The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Numbers 4:3 — 30, 25, 20: Making Sense of Levitical Ages

This episode unpacks why Numbers 4:3, Numbers 8:24, and Ezra 3:8 list different ages for Levitical service and shows they are not contradictions but reflect different roles and historical contexts.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
“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
“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
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/
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/
NET Bible Study Notes on Ezra 3:8. Available at: https://netbible.org/bible/Ezra+3
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

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 13:53 – Nazareth's Rejection: One Visit or Two? (Gospel Puzzle Explained)

Episode 214 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast examines the apparent contradiction between Luke 4 and Matthew/Mark about when Jesus was rejected in Nazareth. Lance Smith compares Luke’s early, dramatic account with Matthew and Mark’s later, quieter version and explores whether these are two separate visits or one event presented differently.
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 
 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html 
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
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
"Second Rejection In Nazareth": https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-studies/ministry-outside-of-galilee-mid-a-d-32/second-rejection-in-nazareth/
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/
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/

Numbers 3:12 — When God Substitutes a Tribe: Why the Levites Replaced the Firstborn

Why does Numbers devote so much space to censuses, genealogies, and detailed regulations—and what are we supposed to do with them as Christians?
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
“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
David Guzik, Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Numbers Chapter 3, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-3/
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
Mark Leuchter, “Who Were the Levites?,” TheTorah.com, https://www.thetorah.com/article/who-were-the-levites
Nick Batzig, “The Firstborn, the Levites, Substitution and the Redemption Money,” Feeding on Christ, https://feedingonchrist.org/the-firstborn-levites-and-the-redemption-money/
“Numbers 3 Explained,” Explaining the Book, https://explainingthebook.com/2025/02/15/numbers-3-explained/
“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/
“Priests and Levites,” BiblicalTraining.org, https://www.biblicaltraining.org/library/priests-and-levites

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 13:34 – Did Jesus Always Teach in Parables? Matthew v. John Explained

Hey there, truth seekers. In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent tension between the Gospels: Matthew (and Mark) claim Jesus always taught the crowds in parables, while John records extended theological dialogues instead of short parables. The episode compares context, literary style, and scholarly arguments to show how both accounts can be complementary—Matthew highlights Jesus’ public parabolic teaching, while John emphasizes intimate, identity-focused discourse. Listeners are encouraged to study carefully and see how different Gospel perspectives deepen, rather than contradict, our understanding of Jesus’ teaching.
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.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
“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)
Why did Jesus teach in parables?: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
Enduring Word Bible Commentary on Matthew 13: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-13/
Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables? (Their Purpose Explained): https://bibleproject.com/articles/are-the-parables-of-jesus-confusing-on-purpose/
Major Differences Between John and the Synoptic Gospels: https://bible.org/seriespage/2-major-differences-between-john-and-synoptic-gospels/
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/
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
Why does Jesus not use Parables in John?: http://blog.charleshedrick.com/2017/01/why-does-jesus-not-use-parables-in-john.html
Parables in the Gospels (Baylor University PDF): https://ifl.web.baylor.edu/sites/g/files/ecbvkj771/files/2023-02/parables.pdf

Numbers 1:46—Why the Bible Lists 603,550 Twice: Two Censuses, One People

Host Lance Smith examines why the Bible records the exact same census total—603,550—twice in Exodus and Numbers. He explains that the Exodus count was for atonement and tabernacle contributions, while the Numbers count, taken one month later, was a military census for organizing Israel to move.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
Brown, Randy. “Large Numbers in the Old Testament.” Bible Study with Randy, 2016.https://www.biblestudywithrandy.com/2016/06/large-numbers-old-testament/
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
Guzik, David. “Numbers 1 Commentary.” Enduring Word.https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-1/
Guzik, David. “Numbers 26 Commentary.” Enduring Word.https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-26/
GotQuestions.org. “What was the census in the book of Numbers?”https://www.gotquestions.org/Numbers-census.html
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
Agape Bible Study. “Numbers Lesson 1.”https://www.agapebiblestudy.com/Numbers/Numbers_Lesson_1.htm
BibleHub. “Why do Numbers 1:46 and 26:51 differ?”https://biblehub.com/q/why_do_numbers_1_46_and_26_51_differ.htm
Harrelson, Walter J., ed. The New Interpreter’s Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha. Abingdon Press, 2003.
MacArthur, John F., ed. The MacArthur Study Bible. New International Version (NIV). Thomas Nelson, 1997.

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 13:10-11 – Jesus' Secret Teachings?

In this episode Lance Smith examines the apparent tension between Jesus saying some understand the "secrets of the kingdom" (Matthew 13:10–11) and his claim at his trial that he "said nothing in secret" (John 18). Using clear translation, historical context, and scholarship, Lance shows parables function as a public filter—revealing truth to the receptive and concealing it from the hardened—while private explanations and timing explain commands for silence. The result: no hidden gospel, but layered reception and careful timing of revelation.
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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/secret.html 
"Why did Jesus teach in parables?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
"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
"What is the Messianic Secret?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Messianic-secret.html
"Some Stories Read Us: Why Jesus Spoke in Parables" by Gerrit Scott Dawson – DesiringGod.org: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/some-stories-read-us
"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/
"Messianic Secret: The Mystery Behind Jesus' Concealed Identity" – BartEhrman.com: https://www.bartehrman.com/messianic-secret/
"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/
"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
"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
"The Parables of Jesus" by Peter Krol – Logos.com: https://www.logos.com/grow/nook-parables-of-jesus/

Numbers 1:1–4:49 — Two Million in the Desert? Rethinking the Numbers in Numbers

Episode 209 digs into Numbers 1–4 to examine the famous census that lists roughly 603,550 fighting men and implies a population of 2–2.5 million. Lance Smith surveys the logistical, archaeological, and textual challenges that raise doubts about a literal headcount.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
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
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
Adair, Aaron. “Counting on the Census Numbers: Mathematical Approaches to the elep in Numbers.” HIPHIL Novum, 2025. https://tidsskrift.dk/hiphilnovum/article/view/152021
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
“The Exodus: Fact or Fiction?” Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/exodus/exodus-fact-or-fiction/

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 12:47 – Did Jesus Tell Us to 'Hate' Our Parents?

Lance Smith examines the apparent contradiction between biblical commands to honor parents and Jesus' strong sayings about family priority. Using context, cultural idiom, and examples from Matthew, Luke, and John, he shows how phrases like “hate your father” are hyperbolic calls for ultimate allegiance to God, not literal family rejection. The episode explains the passages, defends Jesus' respect for his mother, and concludes the Bible reorders family priority rather than condemning familial love.
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/parents.html 
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
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
BibleInterpretation.org – "MATTHEW 12:46-50 THE TRUE FAMILY OF JESUS" by Fr. Abraham Mutholath https://bibleinterpretation.org/matthew-12_46-50/
Benedictine Media – "‘Who Is My Mother?’ Did Jesus Disrespect Mary?" https://media.benedictine.edu/who-is-my-mother-did-jesus-disrespect-mary
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
Christian Research Institute (equip.org) – "Luke 14:26: Hate or Hyperbole" https://www.equip.org/articles/luke-1426/
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/