TV, June 9, 2021. https://biblediscoverytv.com/history/2021/tabernacle-camp-of-israel/
6. Tsegaw, Melak A. “An Inquiry into the Historicity of the Tabernacle in Ancient Israel.” American Journal of Biblical Theology, Volume 20 (03), January 20, 2019. https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/TsegawMA01.pdf

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/childish.html 
2. Abera Abay, “Children in the Gospel of Luke” (African Theological Journal for Church and Society, vol. 2, no. 2, 2021)
3. BibleRef, “Matthew 18:3 – Meaning and Commentary”: https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/18/Matthew-18-3.html
4. Answers in Genesis, “Act Like a Child?”: https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/act-like-a-child/
5. GotQuestions.org, “Does the Bible instruct us to have childlike faith?”: https://www.gotquestions.org/childlike-faith.html
6. The Gospel Coalition, “Childlike Faith Is Not Childish”: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/childlike-faith-is-not-childish/
7. Harvest.org (Greg Laurie), “Childlike, Not Childish”: https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/childlike-not-childish/
8. Redeeming God, “What is childlike faith? (Matthew 18:3)”: https://redeeminggod.com/childlike-faith-matthew-18-3/
9. Enduring Word Commentary (David Guzik), “Matthew 18”: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-18/
10. A.L. Allen, “For Theirs is the Kingdom: (Re)membering Young Children in the Gospel of Luke” (Doctoral Thesis, Vanderbilt University): https://digitalcommons.du.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1886&context=etd

The episode also reflects on how the changing descriptions mirror Israel’s shifting attitude toward God’s provision and invites listeners to see depth rather than contradiction in Scripture.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, Third Edition, New Revised Standard Version. Oxford University Press, 2007.
3. BibleRef.com, "What does Exodus 16:31 mean?" https://www.bibleref.com/Exodus/16/Exodus-16-31.html
4. Enduring Word Bible Commentary, Exodus 16, by David Guzik. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/exodus-16/
5. "Manna from Heaven: What Could Be Better?" by Rabbi Laura Geller, Reform Judaism.org. https://reformjudaism.org/learning/torah-study/torah-commentary/manna-heaven-what-could-be-better
6. "What Was the Bread From Heaven That Saved God's People?" by Jack Zavada, LearnReligions.com. https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-manna-700742

The episode shows how different expressions convey the same event, highlights Sinai parallels and early church interpretation, and presents the apologetic significance of harmony among independent Gospel witnesses.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/transfig.html 
2. Eric Lyons, "Six or Eight Days?" (Apologetics Press): https://apologeticspress.org/six-or-eight-days-757/
3. Kermit Zarley, "When Jesus First Predicted His Death, Was He Transfigured Six Or Eight Days Later?" (Patheos): https://www.patheos.com/blogs/kermitzarleyblog/2017/07/jesus-first-predicted-death-transfigured-six-eight-days-later/
4. Stephen N. Williams, "The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ" (The Gospel Coalition / Themelios): https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-transfiguration-of-jesus-christ
5. Berean Insights, "Bible Gem 913 - Eight Days after These Sayings (Luke 9:28)": https://www.bereaninsights.org/bible-gem-913-8-days-after-these-sayings-luke-928/
6. Robert Clifton Robinson, "The Transfiguration: Is There A Contradiction Between Matthew, Mark, And Luke?": https://robertcliftonrobinson.com/bible-contradictions-and-difficulties/the-transfiguration-is-there-a-contradiction-between-matthew-mark-and-luke/
7. Ad Fontes Journal, "The Transfiguration and the Church Fathers": https://adfontesjournal.com/church-history/the-transfiguration-and-the-church-fathers/
8. Jeff Riddle, "Did the transfiguration take place about eight days after...": http://www.jeffriddle.net/2013/03/did-transfiguration-take-place-about.html
9. Veritas Domain, "Bible Contradiction? When did the transfiguration occur?": https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2018/08/10/bible-contradiction-when-did-the-transfiguration-occur/ 

Through careful reading of the text and commentary, Lance shows how theology and narrative fit together in the march from Sinai toward the Promised Land, and why this detail strengthens rather than weakens confidence in Scripture.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. StudyLight.org Commentary on Numbers 10:33 (including Adam Clarke, Barnes, Gill, Keil & Delitzsch, etc.): https://www.studylight.org/commentary/numbers/10-33.html
3. Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 10 (David Guzik): https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-10/
4. "The Song of the Ark – Numbers 10:35–36" by Emanuel Tov, TheTorah.com: https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-song-of-the-ark-numbers-10-35-36
5. "Israel’s Wilderness Camp Modeled on the Persian Military Formation" by Jaeyoung Jeon, TheTorah.com: https://www.thetorah.com/article/israels-wilderness-camp-modeled-on-the-persian-military-formation
6. "The History of the Use of the Ark (I)" by Rav Yitzchak Levy, Yeshivat Har Etzion: https://www.etzion.org.il/en/tanakh/studies-tanakh/core-studies-tanakh/history-use-ark-i
7. JesusWalk Bible Study on Joshua 3 (entering the land, Ark leading): https://www.jesuswalk.com/joshua/3_entering.htm 

The episode walks through key Gospel passages, cultural context, and scholarly insights to explain how partial understanding and expectations led to confusion, concluding that there is no contradiction between the accounts.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/comingdeath.html 
2. Martin Pickup, “'ON THE THIRD DAY': The Time Frame of Jesus' Death and Resurrection,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 56/3 (2013): 511–542. https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/files_JETS-PDFs_56_56-3_JETS_56-3_511-542_Pickup.pdf
3. William Lane Craig, “Jesus’ Predictions of His Own Resurrection,” Good Book Blog, Biola University (2014). https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-book-blog/2014/jesus-predictions-of-his-own-resurrection
4. Cale Clarke, “Did Jesus Really Predict His Death?,” Catholic Answers Magazine. https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/did-jesus-really-predict-his-death
5. Steve Davis, “The Historicity of Jesus’s Death and Resurrection,” Tidings. https://tidings.org/resources/the-historicity-of-jesuss-death-and-resurrection/
6. “Peter and John at the Tomb of Jesus,” Ligonier Ministries Devotional. https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/peter-and-john-at-the-tomb-of-jesus
7. Jeff Scott Kennedy, “Misunderstanding Jesus: Did the Disciples Misunderstand Jesus’ Message and Mission?” BiblicalTheology.com. https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/KennedyJS01.pdf

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Guzik, David. “Numbers 10 – Two Silver Trumpets, the Departure from Sinai,” Enduring Word Bible Commentary. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-10/
3. “Hobab—Jethro or Moses’ Brother-in-Law? (Numbers 10:29),” Knowing Scripture. https://knowingscripture.com/articles/hobab-jethro-or-moses-brother-in-law-numbers-10-29
4. “Commentary on Numbers 10:11–36,” BiblicalScholarship.org. https://biblicalscholarship.wordpress.com/2017/02/12/commentary-on-numbers-1011-36/
5. “Who Is Moses’ Father-in-Law: Reuel, Jethro or Hobab?” Abundant Springs Church Blog. https://abundantsprings.church/blog/who-is-moses-father-in-law-reuel-jethro-or-hobab
6. “Numbers 10:33 – The Ark Going Before Israel,” TheBibleSays.com. https://thebiblesays.com/en/commentary/num+10:33
7. “Numbers 10:29–32: Why did Moses rely on Hobab’s guidance if God was leading them?” BibleHub Q&A. https://biblehub.com/q/why_did_moses_need_hobab's_guidance.htm 
8. HarperCollins Study Bible (NRSV), Fully Revised and Updated Edition. Edited by Harold W. Attridge and the Society of Biblical Literature. HarperOne, 2006.

The host explains these are two moments in Peter’s journey — an initial introduction by Andrew and a later, deeper revelation from God — and shows how the Gospels record the growth from hearing about Jesus to truly knowing him.

The episode draws on commentaries and historical interpretation to show the passages complement one another and encourages listeners to move from borrowed belief to personal conviction.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/peter_find_out.html 
2. Enduring Word Commentary on Matthew 16 (David Guzik): https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-16/
3. Veritas Domain: "Bible Contradiction? How did Peter find out that Jesus was the Messiah?": https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2021/02/25/bible-contradiction-how-did-peter-find-out-that-jesus-was-the-messiah/
4. Evidence for Christianity: "Does John 1:41 contradict Matthew 16:16-17?": https://evidenceforchristianity.org/does-john-141-contradict-matthew-1616-17-as-to-when-peter-knew-jesus-was-the-messiah/
5. Religious Studies Center (BYU): "Peter's Keys": https://rsc.byu.edu/ministry-peter-chief-apostle/peters-keys
6. GotQuestions.org: "What did Jesus mean when He said, 'flesh and blood has not revealed this to you'?": https://www.gotquestions.org/flesh-and-blood-has-not-revealed-this-to-you.html 
7. Tucker S. Ferda, "The Seventy Faces of Peter's Confession: Matt. 16:16-17 in the History of Interpretation," Biblical Interpretation 20 (2012): 421-457.

By exploring cultural and textual context — including Paul’s own vow in Acts 18 — Smith explains there’s no contradiction, only different purposes and settings for the same symbol.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. “What is the Nazirite/Nazarite vow?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/Nazirite-vow.html
3. “Numbers 6: The Nazirite Vow.” oneandall.church. https://www.oneandall.church/story/numbers-6-the-nazirite-vow
4. “The Head Covering: 1 Corinthians 11 – Part Three.” unraveledfaith.ca. https://www.unraveledfaith.ca/post/the-head-covering-1-corinthians-11-part-three
5. “The Cultural Context for the Hair Length/Style vs. Head Coverings Debate in 1 Cor 11.” theologyintheraw.com. https://theologyintheraw.com/the-cultural-context-for-the-hair-length-style-vs-head-coverings-debate-in-1-cor-11-the-meaning-of-kephale-part-12/
6. “Paul, the Head Covering: An Alternative Interpretation.” kuyperian.com. https://kuyperian.com/paul-the-head-covering-an-alternative-interpretation/

Listeners will get a clear, concise answer: New Testament believers are not biblically restricted in what animals they may eat, but they are called to act in love and conscience toward others while honoring creation and personal convictions.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible:https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/eat.html 
2. GotQuestions.org – “What does the Bible say about what foods we should eat?”: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-foods.html
3. The Gospel Coalition – “You Are What (Animal) You Eat: Bible Dietary Laws” by Andrew Wilson: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/you-are-animal-eat-bible-dietary-laws/
4. Cambridge Papers – “‘Better a Meal of Vegetables’: Should We Eat Meat?” by Andrew Wilson: https://www.cambridgepapers.org/better-a-meal-of-vegetables-should-we-eat-meat/
5. Life, Hope & Truth – “Does Acts 10 Abolish the Clean and Unclean Meat Laws?”: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/biblical-laws/clean-and-unclean-animals/acts-10/
6. The Hidden Orchard – “Peter’s Vision in Acts 10: Is It About Dietary Law?”: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/peters-vision-is-acts-10-about-dietary-law/
7. Adventist Biblical Research Institute – “Clean and Unclean Meats”: https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/articles/clean-and-unclean-meats
8. TheTorah.com – “Did God Originally Intend the World to Be Vegetarian?”: https://www.thetorah.com/article/did-god-originally-intend-the-world-to-be-vegetarian
9. Focus on the Family – “Vegans, Vegetarians, and the Bible”: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/vegans-vegetarians-and-the-bible/

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Roi, Micha. “The Law of the Sotah and the Cup of Wrath: Substantive and Adjective Law in the Hebrew Bible.” Revue Biblique 124, no. 2 (2017): 161–179.
3. Mowczko, Marg. “Jealousy and Bitter Water (Numbers 5:11–31).” MargMowczko.com. https://margmowczko.com/bitter-water-numbers-511-31/
4. Roberts, Alastair. “The Cup of the Adulteress: Understanding the Jealousy Ritual of Numbers 5.” AlastairAdversaria.com, February 9, 2013. https://alastairadversaria.com/2013/02/09/the-cup-of-the-adulteress-understanding-the-jealousy-ritual-of-numbers-5/
5. “The Sotah Ritual: Permitting a Jealous Husband to Remain with His Wife.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-sotah-ritual-permitting-a-jealous-husband-to-remain-with-his-wife
6. “Was the Sotah Meant to be Innocent?” The Lehrhaus. https://thelehrhaus.com/talmud-and-halakhah/was-the-sotah-meant-to-be-innocent/
7. Jersak, Brad. “Women on Trial (Numbers 5): A More Christlike Reading.” PTM.org. https://www.ptm.org/women-on-trial-numbers-5-a-more-christlike-reading-brad-jersak

The episode explains the difference between Israel’s theocracy (where civil death penalties applied) and the New Testament church (which emphasizes forgiveness), while noting that governments retain authority to punish wrongdoers.

