The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

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.

Numbers 6:5—Paul, Nazarites, and Bad Hair Days: Context Clears the Confusion

Host Lance Smith tackles an apparent contradiction between Numbers 6 and 1 Corinthians 11 about men’s long hair, showing that the Nazarite vow’s uncut hair was a temporary sign of consecration while Paul’s instruction addressed everyday worship practices in Corinth.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
“What is the Nazirite/Nazarite vow?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/Nazirite-vow.html
“Numbers 6: The Nazirite Vow.” oneandall.church. https://www.oneandall.church/story/numbers-6-the-nazirite-vow
“The Head Covering: 1 Corinthians 11 – Part Three.” unraveledfaith.ca. https://www.unraveledfaith.ca/post/the-head-covering-1-corinthians-11-part-three
“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/
“Paul, the Head Covering: An Alternative Interpretation.” kuyperian.com. https://kuyperian.com/paul-the-head-covering-an-alternative-interpretation/

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 15:11–From Garden Salad to BBQ: What Does the Bible Say About Eating Meat?

This episode traces the Bible’s changing food story from Genesis’s plant-based ideal, through post‑Flood permission and the Mosaic dietary laws, to Jesus’ and the apostles’ teaching that ceremonial food restrictions no longer bind Christians.
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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible:https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/eat.html 
GotQuestions.org – “What does the Bible say about what foods we should eat?”: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-foods.html
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/
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/
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/
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/
Adventist Biblical Research Institute – “Clean and Unclean Meats”: https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/articles/clean-and-unclean-meats
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
Focus on the Family – “Vegans, Vegetarians, and the Bible”: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/vegans-vegetarians-and-the-bible/

Numbers 5:13–22 — Bitter Water and Divine Justice: What Numbers 5 Really Means

Episode 219 examines Numbers 5:13–22 and the objection that the Sotah ritual is superstition. The host explores explanations including psychosomatic effects, the ritual’s role as a legal restraint protecting women from vigilante violence, and its theological connections pointing toward Christ’s cup of judgment. The episode argues the passage refines justice rather than endorsing magic.
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 
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.
Mowczko, Marg. “Jealousy and Bitter Water (Numbers 5:11–31).” MargMowczko.com. https://margmowczko.com/bitter-water-numbers-511-31/
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/
“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
“Was the Sotah Meant to be Innocent?” The Lehrhaus. https://thelehrhaus.com/talmud-and-halakhah/was-the-sotah-meant-to-be-innocent/
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

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 15:3–Does the Bible Endorse Capital Punishment? A Clear-Sighted Review

Host Lance Smith examines whether the Bible supports capital punishment by unpacking Old Testament laws, the story of Cain, Jesus' actions in John 8, and New Testament teachings like Romans 13 and Genesis 9:6.
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 
 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/capital.html 
GotQuestions.org – “What does the Bible say about the death penalty / capital punishment?” https://www.gotquestions.org/death-penalty.html
Charles W. Colson – “Why I Support Capital Punishment” (The Gospel Coalition) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-i-support-capital-punishment/
John Piper interview – “Do You Believe in Capital Punishment?” (Desiring God) https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/do-you-believe-in-capital-punishment
Greg Koukl – “The Bible and Capital Punishment” (Stand to Reason) https://www.str.org/w/the-bible-and-capital-punishment
Matthew Arbo – “Why I Oppose Capital Punishment” (The Gospel Coalition) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-i-oppose-capital-punishment/
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
Pope John Paul II – Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)