The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Leviticus 23:42-43 — Booths vs. Tents: The Sukkot Mystery Explained

Episode 202 examines Leviticus 23:42–43 and the seeming tension between Israel dwelling in "tents" during the wilderness and being commanded to live in temporary "booths" for Sukkot. Host Lance Smith explains that tents were the practical homes of a nomadic people, while the festival booths were symbolic, short-term structures meant to teach dependence on God and to recall the fragile beginnings after the Exodus.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
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
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/
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/
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
Hal. "The Feasts of Israel – Booths (Sukkot)." Bible.org Blogs. https://blogs.bible.org/the-feasts-of-israel-booths/
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

Merry Christmas from Lance Smith — A Message of Peace and Hope

Lance Smith delivers a warm Christmas greeting to listeners, praying that the peace of Christ meets them wherever they are. He reminds listeners that God stepped into our world and cares for us in our questions and struggles.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.

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 12:37 – Justified? Words, Hearts, and Grace (200th Episode!)

Host Lance Smith marks episode 200 by tackling an apparent contradiction between Matthew 12:37 and Psalm 143:2. He explains how Psalm 143:2 shows that no one can earn righteousness before God, while Matthew 12:37 highlights how our words reveal the heart and confirm genuine faith. The episode resolves the tension by distinguishing forensic justification by faith from evidential justification seen in transformed speech and actions.
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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/justified.html 
Grier, W.J. "Justification by Faith." The Highway. Available at: https://www.the-highway.com/justification_Grier.html
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/
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
"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
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
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.)

Leviticus 23:32—Ninth or Tenth? Solving Yom Kippur’s Calendar Puzzle

Episode 199 unpacks an apparent contradiction in Leviticus about whether the Day of Atonement starts on the ninth or the tenth day. Lance Smith explains the biblical sunset-to-sunset reckoning, shows how the evening of the ninth begins the tenth, and cites scholars and commentaries that clarify the timing.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
Gordon, Nehemia. "Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement)." Nehemia's Wall. https://www.nehemiaswall.com/yom-kippur-day-atonement
Yeo, Bibianna. "Day of Atonement (Lev 23:26-32)." The Fellowship. https://www.thefellowship.site/archives/leviticuspart4/day-of-atonement
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/
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
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

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 12:30 Unpacked – No Neutral Ground

Episode 198 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 12:30 and parallel passages in Luke and Mark to address the apparent contradiction between "anyone who isn’t with me is against me" and "anyone who is not against you is for you."
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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/withme.html  
"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/
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
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/
David W. Pitts, "No Problem? Addressing Apparent Conflicts in the Biblical Narrative," BiblicalTheology.com: https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/PittsD01.pdf
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
Bart Ehrman, "50 Contradictions in the Bible," bartehrman.com: https://www.bartehrman.com/contradictions-in-the-bible/
"Response to Ehrman: Alleged Contradictions," biblequery.org: https://www.biblequery.org/OtherBeliefs/Skeptics/ResponseToEhrman2_AllegedContradictions.html
"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

Leviticus 18:22–24 — Barrenness and the Homosexuality Debate

Episode 197 examines whether Leviticus condemns homosexuality because it allegedly threatens Israel's fertility. Lance Smith walks through the text, historical context, and scholarly responses to argue the prohibition centers on holiness and covenant boundaries, not a population agenda.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
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
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
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
Mohler, R. Albert, et al. The Bible, the Church, & Homosexuality. Family Research Council, 2005. https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF05K11.pdf
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
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
"Holiness Code." Anglican Taonga, November 2015. https://anglicantaonga.org.nz/features/bible/holiness_cose

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 12:3-4 – David at Nob: Was He Really Alone?

Episode 196 examines the alleged contradiction about David asking for the holy bread at Nob: did he go alone or with companions? Host Lance Smith walks through 1 Samuel 21, the Gospel citations, such as Matthew 12:3-4, and scholarly insights to show that the texts focus on different moments of the same event and highlight mercy over ritual.
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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/alone.html  
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/
"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/
"The Problem of Abiathar in Mark 2.26." Credo House Ministries. https://credohouse.org/blog/the-problem-of-abiathar-in-mark-2-26
"Was it wrong for David to eat the showbread in 1 Samuel 21:1–6?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/David-showbread.html
"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
Lyons, Eric. "Who Was Joseph's Father in Jesus' Genealogy?" Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/who-was-josephs-father/ 

Leviticus 18.22--Pork vs. Sexual Ethics: Does Leviticus 18.22 Still Apply?

Host Lance Smith examines Leviticus 18.22, comparing ceremonial laws like dietary restrictions with moral laws about sexual ethics. The episode surveys conservative and progressive scholarly views, New Testament passages on law and fulfillment, and the pastoral implications for same-sex–attracted Christians
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
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
Paul, Ian. "Leviticus and Same-Sex Relations." Psephizo, 2014. https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/leviticus-and-same-sex-relations/
"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/
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/
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
Freeman, John. "The Gospel Remedy for Homosexuality." Ligonier Ministries, n.d. https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/gospel-remedy-homosexuality
"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
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
"The Prohibitions in Leviticus Don’t Apply to Christians." The Reformation Project, n.d. https://reformationproject.org/case/levitical-prohibitions/
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/
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/
Sandlin, Rev. Mark. "Clobbering 'Biblical' Gay Bashing." Believe Out Loud, n.d. https://www.believeoutloud.com/voices/article/clobbering-biblical-gay-bashing/
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