In the end, Smith argues the Bible is not contradictory but nuanced, balancing God’s justice and mercy and urging thoughtful Christian engagement on the issue.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/capital.html 
2. GotQuestions.org – “What does the Bible say about the death penalty / capital punishment?” https://www.gotquestions.org/death-penalty.html
3. Charles W. Colson – “Why I Support Capital Punishment” (The Gospel Coalition) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-i-support-capital-punishment/
4. John Piper interview – “Do You Believe in Capital Punishment?” (Desiring God) https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/do-you-believe-in-capital-punishment
5. Greg Koukl – “The Bible and Capital Punishment” (Stand to Reason) https://www.str.org/w/the-bible-and-capital-punishment
6. Matthew Arbo – “Why I Oppose Capital Punishment” (The Gospel Coalition) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-i-oppose-capital-punishment/
7. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – “The Gospel of Life and the Sentence of Death: Catholic Teaching on Capital Punishment” https://www.usccb.org/committees/pro-life-activities/gospel-life-and-sentence-death-catholic-teaching-capital-punishment
8. Pope John Paul II – Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)

The conclusion highlights the importance of careful reading of Scripture and the spiritual lesson that reverent obedience protects what is holy and keeps God’s presence ready to move with his people.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
2. Eichler, Raanan. “The Poles of the Ark and Tutankhamun’s Chest.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-poles-of-the-ark-and-tutankhamuns-chest
3. Guzik, David. Enduring Word Bible Commentary on 1 Kings Chapter 8. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-kings-8/
4. “Don’t Remove the Poles.” Elkhorn Bible Church Blog. https://ebcelkhorn.com/dont-remove-the-poles
5. “Terumah: The Ark and Its Poles.” Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest. https://www.jfedgmw.org/terumah-the-ark-and-its-poles/
6. “Ark of the Covenant in Egyptian Context.” Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ark-of-the-covenant-in-egyptian-context/

The episode argues the accounts are complementary: guilt and remorse explain Herod's fearful conclusion, while Luke records the confusion and inner turmoil before that conclusion settles.

By reading the Gospels together, the host shows this is not a contradiction but a fuller psychological portrait of a guilty man, and offers a pastoral takeaway about guilt, forgiveness, and the harmony of eyewitness testimony.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/herod.html 
2. Veritas Domain blog, “Bible Contradiction? Did Herod think Jesus was John the Baptist?” by SLIMJIM: https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2016/03/26/bible-contradiction-did-herod-think-jesus-was-john-the-baptist/
3. Enduring Word Commentary on Matthew 14 and Mark 6 by David Guzik: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-14/ and https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/mark-6/
4. Biblical Archaeology Society, “Herod Antipas in the Bible and Beyond”: https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/herod-antipas-in-the-bible-and-beyond/
5. BibleAuthenticity.com, “Did Herod Think Jesus Was John the Baptist?”: https://bibleauthenticity.com/did-herod-think-jesus-was-john-the-baptist/ 
6. ‘Was John the Baptist Raised from the Dead? The Origins of Mark 6:14–16’ by Michael Wojciechowski, Biblical Annals (2017): https://czasopisma.kul.pl/index.php/ba/article/download/4378/4575/14412 

It explains that 25 marks apprenticeship in the wilderness, 30 denotes full responsibility for heavy tabernacle duties, and 20 reflects the settled temple-era and Davidic reforms—making the system coherent, wise, and situational.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
2. “Why Does Numbers 8:24 Specify a Starting Age for Levite Duties?” BibleHub Q&A. Available at: https://biblehub.com/q/Why_set_Levite_duty_age_in_Num_8_24.htm
3. “Why Did God Restrict the Age That a Priest Could Serve (Numbers 8:24–26)?” GotQuestions.org. Available at: https://www.gotquestions.org/priest-age.html
4. Miller, R. D. “What Is the Minimum Age of Service for Levites: 25 or 30?” Contradictions in the Bible (blog), 2014. Available at: http://contradictionsinthebible.com/minimum-age-service-levites-25-30/
5. Duncan, J. Ligon. “Lamps, Levites, and Retirement.” Reformed Theological Seminary, 2007 (audio/sermon article on Numbers 8). Available at: https://rts.edu/resources/lamps-levites-and-retirement/
6. NET Bible Study Notes on Ezra 3:8. Available at: https://netbible.org/bible/Ezra+3
7. Yap, Jason T. “The Purpose and Function of the Feast of Tabernacles in Ezra 3.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 64, no. 2 (2021): 253–264. Available at: https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/files_JETS-PDFs_64_64-2_JETS_64.2_253-264_Yap.pdf

The episode surveys scholarly views, explains how ancient biographies arrange material for theological effect, and argues that, whether once or twice, the central message is unchanged: a prophet is not honored in his hometown and unbelief can limit God’s work.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html 
2. Matthew R. Crawford, "Rejection at Nazareth in the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke — and Tatian": https://www.academia.edu/28252653/Rejection_at_Nazareth_in_the_Gospels_of_Mark_Matthew_Luke_and_Tatian
3. James M. Rochford, "How was Jesus rejected? (cf. Mk. 6:1-5; Lk. 4:16-30)": https://evidenceunseen.com/new-testament/matthew/difficulties/how-was-jesus-rejected-cf-mk-61-5-lk-416-30
4. "Second Rejection In Nazareth": https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-studies/ministry-outside-of-galilee-mid-a-d-32/second-rejection-in-nazareth/
5. Phil Long, "When Did the Rejection at Nazareth Happen? Matthew 13:53-58": https://readingacts.com/2021/06/14/when-did-the-rejection-at-nazareth-happen-matthew-1353-58/
6. Ian Paul, "Jesus is rejected by the people of Nazareth in Mark 6": https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/jesus-is-rejected-by-the-people-of-nazareth-in-mark-6/

In this episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers, we take a closer look at Numbers 3 and the replacement of Israel’s firstborn with the tribe of Levi. Did God change His mind, or is something deeper happening in the structure of Israel’s worship and identity?

We explore the biblical background of the firstborn, the role of substitution and redemption, and how the Levites functioned as mediators on behalf of the nation. Along the way, we consider how these seemingly technical passages are intentionally shaping the reader to think in categories of holiness, representation, and sacrifice.

When Numbers is read through the lens of Christ as the ultimate Substitute, even its most detailed chapters begin to point forward rather than slow us down.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. “Numbers 3:11-13 – The Levites as Substitutes for the Firstborn,” Enter the Bible (Luther Seminary), https://enterthebible.org/passage/numbers-311-13-the-levites-as-substitutes-for-the-firstborn
3. David Guzik, Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Numbers Chapter 3, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-3/
4. Eve Levavi Feinstein and Zev Farber, “Relegating Redemption of the Firstborn to a One-time Event in the Wilderness,” TheTorah.com, https://www.thetorah.com/article/relegating-redemption-of-the-firstborn-to-a-one-time-event-in-the-wilderness
5. Mark Leuchter, “Who Were the Levites?,” TheTorah.com, https://www.thetorah.com/article/who-were-the-levites
6. Nick Batzig, “The Firstborn, the Levites, Substitution and the Redemption Money,” Feeding on Christ, https://feedingonchrist.org/the-firstborn-levites-and-the-redemption-money/
7. “Numbers 3 Explained,” Explaining the Book, https://explainingthebook.com/2025/02/15/numbers-3-explained/
8. “The Levitical Covenant (Part 1),” Christ Over All, https://christoverall.com/article/concise/the-levitical-covenant-part-1-returning-a-priceless-work-of-art-to-the-bible/
9. “Priests and Levites,” BiblicalTraining.org, https://www.biblicaltraining.org/library/priests-and-levites

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
2. “Are there Parables in John? It is Time to Revisit the Question” by Ruben Zimmermann, Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus 9 (2011) 243–276: https://brill.com/view/journals/jshj/9/3/article-p243_3.xml (Note: Excerpts provided in conversation attachment)
3. Why did Jesus teach in parables?: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
4. Enduring Word Bible Commentary on Matthew 13: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-13/
5. Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables? (Their Purpose Explained): https://bibleproject.com/articles/are-the-parables-of-jesus-confusing-on-purpose/
6. Major Differences Between John and the Synoptic Gospels: https://bible.org/seriespage/2-major-differences-between-john-and-synoptic-gospels/
7. Three Ways John is Different from the Synoptic Gospels (and three ways it’s similar): https://www.ntwrightonline.org/three-ways-john-is-different-from-the-synoptic-gospels-and-three-ways-its-similar/
8. Why Aren't There Any Parables in the Gospel of John?: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-arent-there-any-parables-in-the-gospel-of-john.html
9. Why does Jesus not use Parables in John?: http://blog.charleshedrick.com/2017/01/why-does-jesus-not-use-parables-in-john.html
10. Parables in the Gospels (Baylor University PDF): https://ifl.web.baylor.edu/sites/g/files/ecbvkj771/files/2023-02/parables.pdf

The episode addresses objections about the large population figure and concludes the matching totals reflect two distinct, closely timed counts of the same population rather than a contradiction.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Brown, Randy. “Large Numbers in the Old Testament.” Bible Study with Randy, 2016. https://www.biblestudywithrandy.com/2016/06/large-numbers-old-testament/
3. Hoffmeier, James K. “The Number of Israelites in the Exodus.” Bible Archaeology Society. https://biblearchaeology.org/research/chronological-categories/exodus-era/3943-the-number-of-israelites-in-the-exodus
4. Guzik, David. “Numbers 1 Commentary.” Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-1/
5. Guzik, David. “Numbers 26 Commentary.” Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-26/
6. GotQuestions.org. “What was the census in the book of Numbers?” https://www.gotquestions.org/Numbers-census.html
7. Baden, Joel et al. “Recounting the Census: A Military Force of 5,500?” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/recounting-the-census-a-military-force-of-5500
8. Agape Bible Study. “Numbers Lesson 1.” https://www.agapebiblestudy.com/Numbers/Numbers_Lesson_1.htm
9. BibleHub. “Why do Numbers 1:46 and 26:51 differ?” https://biblehub.com/q/why_do_numbers_1_46_and_26_51_differ.htm
10. Harrelson, Walter J., ed. The New Interpreter’s Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha. Abingdon Press, 2003.
11. MacArthur, John F., ed. The MacArthur Study Bible. New International Version (NIV). Thomas Nelson, 1997.

