The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 19:18 – Does God Ever Tell Us to Steal? Unpacking the Bible’s Tough Passages

Host Lance Smith examines apparent Bible conflicts about stealing—Rachel taking her fathers household idols and the Israelites leaving Egypt with silver and gold—by reviewing context, translations, and scholarship.
The episode shows the Bible consistently condemns theft and explains the highlighted Old Testament cases as descriptive, cultural, or acts of divine justice rather than endorsements of stealing.
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/steal.html 
“What Does the Bible Say about Stealing?,” Vivian Bricker, Christianity.com. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-does-the-bible-say-about-stealing.html
Bar Niv, Moshe. “Regulating Theft – Lessons from Biblical Law.” Rutgers Journal of Law & Religion, Vol. 16, 2014. https://sites.camden.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2017/03/Regulating-Theft-Bar-Niv.pdf
“Israelite Plundering and a Missing Donkey,” Eric Lyons, Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/israelite-plundering-and-a-missing-donkey-649/
“Exodus 3:22 – The Israelites Leave Egypt,” Wayne Jackson, Christian Courier. https://christiancourier.com/articles/exodus-3-22-the-israelites-leave-egypt
“What is the meaning of ‘spoiled the Egyptians’ in Exodus 12:36?,” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/spoiled-the-Egyptians.html
“Why did people keep family idols in the Bible?,” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/family-idols.html
“Laban Searches for His Stolen Idols—Genesis 31:33,” Emanuel Tov, TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/laban-searches-for-his-stolen-idols-genesis-31-33
“Rachel’s Teraphim: A Critique of the Northern Kingdom,” Erin D. Darby, TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/rachels-teraphim-a-critique-of-the-northern-kingdom
“Why Steal the Household gods?,” Entrusted to the Dirt. https://entrustedtothedirt.com/2021/03/22/why-steal-the-household-gods/
Sláma, Petr. “‘Thus they despoiled the Egyptians’ (Exod 12:36 and parallels): On the scandal of asking silver and gold from innocent neighbours.” https://www.academia.edu/38556165/_Thus_they_despoiled_the_Egyptians_Exod_12_36_and_parallels_On_the_scandal_of_asking_silver_and_gold_from_innocent_neighbours 

Numbers 14:25 — Valley or Mountain? Solving Numbers 14’s Geography Puzzle

In episode 241 Lance Smith examines an apparent contradiction in Numbers 14 about whether the Amalekites and Canaanites dwelt in the valley or the hills.
He explains how the same people in the southern Negev could be described both ways depending on perspective and terrain, showing the verses are complementary rather than contradictory.
The episode connects this close reading to a broader point about trusting Scripture and obeying God, and points listeners to further resources and commentary.
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 
“Shelach – Emek and Har: The Dwelling Place of the Amalekites and the Canaanites,” Israel Koschitzky Virtual Beit Midrash (Yeshivat Har Etzion). https://www.etzion.org.il/en/tanakh/studies-tanakh/core-studies-tanakh/shelach-emek-and-har-dwelling-place-amalekites-and
“Do the Amalekites live in the land of the Negeb OR in the valley?” contradictionsinthebible.com. https://contradictionsinthebible.com/amalekites-live-in-negeb-or-valley/
Bible Hub Commentaries on Numbers 14:25. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/numbers/14-25.htm
StudyLight Verse-by-Verse Commentaries on Numbers 14:25. https://www.studylight.org/commentary/numbers/14-25.html
“The Amalekites,” Jewish Virtual Library. https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-amalekites (Plus additional geographical insights from Biblical Archaeology Society and related sources on Negev terrain.)

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 19:16-17 (2) – Is Jesus Really Good? Unpacking Matthew 19’s Tough Question

Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:16–17 and parallel Gospel passages to explain why Jesus’ question, “Why callest thou me good?”, does not deny his goodness or divinity.
The episode clarifies translation differences, context with the rich young man, Jesus’ teaching method, and how the passage exposes misplaced confidence while strengthening trust 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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/jesus-good.html 
GotQuestions.org articles: https://www.gotquestions.org/good-God-alone.html , https://www.gotquestions.org/why-do-you-call-me-good.html , https://www.gotquestions.org/rich-young-ruler.html
Catholic Answers: “Why Different Translations for Matthew 19:16-17?” https://www.catholic.com/qa/why-different-translations-for-matthew-1916-17
Douglas Groothuis, “Jesus: Philosopher and Apologist,” Christian Research Journal (2002/updated 2009) https://www.equip.org/articles/jesus-philosopher-and-apologist/
Terry J. Hedrick, “Jesus as Shepherd in the Gospel of Matthew,” PhD thesis, Durham University (2007) https://etheses.durham.ac.uk/id/eprint/2536/1/2536_547.pdf
Answering Islam rebuttal by David Thompson: https://www.answering-islam.org/authors/thompson/rebuttals/questionmark/response_where_i_am_god.html
Hold Fast Blog: “Why Do You Call Me Good? Mark 10:18” https://holdfast.blog/2025/11/15/why-do-you-call-me-good-mark-1018/
Beautiful Christian Life: “What Point Was Jesus Making to the Rich Young Ruler?” https://beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/what-point-was-jesus-making-to-the-rich-young-ruler

