The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Numbers 22:33 — When a Donkey Sees What a Prophet Can't: The Strange Story of Balaam

Episode 263 explores Numbers 22: the odd story of Balaam, his talking donkey, and the angel who blocks the road. The episode examines the apparent contradiction where God permits Balaam to go yet becomes angry, and recounts the humorous and sobering events as the donkey repeatedly avoids the angel while Balaam remains blind to it.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
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/
Guzik, David. Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 22. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-22/
Wax, Trevin. “Donkeys and Diviners Are Under God’s Hand.” The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/donkeys-diviners-gods-hand/
“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
Laurie, Greg. “Angels Stop Us.” Harvest.org. https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/angels-stop-us/
Schorer-Finkelman, Nava. “Understanding Balaam’s Donkey: An Intertextual Approach.” Jewish Bible Quarterly. https://jbqnew.jewishbible.org/assets/Uploads/492/jbq_492_schorerbalaam.pdf
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
 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 21:1 – One Cleansing or Two? The Temple Mystery in the Gospels

This episode examines the apparent contradiction between John and the Synoptic Gospels about when Jesus cleansed the temple—early in his ministry or during Passion Week.
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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/tantrum.html 
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/
Dr. Tim Chaffey, “The Temple Cleansing” – https://answersingenesis.org/jesus/the-temple-cleansing/
Eric Lyons, “Chronology and the Cleansing of the Temple” – https://apologeticspress.org/chronology-and-the-cleansing-of-the-temple-660/
GotQuestions.org, “How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple?” – https://www.gotquestions.org/temple-cleanse.html
Ligonier Ministries, “Jesus Cleanses the Temple” – https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/jesus-cleanses-the-temple
Allan Chapple, “Jesus’ Intervention in the Temple: Once or Twice?” – https://faithalone.org/journal-articles/jesus-intervention-in-the-temple-once-or-twice/
Reading Acts blog, “John 2:13-25 – The Temple Incident” – https://readingacts.com/2012/11/30/john-213-25-the-temple-incident-2/
Jimmy Akin (Catholic Answers), “Jesus Cleansing the Temple—Why and When?” – https://www.catholic.com/audio/tjap/jesus-cleansing-the-temple-why-and-when

Sunday Series—Mere Christianity: A Conversation for the Common Hall – Book One, Chapter Four: What Lies Behind the Law

In this episode Lance Smith walks through chapter 4 of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, examining the moral law and whether something like a mind or director lies behind the universe. He contrasts the materialist and religious views, explains why science can’t answer the “why” behind existence, and points to our inner sense of ‘ought’ as a clue.
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
Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk
 

Numbers 21:8-9 — Bronze Serpent: Symbol or Idol? Unpacking Numbers 21

Episode 260 examines the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 and the apparent conflict with the second commandment, explaining how the image functioned as a God-given symbol — not an idol — and how Israel later misused it.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
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
GotQuestions.org. “Why is a bronze serpent used to save the Israelites in Numbers 21:8-9?” https://www.gotquestions.org/bronze-serpent.html
JesusPlusNothing.com. “Faith, Idolatry and the Bronze Serpent.” https://jesusplusnothing.com/series/post/Wilderness8Num21
ChristOverall.com. “Snakes Alive!? or How Jesus Fulfills Numbers 21.” https://christoverall.com/article/concise/snakes-alive-or-how-jesus-fulfills-numbers-21/
Keystone Project. “Lessons from the Bronze Serpent.” https://www.keystoneproject.org/blog/lessons-from-the-bronze-serpent
BibleHub. “Why would God command Moses to create a bronze serpent?” https://biblehub.com/q/why_did_god_command_a_bronze_serpent.htm
TheTorah.com. “Nehushtan, the Copper Serpent: Its Origins and Fate.” https://www.thetorah.com/article/nehushtan-the-copper-serpent-its-origins-and-fate
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)
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

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 20:29-34 – Two Blind Men, One Miracle: Solving the Gospel Puzzle

Episode 259 explores the story of Jesus healing blind men near Jericho and tackles the apparent discrepancy where Matthew records two blind men while Mark and Luke spotlight only Bartimaeus.
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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/blindmen.html 
GotQuestions.org, “Did Jesus heal two blind men or one blind man?” – https://www.gotquestions.org/one-two-blind-men.html
Eric Lyons, “Controversial Jericho,” Apologetics Press – https://apologeticspress.org/controversial-jericho-666/
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/
Peter Goeman, “Does Blind Bartimaeus Expose a Contradiction in the Gospels?” (2026) – https://petergoeman.com/does-blind-bartimaeus-expose-a-contradiction-in-the-gospels/
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/
Dr. Jim, “Two Blind Men Are Healed Near Jericho” – https://drjimsebt.com/2023/06/21/two-blind-men-are-healed-near-jericho/
Debie Thomas, “Blind Bartimaeus,” JourneyWithJesus.net – https://www.journeywithjesus.net/essays/412-blind-bartimaeus

Sunday Series—Mere Christianity: A Conversation for the Common Hall- Book One, Chapter Three: The Reality of the Law

Episode 258 explores C.S. Lewis’s chapter 3 of Mere Christianity, examining the mysterious Moral Law that tells us how we ought to behave even when we don't. Lance Smith unpacks Lewis’ argument that this ‘ought’ is real, not merely social convention or instinct.
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 
Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk 

Numbers 20:21 — Did Israel Pass Through Edom? Numbers vs Deuteronomy Explained

Episode 257 examines the apparent contradiction between Numbers and Deuteronomy about Israel’s encounter with Edom, using geography, Hebrew language, historical commentary, and archaeology to show the two accounts describe different aspects of the same journey.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
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
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/
Glatt-Gilad, David A. “Reimagining the Israelite-Edomite Encounter.” TheTorah.com, 2016. https://www.thetorah.com/article/reimagining-the-israelite-edomite-encounter
“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 
Guzik, David. Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 20. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-20/
“Evidence of Elusive Edom.” Biblical Archaeology Review / Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/evidence-of-elusive-edom/ 
Bienkowski, Piotr. “The Emergence of Edom: Recent Debate.” ANEToday, March 2023. https://anetoday.org/bienkowski-emergence-edom/
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

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 20:28 – Ransom for Many or All? Unpacking the Atonement Debate

In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent Bible difficulty: Jesus says he gave his life as a ransom for many, while Paul says Christ purchased freedom for everyone. He explains how different authors emphasize different facets of the same truth, explores Calvinist and Arminian perspectives, and presents the idea that the atonement can be sufficient for all yet effective for those who believe.
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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/ransom.html 
Frank Turek video: “If God knows our choices before we make them, are we truly free?” https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1221904213172171 
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/
GotQuestions.org. “Limited Atonement – Is it Biblical?” https://www.gotquestions.org/limited-atonement.html
GotQuestions.org. “Is the Atonement of Christ Unlimited?” https://www.gotquestions.org/unlimited-atonement.html
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
Kayser, Phillip G. “Ransom Paid: Does the Bible Limit the Atonement?” Biblical Blueprints. https://biblicalblueprints.com/Booklets/Ransom-Paid
Allen, David L. “Yes, Jesus Did Die for [the Sins of] Everyone!” https://drdavidlallen.com/yes-jesus-did-die-for-the-sins-of-everyone/
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
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/