Listeners are guided through key passages, major scholarly insights, and a practical framework that resolves the contradiction and highlights Jesus' wisdom, mercy, and timing in his teaching ministry.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/secret.html 
2. "Why did Jesus teach in parables?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
3. "What are the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13:11?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/mysteries-of-the-kingdom-of-heaven.html
4. "What is the Messianic Secret?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Messianic-secret.html
5. "Some Stories Read Us: Why Jesus Spoke in Parables" by Gerrit Scott Dawson – DesiringGod.org: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/some-stories-read-us
6. "Are the Parables of Jesus Confusing on Purpose?" by Josh Porter – BibleProject.com: https://bibleproject.com/articles/are-the-parables-of-jesus-confusing-on-purpose/
7. "Messianic Secret: The Mystery Behind Jesus' Concealed Identity" – BartEhrman.com: https://www.bartehrman.com/messianic-secret/
8. "John 18: I Have Said Nothing in Secret" – readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/2024/01/08/john-18-i-have-said-nothing-in-secret/
9. "Matthew 13 and the Function of the Parables in the First Gospel" by Jonathan T. Pennington – Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, Vol. 13, No. 3 (PDF): https://cf.sbts.edu/equip/uploads/2015/10/SBJT-V13-N.3-Pennington.pdf
10. "The Messianic Secret in Mark’s Gospel as Fulfillment of the Revelations of God" by Markus Piennisch – Stuttgarter Theologische Themen (PDF): https://www.sttonline.org/wp-content/uploads/files/STT7_2012_MPiennisch_EN.pdf
11. "The Parables of Jesus" by Peter Krol – Logos.com: https://www.logos.com/grow/nook-parables-of-jesus/

The episode surveys three main responses: appeal to ongoing miracles, symbolic or theological exaggeration, and a linguistic solution reading Hebrew "’eleph" as clan or unit (which reduces the population to roughly 20–30,000). Smith weighs the evidence and emphasizes the census's theological purpose over raw statistics.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Katz, Ben-Zion. “Recounting the Census: A Military Force of 5,500 (not 603,550) Men.” TheTorah.com, May 15, 2015. https://www.thetorah.com/article/recounting-the-census-a-military-force-of-5500
3. Wood, Bryant. “The Number of Israelites in the Exodus.” BibleArchaeology.org. https://biblearchaeology.org/research/exodus-from-egypt/3943-the-number-of-israelites-in-the-exodus
4. Adair, Aaron. “Counting on the Census Numbers: Mathematical Approaches to the elep in Numbers.” HIPHIL Novum, 2025. https://tidsskrift.dk/hiphilnovum/article/view/152021
5. GotQuestions.org articles: “Are the numbers in the Bible accurate?” and “How many Israelites left Egypt in the exodus?” https://www.gotquestions.org/numbers-Bible-accurate.html and https://www.gotquestions.org/Israelites-exodus.html
6. “The Exodus: Fact or Fiction?” Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/exodus/exodus-fact-or-fiction/

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/parents.html 
2. GotQuestions.org – "What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to hate our father and mother (Luke 14:26)?" https://www.gotquestions.org/hate-father-mother.html
3. Jews for Jesus – "Did Jesus teach his disciples to hate their parents?" https://jewsforjesus.org/answers/did-jesus-teach-his-disciples-to-hate-their-parents
4. BibleInterpretation.org – "MATTHEW 12:46-50 THE TRUE FAMILY OF JESUS" by Fr. Abraham Mutholath https://bibleinterpretation.org/matthew-12_46-50/
5. Benedictine Media – "‘Who Is My Mother?’ Did Jesus Disrespect Mary?" https://media.benedictine.edu/who-is-my-mother-did-jesus-disrespect-mary
6. GotQuestions.org – "Was Jesus being rude to Mary when He referred to her as “woman” in John 2:4?" https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-Mary-woman.html
7. Christian Research Institute (equip.org) – "Luke 14:26: Hate or Hyperbole" https://www.equip.org/articles/luke-1426/
8. Crossway.org – "Did Jesus Really Mean That We Should Hate Our Families? (Luke 14)" by Thomas R. Schreiner https://www.crossway.org/articles/did-jesus-really-mean-that-we-should-hate-our-families-luke-14/

Smith reviews the biblical claims, Jesus’ testimony, archaeological evidence, and ancient literary practices to argue that the evidence supports Mosaic authorship and that the question matters for how we read Scripture today.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. DuBay, Jenny. "Sacred Scripture and Mosaic Authorship: Fact or Fiction?" August 14, 2019. Available at: [the PDF provided, but since it's attached, no URL; reference as per user].
3. "Evidence for Mosaic Authorship of the Torah." Answers in Genesis. Available at: https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/
4. Youssef, John. "The Case for Mosaic Authorship." Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@john.youssef/the-case-for-mosaic-authorship-b0a102f394e7
5. "Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch—Tried and True." Apologetics Press. Available at: https://apologeticspress.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/0301.pdf
6. Armstrong, Dave. "Moses Wrote the Torah: 50 External Evidences." Patheos. Available at: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2022/12/moses-wrote-the-torah-50-external-evidences.html
7. "The Documentary Hypothesis." University of Maryland. Available at: https://www.cs.umd.edu/~mvz/bible/doc-hyp.pdf
8. Baden, Joel S. "The Re-Emergence of Source Criticism: The Neo-Documentary Hypothesis." The Bible and Interpretation. Available at: https://bibleinterp.arizona.edu/articles/bad368008

The show also listens to skeptical objections, reviews Christian scholarship, and explores the theological importance of Jonah as a sign pointing to Jesus’ death and resurrection, while emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the story’s message of repentance and mercy.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/whale.html 
2. GotQuestions.org – "Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale?" https://www.gotquestions.org/Jonah-whale.html
3. Apologetics Press – "Was Jonah Swallowed by a Fish or a Whale?" by Eric Lyons https://apologeticspress.org/was-jonah-swallowed-by-a-fish-or-a-whale-2830/
4. Apologetics Press – "Jonah and the 'Whale'?" by Dave Miller, Ph.D. https://apologeticspress.org/jonah-and-the-whale-69/
5. Answers in Genesis – "Jonah and the Great Fish" by Don Landis https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/jonah-and-the-great-fish/
6. The Domain for Truth – "Bible Contradiction? Was Jonah swallowed by a fish or a whale?" by SLIMJIM https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2016/11/20/bible-contradiction-was-jonah-swallowed-by-a-fish-or-a-whale/
7. Logically Fallacious – "Examining Jonah: A Secular Critique of a Biblical Tale" https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/posts/examining-jonah-a-secular-critique-of-a-biblical-tale.html
8. Catholic Answers – "Is the story of Jonah and the whale a myth?" https://www.catholic.com/qa/is-the-story-of-jonah-and-the-whale-a-myth
9. Armstrong Institute – "Is the Book of Jonah 'Entirely Ahistorical'?" https://armstronginstitute.org/639-is-the-book-of-jonah-entirely-ahistorical
10. The Atheist Experience – "Scientific Proof For The Story Of Jonah" (YouTube clip) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCSMpS0BCkc

The episode connects the chapter’s blessings and curses to covenant enforcement, cites scholarly perspectives, and points forward to the hope of restoration and the significance of Christ as the faithful covenant-keeper.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Keathley III, J. Hampton. "A Welcome Warning (Leviticus 26)." Bible.org. Available at: https://bible.org/seriespage/21-welcome-warning-leviticus-26
3. "Leviticus 26:30 Meaning." Video Bible. Available at: https://www.videobible.com/meaning/leviticus-26-30
4. McKinniss, Mike. "Tough Passages #9: The Price of Treason (Leviticus 26:27-30)." Redeeming Culture. Available at: https://redeemingculture.com/theology/tough-passages/3179-tough-passages-9-the-price-of-treason-leviticus-2627-30
5. Barrick, William D. "The Eschatological Significance of Leviticus 26." The Master's Seminary Journal 16/1 (Spring 2005): 95-126. Available at: https://drbarrick.org/files/papers/other/msj21e.pdf
6. "Leviticus 26:30 and the Critical Importance of Rendering 'Bamot' as 'High Places' in Bible Translation." UASV Bible. Available at: https://uasvbible.org/2025/04/30/leviticus-2630-and-the-critical-importance-of-rendering-bamot-as-high-places-in-bible-translation/
7. Barrick, William D. "Leviticus 26: Its Relationship to Covenant Contexts and Concepts." Unpublished Th.D. dissertation, Grace Theological Seminary, 1981.
8. Manby, Ted D. "An Exegetical Study of Leviticus 26: Mosaic Covenantal Laws, Blessings, and Curses with Implications for the Reading of Old Testament Canonical Books." Unpublished Th.M. thesis, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2008.

He shares download stats, geographic and platform trends, standout episodes, and plans for 2026 while thanking the community for its support.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

Listeners will hear how Jonah’s three days in the fish functions as typology for Jesus’ three days in the earth, why the demand for signs was sinful testing rather than genuine faith, and how this clarifies an apparent contradiction in the Gospels.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible:https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/signs.html 
2. Beate Kowalski, "Meaning and Function of the Sign of Jonah in Matthew 12:38-42 and 16:1-4," https://www.academia.edu/10737836/Meaning_and_Function_of_the_Sign_of_Jonah_in_Matthew_12_38_42_and_16_1_4 (or similar source for the PDF).
3. Amy-Jill Levine and Ben Witherington III, "The Sign of Jonah," https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4547&context=byusq
4. "The Sign of Jonah," https://wmpl.org/sign-of-jonah/
5. Vern Poythress, "The Miracles of Jesus," https://frame-poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/PoythressVernTheMiraclesOfJesus.pdf
6. "Mysteries of the Bible: What Made Jesus’ Generation So Wicked For Asking A Sign," https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017/04/09/mysteries-of-the-bible-what-made-jesus-generation-so-wicked-for-asking-a-sign/
7. "What is the sign of Jonah?" https://www.gotquestions.org/sign-of-Jonah.html
8. "How the Sign of Jonah Points to Jesus," http://www.steppesoffaith.com/apologetics/sign-jonah-jesus
9. "The Mind-blowing Meaning Behind the Sign of Jonah," https://crossexamined.org/the-mind-blowing-meaning-behind-the-sign-of-jonah/

Drawing on biblical passages and scholarly commentary, the episode shows how Sukkot reenacts memory and gratitude—transforming discomfort into a yearly act of remembrance.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. New Revised Standard Version Bible with Apocrypha: New Annotated Study Edition. Oxford University Press. Available at: https://www.amazon.com/New-Oxford-Annotated-Apocrypha-Third/dp/0195289552
3. Katulka, Chris. "Practicing the Presence of God: The Feast of Tabernacles." The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, September 17, 2021. https://www.foi.org/2021/09/17/practicing-the-presence-of-god-the-feast-of-tabernacles-2/
4. ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministry. "The Meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles." ONE FOR ISRAEL. https://www.oneforisrael.org/the-meaning-of-the-feast-of-tabernacles/
5. Posner, Menachem. "What Is Sukkot? - A Guide to the Jewish Holiday of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Meanings Behind It."  https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4784/jewish/What-Is-Sukkot.htm
6. Hal. "The Feasts of Israel – Booths (Sukkot)." Bible.org Blogs. https://blogs.bible.org/the-feasts-of-israel-booths/
7. deSilva, David A. "A History of Sukkot in the Second Temple and Rabbinic Periods." In The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in Orthodox Judaism, edited by Shmuel Shalom Ohana, Johns Hopkins University Press (Project MUSE Open Access). https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/327/oa_edited_volume/chapter/2545394

