The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Exodus 31:18 –Did God Have Fingers? Unpacking the 'Finger of God'

In this episode, Lance Smith explores Exodus 31:18 and the phrase "written by the finger of God," asking whether it implies a literal digit or serves as a metaphor. He examines anthropomorphism, ancient Near Eastern imagery, and related biblical passages to clarify how language about God conveys theological truth.
Drawing on historical and scholarly insights, the episode argues the "finger of God" emphasizes God’s direct authority and personal involvement in giving the Ten Commandments, rather than a physical attribute.
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 
Doak, Brian R. “Written with the Finger of God: Divine and Human Writing in Exodus.” Digital Commons at George Fox University, 2014. Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1223&context=ccs 
Hundley, Michael B. “Anthropomorphisms in Ancient Israelite Religion.” Digital Commons at George Fox University, 2019. Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1223&context=ccs
Heiser, Michael S. “Anthropomorphisms in P.” The Naked Bible. Available at: https://drmsh.com/TheNakedBible/Anthropomorphisms%20in%20P.pdf 
Harrington, Wilfrid J. “The Finger of God.” Grace in Focus, Faith Alone, 2018. Available at: https://faithalone.org/grace-in-focus-articles/the-finger-of-god/ 
“Anthropomorphism.” Jewish Virtual Library. Available at: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/anthropomorphism 
“What does it mean that the tablets with the Ten Commandments were written by the finger of God?” GotQuestions.org. Available at: https://www.gotquestions.org/finger-of-God.html 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 9:18 – Jairus' Daughter: Dead or Dying? Unpacking the Gospel Accounts

Episode 170 examines whether Jairus’ daughter was dead or dying when he approached Jesus by comparing Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The hosts walk through the timeline, note Matthew’s summary style versus Mark and Luke’s sequence, and include scholar perspectives and humor.
The conclusion: Mark and Luke show she was dying when Jairus reached Jesus and died en route, while Matthew compresses the account; the episode highlights faith as the central theme of the story.
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/Jairus_daughter.html  
Gangel, Kenneth O. (2000). Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew. Digital Commons @ Liberty University. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1233&context=second_person 
Blomberg, Craig L. (1992). Matthew: The New American Commentary. Cited in Answers in Genesis.
Seibt, Jim. (2024). Jairus’s Daughter in Three Gospels: Do the Differences Destroy the Truth of the Stories? https://drjimsebt.com/2024/03/04/jairuss-daughter-in-three-gospels-do-the-differences-destroy-the-truth-of-the-stories/ 
Vridar. (2011). Why Matthew Changed the Way Mark Wrote About Jairus’ Daughter and the Hemorrhaging Woman. https://vridar.org/2011/07/17/why-matthew-changed-the-way-mark-wrote-about-jairus-daughter-and-the-hemorrhaging-woman/ 
Lowery, David K. (2000). Raising Jairus’ Daughter. Bible.org. https://bible.org/seriespage/18-raising-jairus-daughter 
Veritas Domain. (2016). Bible Contradiction? Was Jairus’ Daughter Alive When Jesus Was Approached? https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2016/06/07/bible-contradiction-was-jairus-daughter-alive-when-jesus-was-approached/ 
IsJesusAlive.com. (2020). A Look at an Alleged Contradiction in the Gospels: Was Jairus’ Daughter Alive When Jesus Was Approached or Was She Already Dead? https://isjesusalive.com/a-look-at-an-alleged-contradiction-in-the-gospels-was-jairus-daughter-alive-when-jesus-was-approached-or-was-she-already-dead/ 
BibleHub. Was Jairus’ Daughter Dead or Alive? https://biblehub.com/q/was_jairus'_daughter_dead_or_alive.htm 
Answers in Genesis. Was Jairus’ Daughter Dead? https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/was-jairus-daughter-dead/ 

Sunday Series-Episode 17: When Top Scientists Embrace God-The Intellectual Turn to Faith

In week 17 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith examines Exhibit 17 from J. Steve Miller’s Faith That's Not Blind and discusses why many respected intellectuals—scientists, historians, and philosophers—find theism more plausible after careful study. Using Henry Schaefer III and other examples, the episode shows how reasoned, evidence-based journeys to faith contribute to a cumulative case for God.
The episode clarifies this is not an argument from authority but an invitation to weigh the evidence: these informed theists challenge the notion that faith is anti-intellectual and encourage listeners to consider the arguments for themselves.
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 
Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
Dimitrov, T. (n.d.). 50 Nobel Laureates and Other Great Scientists Who Believe in God. Available at: http://nobelists.net 
Varghese, R. A. (1984). The Intellectuals Speak Out about God. Regnery Gateway.
Schaeffer, H. F. III. (2003). Science and Christianity: Conflict and Coherence. Apollos Trust. Talks available at: http://www.leaderu.com/offices/schaefer/lectures.html 
Barrett, E., & Fisher, D. (1984). Scientists Who Believe: 21 Tell Their Own Stories. Moody Press.