Numbers 13:32-33 — When Fear Wins: The Spies' "Evil Report" and How It Devoured a Generation

In episode 239 of Bible Difficulties and Answers, Lance Smith examines Numbers 13:32–33, contrasting the fearful report of ten spies with Joshua and Caleb's faith. He argues the conflict was not over facts about the land's fertility but over differing interpretations—fear versus faith. The episode explains the 'land devours its inhabitants' phrase as hyperbole driven by fear, explores the spies' exaggerations about giants, and draws practical lessons about trusting God when opportunities look daunting.
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 
Utley, Bob. Free Bible Commentary on Numbers 13. http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/old_testament_studies/VOL02COT/VOL02COT_13.html
Knowing Scripture. “Giants in the Land: A Biblical Theology of the Nephilim, Anakim, Rephaim, and Goliath.” https://knowingscripture.com/articles/giants-in-the-land-a-biblical-theology-of-the-nephilim-anakim-rephaim-and-goliath
Bradley, Jamin. “The Giant Clans of the Bible.” https://jaminbradley.com/2019/07/03/the-giants-clans-of-the-bible/
Hadar Institute. “Uncovering the Spies.” https://www.hadar.org/torah-tefillah/resources/uncovering-spies
The Gospel Coalition. Numbers Commentary. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/commentary/numbers/

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 19:17-19 (1) – What Was Jesus' 'Sixth Commandment'? Debunking the Contradiction

In this episode Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:17–19 alongside Mark 10 and Luke 18 to answer the skeptic’s claim that Jesus listed a different number of commandments. Using context, Jewish background, and gospel harmonization, he shows Matthew’s inclusion of “Love your neighbor” is a theological capstone, not a contradiction.
Listeners will learn how the three accounts offer complementary perspectives on the rich young man’s question about eternal life and why the passage highlights discipleship and the heart’s true loyalties.
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/sixth.html 
Michael A. LaFramboise, “A Discourse Analysis of Matthew 19:16-30: The Pericope of the Rich Young Man,” (Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, June 5, 2023).
David N. Bivin, “Rich Man Declines the Kingdom of Heaven,” Jerusalem Perspective (18 Nov 2014): https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/12323/
John J. Collins, “Love Your Neighbor: How It Became the Golden Rule,” TheTorah.com (27 April 2020): https://www.thetorah.com/article/love-your-neighbor-how-it-became-the-golden-rule
David Guzik, “Matthew Chapter 19,” Enduring Word Bible Commentary: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-19/
“Why did Jesus tell the rich young ruler he could be saved by obeying the commandments?” GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/rich-young-ruler.html
Layton Talbert, “Diagnosing the Rich Young Ruler’s Problem,” BJU Seminary (20 June 2019): https://seminary.bju.edu/theology-in-3d/what-was-the-rich-rulers-problem/
“Which Commandments Should We Really Follow? (Matthew 19),” Rethinking Scripture: https://rethinkingscripture.com/which-commandments-should-we-really-follow/