He thanks the community for their support, wishes everyone hope, light, good health, and God’s blessing, and sends Christmas blessings from his family to yours.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/justified.html 
2. Grier, W.J. "Justification by Faith." The Highway. Available at: https://www.the-highway.com/justification_Grier.html
3. McFadden, Kevin W. "10 Things You Should Know about Justification by Faith." Crossway. Available at: https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-justification-by-faith/
4. Swanson, Scott A. "The Instruction of the Spirit: The Wisdom Framework for Pauline Spirit Dependence." Mid-America Journal of Theology 29 (2018): 81-128. Available at: https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files//pdf/journal/04swansonjournal2018.pdf
5. "Matthew 12:37 For by your words you shall be justified." Christ's Words. Available at: https://christswords.com/content/mat-1237-your-words-you-shall-be-justified
6. Wartanian, Simon. "God's Absolute Sovereignty." Lion and Lamb Apologetics (2024). Available at: https://lionandlambapologetics.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gods-Absolute-Sovereignty-Wartanian.pdf
7. Cross, Bryan. "Justification: The Catholic Church and the Judaizers in St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians." Called to Communion (2009). Available at: https://www.calledtocommunion.com/2009/12/justification-catholic-church-and-the-judaizers/ (Included for balanced perspective on faith-works dialogue.)

The episode also explores the rituals of Yom Kippur—fasting, atonement, and priestly action—and connects the observance to Jesus as the ultimate high priest, inviting listeners to trade confusion for confidence in Scripture.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Gordon, Nehemia. "Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement)." Nehemia's Wall. https://www.nehemiaswall.com/yom-kippur-day-atonement
3. Yeo, Bibianna. "Day of Atonement (Lev 23:26-32)." The Fellowship. https://www.thefellowship.site/archives/leviticuspart4/day-of-atonement
4. Banas, Cliff. "Leviticus 23:26-32 (The Feasts of the Lord, The Day of Atonement)." Superior Word. https://superiorword.org/leviticus-23-26-32-the-feasts-of-the-lord-the-day-of-atonement/
5. Risk, Kenneth. "Atonement in Leviticus and Hebrews: Convergences and Divergences." Tyndale University, 2022. https://digitalcollections.tyndale.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/142a60e3-4b20-4c61-a085-dd2c728fb637/content
6. Bodien, Bryan. "Sacrifice and Covenant: A Study of the Early Development of Atonement Theology." Boston College, 2010. https://ur.bc.edu/system/files/2025-04/bc-ir101512.pdf

The episode walks scene-by-scene through the context, consults classical and modern commentators, and explains how both sayings reflect different situations: when spiritual battle allows no neutrality, and when kingdom work welcomes unexpected allies.

Practical takeaways guide listeners on being strict with personal commitment while generous toward others, and how to apply these truths in everyday relationships and ministry.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/withme.html  
2. "Whoever is Not With Me is Against Me," Desiring God Community Church: https://www.desiringgodchurch.org/web/2019/03/15/whoever-is-not-with-me-is-against-me/
3. Jimmy Akin, "If You’re Not with Me, You’re Against Me," Catholic Answers Magazine: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/if-youre-not-with-me-youre-against-me
4. Ian Paul, "Mt 12:30/Mk 9:40/Lk 11:23 – For, or Against?," Walking with Giants: https://www.walkingwithgiants.net/bible/gospels/mt-1230-mk-940-lk-1123-for-or-against/
5. David W. Pitts, "No Problem? Addressing Apparent Conflicts in the Biblical Narrative," BiblicalTheology.com: https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/PittsD01.pdf
6. D.A. Carson, "Must I Learn How to Interpret the Bible?," Modern Reformation: https://www.modernreformation.org/resources/articles/must-i-learn-how-to-interpret-the-bible
7. Bart Ehrman, "50 Contradictions in the Bible," bartehrman.com: https://www.bartehrman.com/contradictions-in-the-bible/
8. "Response to Ehrman: Alleged Contradictions," biblequery.org: https://www.biblequery.org/OtherBeliefs/Skeptics/ResponseToEhrman2_AllegedContradictions.html
9. "3-Question-2-What-does-the-Bible-say-about-itself?," Anglican Communion: https://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/254226/3-Question-2-What-does-the-Bible-say-about-itself.pdf

The episode contrasts traditional and progressive readings, addresses the death‑penalty argument, and emphasizes pastoral care and grace while clarifying the biblical case.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Gagnon, Robert A. J. "The Meaning and Continuing Relevance of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13." SOR Faculty Publications and Presentations, Liberty University, 2015. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/sor_fac_pubs/180
3. Schlimm, Matthew R. "Homosexuality in Leviticus: A Historical-Literary-Critical Analysis." Journal of Men, Masculinities and Spirituality 8, no. 2 (2014): 195–211. https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/jmurj/vol8/iss2/7
4. Wilber, David. "Yes, Leviticus 18:22 Explicitly Prohibits Homosexual Activity." David Wilber (blog), April 11, 2022. https://davidwilber.com/articles/yes-leviticus-explicitly-prohibits-homosexual-activity
5. Mohler, R. Albert, et al. The Bible, the Church, & Homosexuality. Family Research Council, 2005. https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF05K11.pdf
6. Loader, William. "Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 in Discussion with the Debate on Homosexuality." Scriptura 112 (2023): 1–15. https://scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1010-99192023000100007
7. Thurston, Mark. "Out of Order: A Queer Reading of the Holiness Code." Theology & Sexuality 28, no. 1 (2022): 1–15. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1476993X221104182
8. "Holiness Code." Anglican Taonga, November 2015. https://anglicantaonga.org.nz/features/bible/holiness_cose

This short dive connects Ahimelech, David, and Jesus to explain how ancient storytelling, priestly law, and compassion form a consistent theological thread rather than a contradiction.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/alone.html  
2. Bowes, William B. "Revisiting 'the Time of Abiathar the High Priest': Interpretation, Methodology and Ways Forward for Understanding Mark 2:26." Themelios, The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/revisiting-the-time-of-abiathar-the-high-priest/
3. "Bible Contradiction? Was David alone when asking for the holy bread at Nob?" Veritas Domain. https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2025/01/02/bible-contradiction-was-david-alone-when-asking-for-the-holy-bread-at-nob/
4. "The Problem of Abiathar in Mark 2.26." Credo House Ministries. https://credohouse.org/blog/the-problem-of-abiathar-in-mark-2-26
5. "Was it wrong for David to eat the showbread in 1 Samuel 21:1–6?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/David-showbread.html
6. "Why did Ahimelech give David the consecrated bread in 1 Samuel 21:6?" BibleHub.com. https://biblehub.com/q/Why_give_David_consecrated_bread_2.htm
7. Lyons, Eric. "Who Was Joseph's Father in Jesus' Genealogy?" Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/who-was-josephs-father/ 

Listeners are offered practical takeaways about how to balance conviction with compassion, understand the moral versus ceremonial distinction, and shepherd people toward flourishing in Christ.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
2. Keller, Tim. "The Bible and Same-Sex Relationships: A Review Article." Redeemer Report, 2015. https://www.redeemer.com/redeemer-report/article/the_bible_and_same_sex_relationships_a_review_article
3. Paul, Ian. "Leviticus and Same-Sex Relations." Psephizo, 2014. https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/leviticus-and-same-sex-relations/
4. "Are Christians Hypocritical to Avoid Sexual Immorality but Allow Tattoos?" The Gospel Coalition Australia, 2019. https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christians-hypocritical-avoid-sexual-immorality-allow-tattoos/
5. Klein, Josh. "Confronting Homosexuality in a Culture of Identity (Part 2)." CrossExamined.org, n.d. https://crossexamined.org/confronting-homosexuality-in-a-culture-of-identity-part-2/
6. Craig, William Lane. "A Christian Perspective on Homosexuality." Reasonable Faith, n.d. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/practical-issues/a-christian-perspective-on-homosexuality
7. Freeman, John. "The Gospel Remedy for Homosexuality." Ligonier Ministries, n.d. https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/gospel-remedy-homosexuality
8. "Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, and a 'Man Who Lies with a Man.'" Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM), n.d. https://www.carm.org/leviticus-1822-2013-and-a-man-who-lies-with-a-man
9. Honeycutt, Willie E. "The Meaning and Continuing Relevance of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13." Liberty University Digital Commons, 2002. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1180&context=sor_fac_pubs
10. "The Prohibitions in Leviticus Don’t Apply to Christians." The Reformation Project, n.d. https://reformationproject.org/case/levitical-prohibitions/
11. Solberg, R.L. "The Sexual Prohibitions in Leviticus 18 Don’t Apply to Christians." RLSolberg.com, 2022. https://rlsolberg.com/the-sexual-prohibitions-in-leviticus-18-dont-apply-to-christians/
12. Dowsett, Chris. "The Bible and Same-Sex Relationships, Part 6: Leviticus: The Holiness Code, Ancient Sex Ethics and Abominations." FutureChurchNow, 2015. https://www.futurechurchnow.com/2015/08/18/the-bible-and-same-sex-relationships-part-6-leviticus-the-holiness-code-ancient-sex-ethics-and-abominations/
13. Sandlin, Rev. Mark. "Clobbering 'Biblical' Gay Bashing." Believe Out Loud, n.d. https://www.believeoutloud.com/voices/article/clobbering-biblical-gay-bashing/
14. Jarosz, Ian. "Homosexuality in Leviticus: A Historical-Literary-Critical Analysis." James Madison University Undergraduate Research Journal, 2013. https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1072&context=jmurj

The episode weighs Old Testament commands, New Testament examples, and recent scholarship (including David Wilber) to show the Sabbath as covenant context and Jesus as the fulfiller who deepens its meaning—concluding it’s not a contradiction but a progression toward rest in Christ.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/sabbath.html 
2. Wilber, David. "Sabbath Observance in Luke-Acts: Situating the Earliest Followers of Jesus Within Judaism." E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 11, no. 3 (2025): 51-59. DOI: 10.38159/erats.20251131.
3. Schreiner, Thomas. "Is the Sabbath Still Required for Christians?" The Gospel Coalition, 2021. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/schreiner-qa-is-the-sabbath-still-required-for-christians/.
4. "Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?" Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-christians-keep-the-sabbath.
5. "Does God Require Sabbath-Keeping of Christians?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/Sabbath-keeping.html.
6. Lee, Jon English. "The Sabbath and Its Relation to Christ and the Church in the New Covenant." Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 20, no. 1 (2016): 47-66. https://cf.sbts.edu/equip/uploads/2016/08/SBJT-20.1-Sabbath-Relation-Christ-Church-New-Covenant-Updated.pdf.
7. Craig, William Lane. "The Sabbath Day and Mytho-History." Reasonable Faith, 2021. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/question-answer/ajax_more/the-sabbath-day-and-mytho-history.
8. Fox, Timothy. "You Don’t Understand the Old Testament." CrossExamined.org, 2016. https://crossexamined.org/you-dont-understand-the-old-testament/.