Exodus 25:18 – Why Did God Command Golden Cherubim? Exodus' Seeming Contradiction Explained

Episode 168 examines the apparent contradiction between Exodus 20's ban on graven images and Exodus 25's command to make golden cherubim for the Ark of the Covenant. Lance Smith explores context, intent, and biblical examples to show why the prohibition targets idolatry, not divinely authorized symbolism.
The episode surveys scriptural passages, Jewish tradition, archaeological evidence, and related cases (like the bronze serpent and the tabernacle artisans) to explain how the cherubim functioned as God‑ordered symbols pointing to His presence—not objects of worship.
Conclusion: the command demonstrates a distinction between forbidden idols and symbolic representations authorized by God, emphasizing intent and worship rather than a blanket ban on imagery.
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 
Ehrlich, Carl S. “Make Yourself No Graven Image”: The Second Commandment and Judaism.
BibleHub: Why Does Exodus 25:18 Allow Cherubim? https://biblehub.com/q/why_does_exodus_25_18_allow_cherubim.htm
Veritas Domain: Bible Contradiction? Is it OK to make images? https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2022/05/28/bible-contradiction-is-it-ok-to-make-images/
Catholic Stand: A Biblical Defense of Religious Images. https://catholicstand.com/a-biblical-defense-of-religious-images/
Trivial Devotion: Hammering Out Cherubim (Exodus 25:18). https://trivialdevotion.blogspot.com/2012/04/hammering-out-cherubim.html
Patheos: Golden Calf & Cherubim: Biblical Contradiction? https://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2020/11/golden-calf-cherubim-biblical-contradiction.html
Cambridge Core: Cherubim: (Re)presenting Transcendence. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/signs-and-society/article/cherubim-representing-transcendence/8D12F23A504B82C14E31C980A301169F
TheTorah.com: The Cherubim: Their Role on the Ark in the Holy of Holies. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-cherubim-their-role-on-the-ark-in-the-holy-of-holies

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 9:13 – From Altars to Atonement: Did God Ever Want Animal Sacrifices?

This episode examines the apparent contradiction between Old Testament animal sacrifices and prophetic and New Testament statements that God desires mercy, not blood. Lance Smith traces the biblical trajectory—from prescribed covenantal rituals to prophetic rebukes of hollow offerings and finally to Christ’s fulfillment of atonement.
Listeners will get a clear, concise explanation of why sacrifices were given, why prophets rejected ritual without repentance, and how Jesus transforms sacrifice into mercy and a life offered to God.
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/desire.html 
GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/animal-sacrifices.html 
Boyd, Greg. ReKnew: https://reknew.org/2019/09/why-did-god-require-animal-sacrifice-in-the-old-testament/ 
Church Life Journal: https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/the-sacrifice-of-praise-and-animal-sacrifice/ 
Piper, John. Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/did-jesus-disregard-the-sacrificial-system 
Pigott, Susan. All-Creatures.org: https://www.all-creatures.org/articles/an-tpr-biblicallit.html 
Pharos Journal of Theology: https://www.pharosjot.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_31_105_5__2024.pdf 
SAET: https://www.saet.ac.uk/Christianity/SacrificeandtheOldTestament.pdf 
Journal of Religion & Film: https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=jrf 

Sunday Series-Episode 16: When Philosophy Meets Presence

In this episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers, host Lance Smith examines Exhibit 16 from J. Steve Miller’s Faith is Not Blind (pp. 89–91), sharing remarkable firsthand encounters with God that transformed the lives of Mortimer Adler and Bill Wilson. Adler’s intellectual belief becomes personal during a hospital prayer, while Wilson—co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous—experiences a life-changing vision and immediate sobriety. Miller argues these encounters provide empirical, lasting evidence that supports theism over naturalism, challenging skeptics who dismiss such experiences as merely emotional. The episode invites listeners to reflect on where they’d rate such testimony on a scale from 0 to 10 and to share their own transformative encounters.
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 
Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
Keener, C. S. (2011). Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts (Two-Volume Set). Baker Academic. Also at  http://www.craigkeener.com/tag/conversion-from-atheism 
Hartigan, F. (2000). Bill W.: A Biography of Alcoholics Anonymous Cofounder Bill Wilson. Simon & Schuster.
James, W. (1902). The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature. Longmans, Green, and Co.
Schaeffer, F. A. (various works, e.g., 1972). He Is There and He Is Not Silent. Tyndale House Publishers.

Exodus 24:10 – They Saw the God of Israel?

Episode 165 examines Exodus 24:10 and the question: can God be seen? Lance Smith walks through the Sinai theophany, the significance of the brilliant blue lapis lazuli pavement, and how partial visions of God’s glory fit with passages that say no one can see God and live.
The episode connects Old Testament visions to the New Testament revelation in Jesus, explains the covenant context of the vision, and offers practical takeaways on recognizing God’s presence in creation, Scripture, and 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 
Enduring Word. Bible Commentary: Exodus 24. Available at: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/exodus-24/ 
BibleRef. Exodus 24:10. Available at: https://www.bibleref.com/Exodus/24/Exodus-24-10.html 
Aish. Vision of God of Exodus 24:10-11. Available at: https://aish.com/vision-of-god-of-exodus-2410-11/ 
Precept Austin. Exodus 24 Commentary. Available at: https://www.preceptaustin.org/exodus-24-commentary 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 9:10 – Jesus' Dinner Guests: Friend or Foe?

In this episode Lance Smith examines an alleged contradiction about how Jesus treated tax collectors and sinners versus how the church should treat unrepentant believers. Exploring passages from Matthew, Mark, and Luke, he explains the difference between Jesus' outreach to outsiders and Matthew 18's call for church discipline, arguing that the two are complementary: radical hospitality toward nonbelievers and loving accountability within the church.
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/publicans.html 
GotQuestions.org. “Why did Jesus eat with sinners?” https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-with-sinners.html 
Credo Magazine. “Jesus with Sinners at the Table.” https://credomag.com/2018/01/jesus-with-sinners-at-the-table-2/ 
BibleRef.com. “Matthew 18:17.” https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/18/Matthew-18-17.html 
Lowery, David. “The Biblical Basis for Church Discipline.” Liberty University Thesis. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2175&context=masters 
Hutton, James. “Jesus Ate with Tax Collectors, Prostitutes, & Other Sinners, and We Can Too.” https://jameslhutton.com/2019/08/05/jesus-ate-with-tax-collectors-prostitutes-other-sinners-we-can-too/