Numbers 13:16 — From Hosea to Joshua: Why a Name Change Isn't a Contradiction

Episode 237 explores the apparent discrepancy between Exodus and Numbers where Moses seems to 'rename' Hosea as Joshua. Lance Smith explains how naming conventions, proleptic usage, and theological meaning resolve the difficulty, showing the change highlights Yahweh's role in salvation. Drawing on Jewish tradition and biblical scholarship, the episode argues the shift is clarifying and theological rather than contradictory.
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 
Zev Farber, “Why Was Joshua Singled Out by Moses? A New Insight into an Old Question,” TheTorah.com (June 10, 2014). https://www.thetorah.com/article/why-was-joshua-singled-out-by-moses
“The 12 Spies (Meraglim) in the Bible,” Chabad.org. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3700062/jewish/The-12-Spies-Meraglim-in-the-Bible.htm
BibleHub discussion: “Why did Moses change Hoshea’s name to Joshua?” https://biblehub.com/q/Why_did_Moses_rename_Hoshea_Joshua.htm
Mesu Andrews, “Moses Changed Joshua’s Name—Why It Matters.” https://mesuandrews.com/moses-changed-joshuas-name-why-it-matters/
Elinoar Bareket, “What’s in a Name?: The Bible vs. the Middle Ages,” TheTorah.com (December 12, 2016). https://www.thetorah.com/article/whats-in-a-name-the-bible-vs-the-middle-ages
David Frankel, “The Story of the Anonymous Scouts, Modified by the Book of Numbers,” TheTorah.com (June 23, 2022). https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-story-of-the-anonymous-scouts-modified-by-the-book-of-numbers

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 19:12 – Does the Bible Prefer Castrated Men? A Clear Answer

Episode 236 examines a skeptical claim that juxtaposes Matthew 19 and Deuteronomy 23 to argue the Bible prefers castrated men. Lance Smith walks through context, covenant differences, and historical background to show Jesus’ words address marriage and voluntary celibacy, while Deuteronomy regulated assembly and separation from pagan practices.
The episode traces the biblical trajectory through Isaiah 56 and Acts 8 to demonstrate inclusion and redemption rather than exclusion, concluding that Scripture cares about the heart and faith, not physical condition.
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/castrated.html 
“The Prohibition of Joining the Assembly of the Lord.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-prohibition-of-joining-the-assembly-of-the-lord
“Even Eunuchs Are Included.” Ligonier Ministries. https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/even-eunuchs-are-included
“Tough Passages #5: Eunuchs and Pharisees (Deuteronomy 23:1).” Redeeming Culture. https://redeemingculture.com/theology/tough-passages/2613-tough-passages-5-eunuchs-and-pharisees-deuteronomy-231
“What is a eunuch in the Bible?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/eunuch-eunuchs.html
“Eunuchs in the Bible.” Biblical Archaeology Review / BiblicalArchaeology.org. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/bible-interpretation/eunuchs-in-the-bible/
“Difficult Bible Passages: Matthew 19:12.” Bill Muehlenberg. https://billmuehlenberg.com/2009/10/30/difficult-bible-passages-matthew-1912/

Numbers 12:3—Did Moses Call Himself the Most Humble Man on Earth?

Episode 235 examines Numbers 12:3—"Now, Moses was very humble..."—asking whether this sounds like a boast or a divine assessment. Lance Smith walks through the context, Hebrew meaning, manuscript evidence, and scholarly views to show why the verse explains Moses' silence and humility rather than contradicting Mosaic authorship.
Listeners will hear how the term ʿānāv can mean humble or afflicted, how Numbers 11–12 shape our understanding of Moses' character, and why ancient manuscripts and theological insight support the verse's reliability and purpose.
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 
Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library. Manuscript 4Q27 (4QNum^b). Accessed via https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/explore-the-archive/manuscript/4Q27-1
Rogers, Cleon. “Moses: Meek or Miserable?” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 29/3 (1986): 257–263. Available at: https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/files_JETS-PDFs_29_29-3_29-3-pp257-263_JETS.pdf
Dawes, Stephen B. “Numbers 12.3: What Was Special About Moses?” The Bible Translator 41, no. 3 (July 1990).
Ward, Doug. “The Meanings of Moses’ Meekness.” http://graceandknowledge.faithweb.com/num12.html
“How could Moses write this, if he was more humble than all men?” Evidence Unseen. https://evidenceunseen.com/old-testament/numbers/difficulties/how-could-moses-write-this-if-he-was-more-humble-than-all-men
Butt, Kyle. “How Humble Could Moses Have Been?” Apologetics Press, 2002. https://apologeticspress.org/how-humble-could-moses-have-been-939/
Jeff. “How Can Moses Say He is the Most Humble Man on the Earth?” Anti-Itch Meditation, February 21, 2023. https://antiitchmeditation.wordpress.com/2023/02/21/how-can-moses-say-he-is-the-most-humble-man-on-the-earth/
Hamilton, Jim. “Failed Humblebrag? Mosaic Self-Promotion? Or True Humility?” September 14, 2011. https://jimhamilton.info/2011/09/14/failed-humblebrag-mosaic-self-promotion-or-true-humility/
“Evidence for Mosaic Authorship of the Torah.” Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/
Rashi, Commentary on Numbers 12:3. (See standard editions or Sefaria.org for English rendering: “ענו means, humble and patient.”)