The episode explores ancient Near Eastern context and competing views of Azazel, addresses a classic objection about two goats versus one sacrifice, and connects the ritual’s meaning to Jesus as the ultimate atonement.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
2. Hurlbert, Brandon. “It’s Not About the Goat: The Scapegoat Ritual of Leviticus 16 in Its Ancient Near Eastern Context.” Talbot School of Theology, 2015.
3. Heiser, Michael S. “The Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16: A Goat for Azazel.” Naked Bible Podcast/More Naked Bible, 2015. https://drmsh.com/day-atonement-leviticus-16-goat-azazel/.
4. “Being Made the Scapegoat (Leviticus 16:20-34).” Two Saints for All Seasons Devotionals, 2013. https://devotionalstsf.org/2013/03/27/being-made-the-scapegoat-leviticus-620-34/.
5. “Leviticus 16 - Christ Our Scapegoat.” Christian Study Library. https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/leviticus-16-christ-our-scapegoat.
6. Angelini, Anna. “Is Azazel a Goat, Place, Demon, or Deity?” TheTorah.com, 2021. https://www.thetorah.com/article/is-azazel-a-goat-place-demon-or-deity.
7. “Azazel.” Jewish Virtual Library. Encyclopaedia Judaica. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/azazel.

Listeners will hear biblical passages, scholarly perspectives, and practical applications about prophecy, typology, and how God’s promises can be fulfilled in layers rather than by literal replication.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/elijah.html 
2. Casillas, Ken. "Was John the Baptist Elijah?" BJU Seminary Theology in 3D. https://seminary.bju.edu/theology-in-3d/was-john-the-baptist-elijah/
3. Godfrey, Neil. "Jesus as the New Elijah, and the Gospel as a Symbolic Tale According to a Scholarly View." Vridar.org. https://vridar.org/2010/12/20/jesus-as-the-new-elijah-and-the-gospel-was-a-symbolic-tale-according-to-a-scholarly-view/
4. Hahn, Scott. "John the Baptist: In the Spirit and Power of Elijah." St. Paul Center. https://stpaulcenter.com/posts/john-the-baptist-in-the-spirit-and-power-of-elijah
5. Deffinbaugh, Bob. "John the Baptist as Elijah." Doctrine.org. https://doctrine.org/john-the-baptist-as-elijah
6. Willmington, Harold. "Contrasting Elijah and John the Baptist." Liberty University Scholars Crossing. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=contrast_compare
7. Schachterle, Joshua (ed. Bart Ehrman). "Was John the Baptist Elijah? (Differences & Similarities)." BartEhrman.com. https://www.bartehrman.com/was-john-the-baptist-elijah/

Stick around, because we're unpacking all that and more in today's episode. Welcome back to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, the podcast where we take those head-scratchers in Scripture head-on. No fluff, just facts, faith, and a whole lot of fascination. I'm your host, Lance Smith, and this is episode 191, Leviticus 13, 47-59. How can the Bible say that leprosy-infected clothing? If you're new here, go ahead and hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening. And let's dive in.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
2. Balberg, Mira. "Rabbinic Authority, Medical Rhetoric, and Body Hermeneutics in Mishnah Nega‘im." AJS Review 35:2 (November 2011): 323–346.
3. Feder, Yitzhaq. "Tzaraat in Light of Its Mesopotamian Parallels." TheTorah.com. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://www.thetorah.com/article/tzaraat-in-light-of-its-mesopotamian-parallels
4. Parry, Donald W. "Ancient Sacred Vestments: Scriptural Symbols and Meanings." In Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, Volume 48 (2021): 11–31. https://cdn.interpreterfoundation.org/jnlpdf/Interpreter-Volume-48-PDF.pdf
5. Shellberg, Pamela. "From Cleansed Lepers to Cleansed Hearts: The Developing Meaning of Katharizō in Luke-Acts." PhD Dissertation, Marquette University, 2012. https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1179&context=dissertations_mu
6. Parker, Erik. "How to Handle Garments Stained by Corrupted Flesh." Infant Theology Blog, November 21, 2021. https://infanttheology.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/how-to-handle-garments-stained-by-corrupted-flesh/
7. "Leviticus 13:47-59 – Contaminated Garments." Be Still Blog. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://be-still.org/leviticus-1347-59-contaminated-garments

Key takeaways: doubt doesn’t disqualify you; bring others into your questions; and Jesus answers with presence and proof rather than shame.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/john-recognize.html 
2. GotQuestions.org: "Did John the Baptist Lose His Faith While in Prison?" https://www.gotquestions.org/John-the-Baptist-doubt.html
3. Steven Cole, Bible.org: "Lesson 7: Who is Jesus? (John 1:29-34)" (2013) https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-7-who-jesus-john-129-34
4. David Platt, Radical.net: "Battling Our Doubt" https://radical.net/article/battling-our-doubt/
5. John Piper, Desiring God: "John the Baptist's Doubt" https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/john-the-baptists-doubt
6. Bob Wilkin, FaithAlone.org: "Did John the Baptist Lose His Faith While in Prison? Matthew 11:2-3" https://faithalone.org/grace-in-focus-articles/did-john-the-baptist-lose-his-faith-while-in-prison-matthew-112-3/
7. Jimmy Akin, Apologia Veritas: "Did John the Baptist Doubt that Jesus was the Messiah?" (2024) https://apologiaveritas.org/2024/06/09/did-john-the-baptist-doubt-that-jesus-was-the-messiah/
8. Benjamin B. Young, Bethel University: "A Qualitative Study of Doubt in the Evangelical Tradition" (2018) https://spark.bethel.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1673&context=etd
9. David Rhoads, Augustana College: "The Quest of the Historical Jesus: Problem & Promise" (2009) https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1348&context=intersections
10. Joel Marcus, Florida International University: "The Christology of Jesus' Disciples" (2010) https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1207&context=etd

Host Lance Smith shows the difference between ceremonial impurity and moral guilt, highlights the protective rest the law provided, and points to Mary and Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the purification rites.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
2. MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible: NASB. Thomas Nelson, 1995. (Notes on Leviticus 12:1-8.) Available at: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/the-macarthur-daily-bible-2nd-edition-nasb/
3. Thiessen, Matthew. "The Legislation of Leviticus 12 in Light of Ancient Embryology." Vetus Testamentum 68, no. 3 (2018): 297-319. Full open-access article: https://www.academia.edu/32175503/The_Legislation_of_Leviticus_12_in_Light_of_Ancient_Embryology  
4. "In Leviticus chapter 12, why is a woman unclean longer if she gives birth to a daughter than if she gives birth to a son?" GotQuestions.org. Accessed November 2025. https://www.gotquestions.org/unclean-daughter-longer-son.html
5. Mowczko, Marg. "Periods of Purification after Childbirth (Leviticus 12:1–8)." Marg Mowczko Blog, February 2023. https://margmowczko.com/purification-after-giving-birth-leviticus-12/
6. Masonheimer, Phylicia. "Levitical Purification After Childbirth." Phylicia Masonheimer, March 2019. https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/levitical-purification-after-childbirth/
7. Wright, David P. "The Rationale of the Laws of Clean and Unclean in the Old Testament." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 20, no. 4 (1977): 319-328. Free PDF via BiblicalStudies.org.uk: https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/jets/clean_sprinkle.pdf (Note: This is the core excerpt on impurity symbolism; full JETS archive at https://www.etsjets.org/).
8. Guzik, David. "Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Leviticus Chapter 12." Enduring Word, 2022. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/leviticus-12/ (Hosted on Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/leviticus/leviticus-12.cfm)
9. "Leviticus 12: Purification After Childbirth." Sefaria Texts & Sheets, Sheet by Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld (Sheet #167321). https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/167321?lang=bi (Interactive rabbinic commentary with midrashic insights).
10. Amador, Melanie. "In the Bible, Why Is a Woman Unclean for Twice as Long After Giving Birth to a Girl?" Where I Am Blog, October 8, 2021. https://whereiam.blog/2021/10/08/in-the-bible-why-is-a-woman-unclean-for-twice-as-long-after-giving-birth-to-a-girl/
11. "Postpartum Impurity: Why Is the Duration Double for a Girl?" TheTorah.com, by Rabbi Dr. Shmuel Herzfeld (based on ancient Near Eastern parallels). https://www.thetorah.com/article/postpartum-impurity-why-is-the-duration-double-for-a-girl

With scripture, scholarly perspectives, and pastoral sensitivity, the episode offers clarity and comfort for listeners wrestling with guilt, encouraging confession, repentance, and trust in Christ’s mercy.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/unforgivable.html 
2. GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/blasphemy-Holy-Spirit.html
3. Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/can-a-christian-blaspheme-the-holy-spirit
4. The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/you-asked-what-is-the-unforgivable-sin/
5. Mid-America Journal of Theology: https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/02-lammejournal2012.pdf
6. Concordia University Thesis: https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/976982/1/Plunkett_MA_s2013.pdf
7. Andrews University Dissertation: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1123&context=dissertations
8. Habets, Myk. "Jesus, the Spirit, and the Unforgivable Sin: A Contribution from Spirit Christology." Journal of Theological Interpretation 12, no. 1 (2018): 39-57. DOI: 10.5325/jtheointe.12.1.0039.
9. Cummins, Fergal. "The Only Unforgivable Sin: To Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." (2015). Academia.edu.

The episode explains the Hebrew wording, observable animal behaviors (like re‑ingestion and jaw motion), and how ancient descriptive language differs from modern anatomical terms.

By viewing the passage from the original cultural perspective, the apparent conflict with biology is resolved and the episode shows how Scripture communicates truth in everyday terms.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Mitchell, Tommy. "Do Rabbits Really 'Chew the Cud'?" Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/do-rabbits-really-chew-the-cud/
3. "Why does the Bible say that rabbits chew the cud? Is this an error in the Bible?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/rabbits-chew-cud.html
4. McClellan, Matt. "Do Leviticus 11:6 & Deuteronomy 14:7 Contain A Factual Error About Rabbits Chewing Cud?" Dust off the Bible. https://dustoffthebible.com/Blog-archive/2020/04/04/do-leviticus-116-deuteronomy-147-contain-a-factual-error-about-rabbits-chewing-cud/
5. "Did the Bible Writers Commit Biological Blunders?" Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/did-the-bible-writers-commit-biological-blunders-2731/
6. Lyons, Eric. The Anvil Rings III: Answers to Alleged Bible Discrepancies. Apologetics Press, 2021. https://apologeticspress.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Anvil-Rings-3-Web.pdf
7. Philo of Alexandria. On the Special Laws I. (translation available at https://earlyjewishwritings.com/philo.html)
8. John Calvin. Commentary on Leviticus. (available via Christian Classics Ethereal Library: https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom03)

