The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Numbers 11:24—Why Did Moses 'Go Out'? Solving the Tabernacle Puzzle

In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent contradiction between Numbers 2 and Numbers 11 about whether the tabernacle was inside or outside Israel's camp. He explains the camp's arrangement—with the tabernacle at the center, Levites surrounding it, and the tribes camped in four groups—and why the phrase “Moses went out” refers to leaving a tribal section toward the center.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
Farber, Zev. “The Other Ohel Moed.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-other-ohel-moed
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
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
“Tabernacle Camp of Israel.” Bible Discovery TV, June 9, 2021. https://biblediscoverytv.com/history/2021/tabernacle-camp-of-israel/
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

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 18:3 – Childish or Childlike?

Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 18:3 and the apparent tension with Paul's admonition to "put away childish things." The episode explains the crucial distinction between childish immaturity and childlike trust, drawing on Gospel contexts and Luke's emphasis on Jesus welcoming children. Listeners receive practical applications: grow in spiritual maturity while embracing humble dependence on 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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/childish.html 
Abera Abay, “Children in the Gospel of Luke” (African Theological Journal for Church and Society, vol. 2, no. 2, 2021)
BibleRef, “Matthew 18:3 – Meaning and Commentary”: https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/18/Matthew-18-3.html
Answers in Genesis, “Act Like a Child?”: https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/act-like-a-child/
GotQuestions.org, “Does the Bible instruct us to have childlike faith?”: https://www.gotquestions.org/childlike-faith.html
The Gospel Coalition, “Childlike Faith Is Not Childish”: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/childlike-faith-is-not-childish/
Harvest.org (Greg Laurie), “Childlike, Not Childish”: https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/childlike-not-childish/
Redeeming God, “What is childlike faith? (Matthew 18:3)”: https://redeeminggod.com/childlike-faith-matthew-18-3/
Enduring Word Commentary (David Guzik), “Matthew 18”: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-18/
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

Numbers 11:8 — Manna Mystery: Honey Wafers or Olive Oil Cakes?

Episode 227 examines the apparent discrepancy between Exodus 16 and Numbers 11 about the taste of manna. Lance Smith reads the verses, consults scholars and rabbinic traditions, and shows how raw versus prepared manna and overlapping flavors (honey and oil) harmonize the accounts.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, Third Edition, New Revised Standard Version. Oxford University Press, 2007.
BibleRef.com, "What does Exodus 16:31 mean?" https://www.bibleref.com/Exodus/16/Exodus-16-31.html
Enduring Word Bible Commentary, Exodus 16, by David Guzik. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/exodus-16/
"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
"What Was the Bread From Heaven That Saved God's People?" by Jack Zavada, LearnReligions.com. https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-manna-700742

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 17:1 – Six Days or Eight? Solving the Transfiguration Timeline

Host Lance Smith examines the apparent discrepancy in the Gospel accounts of the Transfiguration — Matthew and Mark’s “six days” versus Luke’s “about eight.” He explains how inclusive reckoning, Jewish timekeeping, and theological symbolism reconcile the wording without contradiction.
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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/transfig.html 
Eric Lyons, "Six or Eight Days?" (Apologetics Press): https://apologeticspress.org/six-or-eight-days-757/
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/
Stephen N. Williams, "The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ" (The Gospel Coalition / Themelios): https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-transfiguration-of-jesus-christ
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/
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/
Ad Fontes Journal, "The Transfiguration and the Church Fathers": https://adfontesjournal.com/church-history/the-transfiguration-and-the-church-fathers/
Jeff Riddle, "Did the transfiguration take place about eight days after...": http://www.jeffriddle.net/2013/03/did-transfiguration-take-place-about.html
Veritas Domain, "Bible Contradiction? When did the transfiguration occur?": https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2018/08/10/bible-contradiction-when-did-the-transfiguration-occur/ 

Numbers 10:33—Ark in Front or in the Middle?

In episode 225, Lance Smith examines an apparent tension in Numbers 10 — whether the Ark of the Covenant led Israel or remained in the center of the camp. He compares ancient Jewish interpretations, classical harmonizations, and critical scholarship, and argues that both images are complementary: God dwells in the midst and goes before his people in specific moments of guidance.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
StudyLight.org Commentary on Numbers 10:33 (including Adam Clarke, Barnes, Gill, Keil & Delitzsch, etc.): https://www.studylight.org/commentary/numbers/10-33.html
Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 10 (David Guzik): https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-10/
"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
"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
"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
JesusWalk Bible Study on Joshua 3 (entering the land, Ark leading): https://www.jesuswalk.com/joshua/3_entering.htm 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 16:21 – He Told Them: So Why Didn’t They Understand?

In episode 224 Lance Smith examines whether Jesus clearly predicted his death and resurrection by comparing repeated Gospel predictions with John 20:9, which says the disciples didn’t understand. He shows how the issue is not that Jesus failed to warn them but that they lacked the framework to connect his words with Scripture.
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 
 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/comingdeath.html 
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
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
Cale Clarke, “Did Jesus Really Predict His Death?,” Catholic Answers Magazine. https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/did-jesus-really-predict-his-death
Steve Davis, “The Historicity of Jesus’s Death and Resurrection,” Tidings. https://tidings.org/resources/the-historicity-of-jesuss-death-and-resurrection/
“Peter and John at the Tomb of Jesus,” Ligonier Ministries Devotional. https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/peter-and-john-at-the-tomb-of-jesus
Jeff Scott Kennedy, “Misunderstanding Jesus: Did the Disciples Misunderstand Jesus’ Message and Mission?” BiblicalTheology.com. https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/KennedyJS01.pdf

Numbers 10:31 — If God Led by a Cloud, Why Ask Hobab for Directions?

Host Lance Smith examines Numbers 10:31 and the apparent tension between divine guidance (the pillar of cloud) and Moses inviting Hobab as a guide. The episode explains how God’s macro-direction and human practical wisdom work together, clarifies Hobab’s identity as Moses’ brother-in-law and his family’s integration into Israel, and applies the lesson: trusting God doesn’t exclude seeking wise help.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
Guzik, David. “Numbers 10 – Two Silver Trumpets, the Departure from Sinai,” Enduring Word Bible Commentary. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-10/
“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
“Commentary on Numbers 10:11–36,” BiblicalScholarship.org. https://biblicalscholarship.wordpress.com/2017/02/12/commentary-on-numbers-1011-36/
“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
“Numbers 10:33 – The Ark Going Before Israel,” TheBibleSays.com. https://thebiblesays.com/en/commentary/num+10:33
“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 
HarperCollins Study Bible (NRSV), Fully Revised and Updated Edition. Edited by Harold W. Attridge and the Society of Biblical Literature. HarperOne, 2006.

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 16:16-17 – Andrew Told Him — Or Did God? Resolving Peter’s Confession

Episode 222 examines an apparent contradiction: did Peter learn Jesus was the Messiah from his brother Andrew (John 1) or by revelation from the Father (Matthew 16)?
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 
 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/peter_find_out.html 
Enduring Word Commentary on Matthew 16 (David Guzik): https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-16/
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/
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/
Religious Studies Center (BYU): "Peter's Keys": https://rsc.byu.edu/ministry-peter-chief-apostle/peters-keys
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 
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.