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/feargod.html 
2. Ellis, Paul. "Fear God Who Can Throw Us Into Hell? (Matthew 10:28)." Escape to Reality Blog, July 9, 2013. https://escapetoreality.org/2013/07/09/matthew-10v28-fear-god/
3. "Who Has the Power to Kill Body and Soul? Matthew 10:28 Reconsidered." BBH Church Connection Blog, May 9, 2014. https://bbhchurchconnection.wordpress.com/2014/05/09/who-has-the-power-to-kill-body-and-soul-matthew-1028-reconsidered/
4. Poor, Jeffery. "What Does It Mean to Fear God? (and What We Get Wrong About Fear)." Medium, May 2020. https://jefferypoor.medium.com/what-does-it-mean-to-fear-god-and-what-we-get-wrong-about-fear-rethink-d44cf6c5f925
5. "Why Are We Told, 'Do Not Fear Those Who Can Kill the Body'?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-fear-those-who-can-kill-the-body.html
6. Bar, Eitan. "Fear God Who Could Throw You Into Hell?! (Matthew 10:28)." Eitan Bar Articles, https://eitan.bar/articles/fear-god-who-could-throw-you-into-hell-matthew-1028/
7. Hildebrandt, Theodore. "Fear of God." Biblical eLearning Short Paper, 2010. https://biblicalelearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Hildebrandt_FearOfGod_ETS_Atlanta2010ShortVersion.pdf
8. Moser, Paul K. "The Fear of the Lord: The Beginning of Reconciliation." Irish Theological Quarterly 87, no. 1 (2022): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/00211400221078906
9. Blocher, Henri. "The Fear of the Lord as the 'Principle' of Wisdom." Tyndale Bulletin 28 (1977): 3–42. https://tyndalebulletin.org/article/30613-the-fear-of-the-lord-as-the-principle-of-wisdom.pdf 

The episode traces the ritual’s purpose, its theological meaning, and its fulfillment in Christ, and offers practical takeaways about restoration, mediation, and trusting Scripture’s harmony.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Stiles, Wayne. "Offerings in Leviticus—What They Were and Why They Mattered." https://www.waynestiles.com/blog/offerings-in-leviticus-what-they-were-and-why-they-mattered/
3. Dunham, Kyle C. "The Sin Offering and the Guilt Offering of the Levitical Cult: Their Occasion, Nature, and Distinction." Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, 2025. https://dbts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-Sin-Offering-and-the-Guilt-Offering-of-the-Levitical-Cult-by-Kyle-C-Dunham.pdf
4. Watts, James W. "Leviticus’ Rhetorical Presentation of the Sin and Guilt Offerings." TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/leviticus-rhetorical-presentation-of-the-sin-and-guilt-offerings
5. Watts, James W. "The Historical and Literary Contexts of the Sin and Guilt Offerings." In Syracuse University Surface Repository, 2006. https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1083&context=rel
6. Gane, Roy E. "Sacrifice and the Old Testament." St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology. https://www.saet.ac.uk/Christianity/SacrificeandtheOldTestament

Unpack the Greek nuances—like ktaomai ("acquire") vs. airo ("carry")—with insights from scholars Dave Miller (Apologetics Press), Stacia McKeever (Answers in Genesis), Bill Mounce, and The Veritas Domain. Discover how these aren't contradictions but complementary emphases: "No extras—use what you have and trust God's provision." Lance also fairly addresses skeptical views from Joseph Alward and the Skeptics Annotated Bible, grounding it all in the mission's context of radical dependence.

More than a Bible puzzle, this is a call to lighten your load today—whether in career steps, tough talks, or daily doubts. Travel light; let faith lead. Perfect for Bible study groups, seekers, or anyone wrestling with Scripture's depths.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/barefoot.html 
2. Dave Miller, "Take It or Leave It," Apologetics Press, 2004: https://apologeticspress.org/take-it-or-leave-it-295/
3. Stacia McKeever, "A Staff or Not," Answers in Genesis, January 12, 2009: https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/a-staff-or-not/
4. Veritas Domain Blog, "Bible Contradiction? Did Jesus tell his apostles to go barefoot and without a staff?," May 20, 2025: https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2025/05/20/bible-contradiction-did-jesus-tell-his-apostles-to-go-barefoot-and-without-a-staff/
5. Bill Mounce, "Bible Contradiction: Staff or No Staff?," Bill Mounce Blog, 2024: https://www.billmounce.com/blogs/bible-contradictions/staff-or-no-staff
6. Joseph Francis Alward, "Should Disciples Carry a Staff?," Skeptical Views of Christianity, September 5, 1999: https://skepticalviewsofchristianity.com/disciples_staff.html

From The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe comes today's head-scratcher: Leviticus 3:2 commands priests to "splatter the blood against all sides of the altar" (NLT), while Deuteronomy 12:27 insists on "pour[ing] it out on the altar." Contradiction in the peace offering? Spoiler: Nope! Drawing on Jewish sage Maimonides, we unpack the two-step choreography—sprinkle the top (zārak: scatter like divine confetti), pour the base (shaphak: full release)—no conflict, just sacred precision. It's like two camera angles on a steakhouse sizzle: dash for flavor, pool for depth.

But we don't stop at harmonizing verses. Dive deeper with P.M. Venter's "Atonement through Blood in Leviticus" (Verbum et Ecclesia, 2005), revealing blood as life's costly bridge in priestly reconciliation: "Sacrifice and blood are the main means…for reconciling man with God."  Then, Joshua M. Vis's Duke dissertation (The Purification Offering of Leviticus and the Sacrificial Offering of Jesus, 2012) flips the script: Blood purges both sanctuary and sinner in a two-stage dance—from guilt to forgiveness (Lev 4–5), sanctuary cleanse to purity (Lev 16)—echoing Hebrews' heavenly offering.

Bridge to today with David Mathis (Desiring God, 2017) on Paul's "poured out" life (Phil 2:17) as modern peace offering, Cornelis van Dam's burnt-offering parallels (1991), and Daniel J. Brege's eucharistic ties in Hebrews (2002): From external sprinkles to internal feast—tabernacle to Lord's Table.

Messy mercy? Absolutely. But every drop points to Christ's ultimate pour-out. Laugh at dad-joke analogies (IKEA holiness, anyone?), ponder your "splatter" stories, and emerge with faith fortified. Perfect for skeptics, seekers, and Sunday school pros.

Listen now—grace awaits in the gore! Subscribe, rate, and share your Bible "gotcha" at bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Venter, P.M. "Atonement through Blood in Leviticus." Verbum et Ecclesia 26(1), 2005, pp. 275-279. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266529232_Atonement_through_blood_in_Leviticus
3. Vis, Joshua M. "The Purification Offering of Leviticus and the Sacrificial Offering of Jesus." PhD Dissertation, Duke University, 2012. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/71249791/The_Purification_Offering_of_Leviticus_and_the_Sacrificial_Offering_of_Jesus
4. Mathis, David. "Poured Out for Others: The Meaning of a Sacrificial Life." Desiring God, 2017. Available at: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/poured-out-for-others
5. Brege, Daniel J. "Eucharistic Overtones Created by Sacrificial Concepts in the Epistle to the Hebrews." Concordia Theological Quarterly 66(1), 2002, pp. 61-78. Available at: https://ctsfw.net/media/pdfs/bregeeucharistic.pdf
6. van Dam, Cornelis. "The Burnt Offering in Its Biblical Context." Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, 1991. Available at: https://canadianreformedseminary.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1991-Burnt-Offering.pdf

Drawing on examples from Matthew, Acts, Old Testament prophecy, and everyday analogies like farming and relay races, the episode traces how the gospel moved from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth and explains what that sequence teaches about discipleship and God’s timing today.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/samaritans.html 
2. Perriman, Andrew. "Why did Jesus instruct his disciples not to preach the kingdom of God to Gentiles and Samaritans?" Postost.net, November 2015. https://www.postost.net/2015/11/why-did-jesus-instruct-his-disciples-not-preach-kingdom-god-gentiles-samaritans
3. SendU Blog. "Why did Jesus prohibit his disciples from going to the least reached?" March 7, 2019. https://sendublog.com/2019/03/07/why-did-jesus-prohibit-his-disciples-from-going-to-the-least-reached/
4. Robinson, Laura. "Mission, Jews, and Gentiles in the Gospel of Matthew." PhD Dissertation, Duke University, 2010. https://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/d8f0d12e-0ca2-4f1e-a861-356e2d360d2b/content
5. Staples, Jason. "Matthew's 'Lost Sheep of the House of Israel'." Substack, October 2024. https://jasonstaples.substack.com/p/matthews-lost-sheep-of-the-house 
6. Konradt, Matthias. "Israel, Church, and the Gentiles in the Gospel of Matthew." (Referenced in Robinson).
7. Pentecost, J. Dwight. "The Great Commission." Doctrine.org. https://doctrine.org/the-great-commission
8. Bauer, David R. "Jesus and the Jewish Commission." Anglican Compass. https://anglicancompass.com/jesus-and-the-jewish-commission/
9. "How do we reconcile John 4:39-40 with Matthew 10:5-7?" Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange. https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/66627/how-do-we-reconcile-john-439-40-with-matthew-105-7
10. "Is The Great Commission Not For The Church Because It's In Matthew?" Believer.com. https://believer.com/frequently-asked-questions/is-the-great-commission-not-for-the-church-because-its-in-matthew
11. Matthew 10:5 Verse-by-Verse Commentary. StudyLight.org. https://www.studylight.org/commentary/matthew/10-5.html

The episode emphasizes faith as an active, lifelong pursuit of truth, explains how multiple lines of evidence can stack and mutually support one another, and recommends practical ways to rate and tally arguments.

Smith also points listeners to further resources in the appendices and issues a personal call to keep learning, seeking, and allowing the search to shape a deeper, growing faith.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
2. Plantinga, A. (n.d.). Two Dozen (or so) Theistic Arguments. Available at: https://appearedtoblogly.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/plantinga-alvin-22two-dozen-or-so-theistic-arguments221.pdf
3. Craig, W. L. Suggested Readings List: https://www.reasonablefaith.org/christian-apologetics-books
4. Apologetics Book Directory: https://apologetics315.com/2009/11/recommended-apologetics-book-directory/
5. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://plato.stanford.edu/
6. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://iep.utm.edu/
7. Philosophy of Religion Journal List: http://philosophyofreligion.org/?page_id=488

Host Lance Smith explains the theological principle that the firstborn belong to God, explores historical and practical reasons for the changing method from livestock to silver, and connects the ritual to themes of substitutionary redemption and devotion.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Fraser, Andrew. "Exodus 34: Covenantal Ethnotheology and the (Re-)Birth of the First Holy Nation." The Occidental Quarterly, vol. 16, no. 3, Fall 2016, pp. 71-80.
3. Frankel, Rabbi Dr. David. "Laws of the Firstborn: How They Were Connected to the Tenth Plague." TheTorah.com, 2023. https://www.thetorah.com/article/laws-of-the-firstborn-how-they-were-connected-to-the-tenth-plague
4. Danam, Gnanadas. "The Sacrifice of the Firstborn in the Hebrew Bible." PhD thesis, University of Leeds, 2018. https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/21729/1/The%20Sacrifice%20of%20the%20Firstbron%20in%20the%20Hebrew%20Bible.pdf
5. "Exodus 34:20." StudyLight.org Commentary. https://www.studylight.org/commentary/exodus/34-20.html
6. "Morning Musing: Exodus 34:19-20." The-Nexus.blog, October 22, 2024. https://the-nexus.blog/2024/10/22/morning-musing-exodus-3419-20/
7. "Meaning of Exodus 34:20." Bible.art. https://bible.art/meaning/exodus-34:20

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/apostles.html 
2. "Who Were the 12 Apostles? The Complete Guide," OverviewBible (overviewbible.com/12-apostles/)
3. "List of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus: Names & Facts," Encyclopædia Britannica (www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-Jesus)
4. "Introducing and Ranking the Twelve Apostles," Nathan Albright, Edge Induced Cohesion (www.edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011/01/30/introducing-and-ranking-the-twelve-apostles/)
5. "An Almost Definite List of the Twelve Apostles," Jonathan McLachlan, The Reign of God (www.thereignofgod.com/2020/06/13/an-almost-definite-list-of-the-twelve-apostles/)

Through vivid analogies, personal stories, and practical steps for exploring faith, the episode treats belief as a reasoned choice, not blind faith, and asks whether living as if God exists is the wise course when evidence feels evenly balanced.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
2. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (n.d.). Pascal’s Wager. Available at: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pascal-wager/ 
3. Voltaire. (1764). Philosophical Dictionary.
4. Schaefer III, H. F. (2007). Science Came of Age: A Christian View of Science and Origins.
5. James, W. (1897). The Will to Believe and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy.

The episode explains how God’s warning was conditional, how Moses’ intercession led to God’s relenting, and why this is better seen as relational responsiveness—not contradiction.

Listeners will come away with a clearer view of prayer’s power, God’s faithfulness, and practical hope when God seems distant.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Opade, Ochenia Faith. "Historical Grammatical Analysis of Exodus 33:1-6 as a Response to Contemporary Interpretations of Ornaments." Pharos Journal of Theology, Vol. 103, No. 2 (2022). Available at: https://www.pharosjot.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_42_vol_103_2__2022_nigeria.pdf 
3. Kent, Hannah. "How Moses’ Intercession Changed the Trajectory of Israel (Exodus 33:12-23)." Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium (2019). Available at: https://repository.belmont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=burs 
4. Stewart, Don. "Did Moses Persuade God to Change His Mind?" Blue Letter Bible. Available at: https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/stewart_don/faq/does-god-know-everything/24-did-moses-persuade-god-to-change-his-mind.cfm 
5. Various Commentators. "Exodus 33:3 Commentary." StudyLight.org. Available at: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/exodus/33-3.html 
6. "Exodus 33." Walking With Giants Bible Study Notes. Available at: https://www.walkingwithgiants.net/bible-study-notes/old-testament/exodus/exodus-33/ 
7. Lamb, David T. "The Immutable Mutability of YHWH." Southeastern Theological Review, Vol. 2, No. 1 (2023). Available at: https://www.sebts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/STR_2_1_Lamb.pdf 

Using passages like Matthew 9:23–25, Acts 26, and 1 Corinthians 15, the episode explains the theological meaning of "firstfruits" and why Jesus’ resurrection guarantees future glory for believers.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/first.html 
2. MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible: New Living Translation. Thomas Nelson, 2006. Available at: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/macarthur-study-bible/ 
3. Bar, Shaul. "Resurrection in the Old Testament: Belief or Not?" Old Testament Essays 24, no. 1 (2011): 1-17. https://scielo.org.za/pdf/ote/v24n1/01.pdf 
4. Yates, Gary E. "The Motif of Life and Death in the Elijah-Elisha Narratives and its Theological Significance in 1 Kings 17 - 2 Kings 13." Liberty University Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=lts_fac_pubs 
5. Goeman, Peter. "Full List of Resurrections in the Bible." PeterGoeman.com. https://petergoeman.com/full-list-of-resurrections-in-the-bible/ 
6. McLatchie, Jonathan. "The Firstfruits Feast and the Case for the Resurrection." JonathanMcLatchie.com. https://jonathanmclatchie.com/the-first-fruits-feast-and-the-case-for-the-resurrection/ 
7. "Christ—the Firstfruits." Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/christthe-firstfruits-783/ 
8. Craig, William Lane. "Is There Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus? The Craig-Ehrman Debate." Reasonable Faith. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/media/debates/is-there-historical-evidence-for-the-resurrection-of-jesus-the-craig-ehrman 
9. Craig, William Lane. "Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus’ Resurrection." Reasonable Faith. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/old-testament-prophecies-of-jesus-resurrection 
10. "What does it mean that Jesus is the firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18)?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/firstborn-from-the-dead.html 
11. Katz, David. "Gehazi and the Miracle Staff of Elisha." Jewish Bible Quarterly. https://jbqnew.jewishbible.org/current-issue/gehazi-miracle-staff-elisha/ 

Highlighting Thomas Nagel’s critique of naturalism and other skeptical perspectives, the episode explains why natural explanations struggle with consciousness, morality, and the origin of the universe — and suggests theism offers a more comprehensive fit for those realities.

Resources and readings are recommended, listeners are invited to rate the evidence, and the episode closes by preparing for the series finale next week.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
2. Contemporary Christian Philosophy: A Primer. (2013). Bleeding Heart Libertarians. Available at: http://bleedingheartlibertarians.com/2013/10/contemporary-christian-philosophy-a-primer/ 
3. Kelly, E. F., et al. (2009). Irreducible Mind: Toward a Psychology for the 21st Century. Rowman & Littlefield.
4. Nagel, T. (2012). Mind and Cosmos: Why the Materialist Neo-Darwinian Conception of Nature Is Almost Certainly False. Oxford University Press.

Expect theological perspectives (Calvinist, Arminian, open theism), scholarly insights, and practical takeaways about prayer, intercession, and God’s mercy in Scripture.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible: New Living Translation. Thomas Nelson, 2006. Available at: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/macarthur-study-bible/ 
3. Barrick, William D. "The Openness of God: Does Prayer Change God?" The Master's Seminary Journal, vol. 12, no. 2, 2001, pp. 221-246. Available at: https://tms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tmsj12g.pdf 
4. Maier III, Walter A. "Does God 'Repent' or Change His Mind?" Concordia Theological Quarterly, vol. 68, no. 2, 2004, pp. 127-142. Available at: https://ctsfw.net/media/pdfs/wam3doesgodrepent.pdf 
5. Chisholm Jr., Robert B. "Does God 'Change His Mind'?" Bibliotheca Sacra, vol. 152, no. 608, 1995, pp. 387-399. Available at: https://evangelicalarminians.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Chisholm.-Does-God-Change-His-Mind.pdf 
6. Master, Jonathan. "Exodus 32 as an Argument for Traditional Theism." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, vol. 45, no. 4, 2002, pp. 585-598. Available at: https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/files_JETS-PDFs_45_45-4_45-4-PP585-598_JETS.pdf 
7. "Does God Change His Mind?" Reformed Theological Seminary. Available at: https://rts.edu/resources/does-god-change-his-mind/ 

Comparing translations, cultural context, and priestly imagery, he concludes the Gospels agree the cure was instantaneous, explores the theological and social significance of her faith, and invites listeners to reflect on their own moments of reaching out.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/immediately.html 
2. BibleRef.com: What does Matthew 9:22 mean? https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/9/Matthew-9-22.html 
3. BibleRef.com: What does Mark 5:28 mean? https://www.bibleref.com/Mark/5/Mark-5-28.html 
4. Keystone Victoria: When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. Mark 5:27 https://www.keystonevictoria.com/a-good-word/2017/6/6/when-she-had-heard-of-jesus-came-in-the-press-behind-and-touched-his-garment-mark-527 
5. Harvard DASH: The Body and the Blood: A Theological Reinterpretation of the Hemorrhaging Woman https://dash.harvard.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/f36c33fc-85d9-4bf3-9b82-eaf3e7bd6cd8/content 
6. Bethel Spark: The Markan Narrative of the Hemorrhaging Woman: Injustice Through Systems Then and Now https://spark.bethel.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=bible-theology-students 
7. Watford, Joshua Michael. "The Priest's Garments and the Woman's Faith: An Examination of Mark 5:25-34 in Light of Wisdom of Solomon 18:20-25." Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, May 2, 2022.

Through reasoned responses from philosophers and scientists, the episode argues these challenges open further inquiry rather than closing the case against God, and points listeners to resources for deeper study.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
2. Yancey, P. (1977). Where is God When It Hurts? Zondervan.
3. Koop, C. E. (1977). Sometimes Mountains Move. Tyndale House.
4. Lewis, C. S. (1940). The Problem of Pain. Geoffrey Bles.
5. Lewis, C. S. (1961). A Grief Observed. Faber and Faber.
6. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (n.d.). The Problem of Evil. Available at: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/evil/ 
7. Miller, J. S. (2007). Richard Dawkins and His God Delusion. Wisdom Creek Press.
8. Orr, H. A. (2007). A Mission to Convert. New York Review of Books, Jan. 11.

Drawing on historical and scholarly insights, the episode argues the "finger of God" emphasizes God’s direct authority and personal involvement in giving the Ten Commandments, rather than a physical attribute.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Doak, Brian R. “Written with the Finger of God: Divine and Human Writing in Exodus.” Digital Commons at George Fox University, 2014. Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1223&context=ccs 
3. Hundley, Michael B. “Anthropomorphisms in Ancient Israelite Religion.” Digital Commons at George Fox University, 2019. Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1223&context=ccs
4. Heiser, Michael S. “Anthropomorphisms in P.” The Naked Bible. Available at: https://drmsh.com/TheNakedBible/Anthropomorphisms%20in%20P.pdf 
5. Harrington, Wilfrid J. “The Finger of God.” Grace in Focus, Faith Alone, 2018. Available at: https://faithalone.org/grace-in-focus-articles/the-finger-of-god/ 
6. “Anthropomorphism.” Jewish Virtual Library. Available at: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/anthropomorphism 
7. “What does it mean that the tablets with the Ten Commandments were written by the finger of God?” GotQuestions.org. Available at: https://www.gotquestions.org/finger-of-God.html 

The conclusion: Mark and Luke show she was dying when Jairus reached Jesus and died en route, while Matthew compresses the account; the episode highlights faith as the central theme of the story.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/Jairus_daughter.html  
2. Gangel, Kenneth O. (2000). Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew. Digital Commons @ Liberty University. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1233&context=second_person 
3. Blomberg, Craig L. (1992). Matthew: The New American Commentary. Cited in Answers in Genesis.
4. Seibt, Jim. (2024). Jairus’s Daughter in Three Gospels: Do the Differences Destroy the Truth of the Stories? https://drjimsebt.com/2024/03/04/jairuss-daughter-in-three-gospels-do-the-differences-destroy-the-truth-of-the-stories/ 
5. Vridar. (2011). Why Matthew Changed the Way Mark Wrote About Jairus’ Daughter and the Hemorrhaging Woman. https://vridar.org/2011/07/17/why-matthew-changed-the-way-mark-wrote-about-jairus-daughter-and-the-hemorrhaging-woman/ 
6. Lowery, David K. (2000). Raising Jairus’ Daughter. Bible.org. https://bible.org/seriespage/18-raising-jairus-daughter 
7. Veritas Domain. (2016). Bible Contradiction? Was Jairus’ Daughter Alive When Jesus Was Approached? https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2016/06/07/bible-contradiction-was-jairus-daughter-alive-when-jesus-was-approached/ 
8. IsJesusAlive.com. (2020). A Look at an Alleged Contradiction in the Gospels: Was Jairus’ Daughter Alive When Jesus Was Approached or Was She Already Dead? https://isjesusalive.com/a-look-at-an-alleged-contradiction-in-the-gospels-was-jairus-daughter-alive-when-jesus-was-approached-or-was-she-already-dead/ 
9. BibleHub. Was Jairus’ Daughter Dead or Alive? https://biblehub.com/q/was_jairus'_daughter_dead_or_alive.htm 
10. Answers in Genesis. Was Jairus’ Daughter Dead? https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/was-jairus-daughter-dead/ 

The episode clarifies this is not an argument from authority but an invitation to weigh the evidence: these informed theists challenge the notion that faith is anti-intellectual and encourage listeners to consider the arguments for themselves.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
2. Dimitrov, T. (n.d.). 50 Nobel Laureates and Other Great Scientists Who Believe in God. Available at: http://nobelists.net 
3. Varghese, R. A. (1984). The Intellectuals Speak Out about God. Regnery Gateway.
4. Schaeffer, H. F. III. (2003). Science and Christianity: Conflict and Coherence. Apollos Trust. Talks available at: http://www.leaderu.com/offices/schaefer/lectures.html 
5. Barrett, E., & Fisher, D. (1984). Scientists Who Believe: 21 Tell Their Own Stories. Moody Press.

The episode surveys scriptural passages, Jewish tradition, archaeological evidence, and related cases (like the bronze serpent and the tabernacle artisans) to explain how the cherubim functioned as God‑ordered symbols pointing to His presence—not objects of worship.

Conclusion: the command demonstrates a distinction between forbidden idols and symbolic representations authorized by God, emphasizing intent and worship rather than a blanket ban on imagery.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Ehrlich, Carl S. “Make Yourself No Graven Image”: The Second Commandment and Judaism.
3. BibleHub: Why Does Exodus 25:18 Allow Cherubim? https://biblehub.com/q/why_does_exodus_25_18_allow_cherubim.htm
4. Veritas Domain: Bible Contradiction? Is it OK to make images? https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2022/05/28/bible-contradiction-is-it-ok-to-make-images/
5. Catholic Stand: A Biblical Defense of Religious Images. https://catholicstand.com/a-biblical-defense-of-religious-images/
6. Trivial Devotion: Hammering Out Cherubim (Exodus 25:18). https://trivialdevotion.blogspot.com/2012/04/hammering-out-cherubim.html
7. Patheos: Golden Calf & Cherubim: Biblical Contradiction? https://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2020/11/golden-calf-cherubim-biblical-contradiction.html
8. Cambridge Core: Cherubim: (Re)presenting Transcendence. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/signs-and-society/article/cherubim-representing-transcendence/8D12F23A504B82C14E31C980A301169F
9. TheTorah.com: The Cherubim: Their Role on the Ark in the Holy of Holies. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-cherubim-their-role-on-the-ark-in-the-holy-of-holies

Listeners will get a clear, concise explanation of why sacrifices were given, why prophets rejected ritual without repentance, and how Jesus transforms sacrifice into mercy and a life offered to God.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/desire.html 
2. GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/animal-sacrifices.html 
3. Boyd, Greg. ReKnew: https://reknew.org/2019/09/why-did-god-require-animal-sacrifice-in-the-old-testament/ 
4. Church Life Journal: https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/the-sacrifice-of-praise-and-animal-sacrifice/ 
5. Piper, John. Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/did-jesus-disregard-the-sacrificial-system 
6. Pigott, Susan. All-Creatures.org: https://www.all-creatures.org/articles/an-tpr-biblicallit.html 
7. Pharos Journal of Theology: https://www.pharosjot.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_31_105_5__2024.pdf 
8. SAET: https://www.saet.ac.uk/Christianity/SacrificeandtheOldTestament.pdf 
9. Journal of Religion & Film: https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=jrf 

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
2. Keener, C. S. (2011). Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts (Two-Volume Set). Baker Academic. Also at  http://www.craigkeener.com/tag/conversion-from-atheism 
3. Hartigan, F. (2000). Bill W.: A Biography of Alcoholics Anonymous Cofounder Bill Wilson. Simon & Schuster.
4. James, W. (1902). The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature. Longmans, Green, and Co.
5. Schaeffer, F. A. (various works, e.g., 1972). He Is There and He Is Not Silent. Tyndale House Publishers.

The episode connects Old Testament visions to the New Testament revelation in Jesus, explains the covenant context of the vision, and offers practical takeaways on recognizing God’s presence in creation, Scripture, and Christ.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Enduring Word. Bible Commentary: Exodus 24. Available at: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/exodus-24/ 
3. BibleRef. Exodus 24:10. Available at: https://www.bibleref.com/Exodus/24/Exodus-24-10.html 
4. Aish. Vision of God of Exodus 24:10-11. Available at: https://aish.com/vision-of-god-of-exodus-2410-11/ 
5. Precept Austin. Exodus 24 Commentary. Available at: https://www.preceptaustin.org/exodus-24-commentary 

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/publicans.html 
2. GotQuestions.org. “Why did Jesus eat with sinners?” https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-with-sinners.html 
3. Credo Magazine. “Jesus with Sinners at the Table.” https://credomag.com/2018/01/jesus-with-sinners-at-the-table-2/ 
4. BibleRef.com. “Matthew 18:17.” https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/18/Matthew-18-17.html 
5. Lowery, David. “The Biblical Basis for Church Discipline.” Liberty University Thesis. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2175&context=masters 
6. Hutton, James. “Jesus Ate with Tax Collectors, Prostitutes, & Other Sinners, and We Can Too.” https://jameslhutton.com/2019/08/05/jesus-ate-with-tax-collectors-prostitutes-other-sinners-we-can-too/ 

Smith shares a personal reflection, invites listener responses, and points to further reading for those who want to dive deeper into the philosophy and testimony behind why many people simply 'know' God is real.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
2. Nagel, T. (2012). The Philosopher Defends Religion. The New York Review of Books. Available at: http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2012/09/27/philosopher-defends-religion/
3. Plantinga, A. (1993, 2000). Warrant: The Current Debate, Warrant and Proper Function, and Warranted Christian Belief. Oxford University Press.
4. Alston, W. P. (1991). Perceiving God: The Epistemology of Religious Experience. Cornell University Press. 

The episode summarizes linguistic, theological, and historical perspectives (Septuagint readings, Hebrew terms, rabbinic and scholarly views) and concludes that God reveals himself in degrees suited to human capacity, offering a coherent way to understand both passages.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  
2. MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 1997.
3. Wyckoff, Eric John. "When Does Translation Become Exegesis? Exodus 24:9-11 in the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint." The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol. 74, no. 4, 2012, pp. 675-693.
4. "How did the Elders of Israel see God and live?" Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-answers/how-did-the-elders-of-israel-see-god-and-live
5. "Exodus Chapter 24." Enduring Word Bible Commentary. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/exodus-24/
6. "Can humans see God and live? (Exodus 33:20 vs. Exodus 24:9-11)." Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/q/can_humans_see_god_and_survive.htm
7. "If Exodus 33:11 says Moses spoke with God 'face to face,' how do we reconcile this with Exodus 33:20 where God says no one can see His face and live?" Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/q/how_does_exodus_33_11_align_with_33_20.htm
8. "Elders Seeing God." Christian Study Library. https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/elders-seeing-god
9. "Vision of God of Exodus 24:10-11." Aish.com. https://aish.com/vision-of-god-of-exodus-2410-11/
10. "Did Moses Literally See the Face of God?" Robert Bowman Jr. https://robertbowman.net/2019/06/24/did-moses-literally-see-the-face-of-god/

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/levi.html 
2. Barreto, E. D. (2018). The Apostle Matthew. Bible Odyssey. Available at: https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/the-apostle-matthew/ 
3. Wilson, R. F. (2004). Jesus Calls Levi. JesusWalk Bible Study Series. Available at: https://www.jesuswalk.com/luke/013-levi.htm 
4. Trigger Man. (2023). What’s in a Name? Matthew, Levi, and the Tension in the Text – Part 1. Trigger Man Blog. Available at: https://triggermanblog.wordpress.com/2023/10/10/whats-in-a-name-matthew-levi-and-the-tension-in-the-text-part-1/ 
5. Hawk, B. W. (2020). The Recovery of St. Matthew. Word on Fire. Available at: https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/fellows/the-recovery-of-st-matthew/ 
6. Grant, R. M. (2007). Patristic Traditions About the Evangelist Matthew. The Bible Interpreter. Available at: https://bibleinterp.arizona.edu/articles/patristic-traditions-about-evangelist-matthew 
7. Hansen, C. (2023). Stephen Boyce on Levi/Matthew. Amateur Exegete. Available at: https://amateurexegete.com/2023/08/07/stephen-boyce-on-levi-matthew-guest-post-by-chrissy-hansen/ 

The episode contrasts naturalism's inability to ground objective morals with theism's explanation rooted in God's unchanging nature, referencing examples from history and scripture (Psalm 19) to explain why our moral experience points beyond mere survival instincts.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
2. Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere Christianity. Geoffrey Bles.
3. Rosenberg, A. (2011). The Atheist’s Guide to Reality: Enjoying Life without Illusions. W. W. Norton & Company.
4. Moral Arguments for the Existence of God. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Available at: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-arguments-god/ 
5. Reasonable Faith Animated Video on the Moral Argument. Available at: http://www.reasonablefaith.org/moral 

The episode reviews historical, linguistic, and biblical arguments and explains why the host leans toward Moses as the primary author while encouraging listeners to investigate with curiosity.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  
2. Heiser, Michael. “Mosaic Authorship of the Torah: Problems with the Documentary Hypothesis (JEPD), Part 3.” https://drmsh.com/mosaic-authorship-torah-problems-documentary-hypothesis-jedp-part-3/ 
3. “The JEPD Theory.” Saint Mary’s Press. https://www.smp.org/dynamicmedia/files/9f86f9ff327c4e2eb3a9f985b135a6ff/TX001002_1-content-The_JEPD_Theory.pdf 
4. “Exodus.” Society for Old Testament Study. https://www.sots.ac.uk/wiki/exodus/ 
5. “Authorship of the Pentateuch.” Evidence Unseen. https://evidenceunseen.com/authorship-of-the-pentateuch 
6. “Evidence for Mosaic Authorship of the Torah.” Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/ 
7. Ehrman, Bart. “Exodus: How Archaeology Challenges the Biblical Account.” https://www.bartehrman.com/exodus/ 
8. Ehrman, Bart. “How to Study the Bible.” https://www.bartehrman.com/how-to-study-the-bible/ 

Dive deep into scripture, drawing on expert analyses and thought-provoking arguments to grasp the essence of the dual nature of Christ. Whether you're a believer seeking clarity or a skeptic in search of answers, this episode offers a balanced exploration of one of Christianity's foundational beliefs. Get ready to question, learn, and be inspired to delve further into the Word.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/found.html 
2. Carpenter, Cody J. E. Matthew’s Jesus: The Divine Exposed. Master’s thesis, Mercer University, James & Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, Atlanta, GA, 2018.
3. GotQuestions.org. “Is Jesus God?” https://www.gotquestions.org/is-Jesus-God.html
4. BiblicalUnitarian.com. “One God, One Lord: Reconsidering the Cornerstone of the Christian Faith.” https://www.biblicalunitarian.com/articles/jesus-christ/one-god-one-lord-reconsidering-the-cornerstone-of-the-christian-faith
5. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. “Trinity.” https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/trinity/
6. ReasonableFaith.org. “Was Christ a Divine-Human Person?” https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/was-christ-a-divine-human-person
7. CARM.org. “Is Jesus God?” https://carm.org/about-jesus/is-jesus-god/
8. Mercer University Embedded Certificates: https://theology.mercer.edu/academics/degree-programs/master-of-divinity/embedded-certificates/