The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Genesis 49:14-15 – Issachar's Paradox: Between Burdens and Blessings

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into the intriguing prophecies surrounding the tribe of Issachar as described in Genesis 49 and Deuteronomy 33. We examine the apparent contradiction between predictions of burden and servitude from Jacob and promises of prosperity and divine favor from Moses. Join us as we explore the historical and spiritual contexts of these ancient texts, uncovering the profound truths they reveal. As we reflect on Issachar's journey, we consider the relevance of these themes in our lives today. Don't miss the conclusion of our Genesis series and the announcement of our upcoming exploration of Exodus!
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 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://thebiblesays.com/en/commentary/deu+33:18 
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jacob-blessing-tribes.html 
https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/49/Genesis-49-14.html 
https://www.gotquestions.org/tribe-of-Issachar.html 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:16 - Shining Light or Seeking Spotlight?

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. This week, host Lance Smith navigates the often-debated topic of whether the Bible sends mixed signals about letting our good deeds be seen by others. Are there contradictions, or is there a deeper consistency that ties these messages together?
Join us as we explore key scriptures like Matthew 5:16 and 1 Peter 2:12, which encourage believers to let their actions shine, compared to warnings in Matthew 6:1 and Matthew 23 about performing deeds for show. We'll delve into the heart of the matter, examining how intention and motivation play a crucial role in interpreting these passages.
This episode is packed with insights, exploring the balance between visibility and humility in living out our faith authentically. Tune in to uncover whether these biblical teachings are at odds or beautifully aligned in their guidance.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
http://www.livingwithfaith.org/blog/to-be-seen-or-not-to-be-seen-should-our-good-works-be-visible 
https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/6/Matthew-6-1.html 
https://www.gotquestions.org/let-your-light-shine.html 

Genesis 49:10(b) – Unraveling the Mystery of Saul's Kingship, Benjamin and not Judah?

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing question of why Israel's first king, Saul, hailed from the tribe of Benjamin instead of Judah, as suggested by the prophecy in Genesis 49:10. Exploring the historical and scriptural context, Lance discusses the political and geographical reasons behind Saul's selection and how his reign set the stage for David's rise. The episode examines the apparent paradox of Saul's kingship within God's sovereign plan, underscoring how even perceived detours serve a divine purpose. Tune in to discover how these ancient scriptural insights apply to our modern lives and understand the ongoing revelation of God's plan.
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 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/saul-son-of-kish 
https://www.torahclass.com/lessons/old-testament/1-samuel/lesson-17-ch11/ 
https://ulpan.com/what-the-hebrew-name-shiloh-means/#:~:text=Rashi%20and%20Onkelos%20interpret%20Judah's,%2DVAH)%2C%20meaning%20serenity. 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:9 - Finding Peace in the Paradox: Jesus' Dual Message Unveiled

Welcome to the latest episode of "Bible Difficulties and Answers." Join host Lance Smith as he delves into the intriguing question from Matthew 5:9 - Did Jesus come to bring peace or a sword? Explore both sides of these seemingly contradictory teachings, with insights on spiritual versus worldly peace, peace as a consequence over time, division as a result of choice, and achieving peace through necessary conflicts. Discover how these dimensions of Jesus' message interact with the world and challenge our faith perspectives.
Gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' mission and the profound spiritual peace he offers amid life's conflicts. Whether you're a long-time listener or just tuning in, this episode promises to encourage and challenge your faith journey.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
Christian Apologetics Group on X
https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/peace-bible-verses/ 
https://www.globalministries.org/resource/an_overview_of_peace/ 
 

Genesis 49:10 – Unveiling the Mystery of Shiloh: A Dive into Genesis 49:10

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. In this episode, host Lance Smith delves into the profound mystery behind Genesis 49:10, exploring the enigmatic reference to Shiloh. Is this a hidden prophecy pointing to the Messiah? Through examining various Bible translations, historical interpretations, and scholarly insights, we uncover the layers of meaning in this significant biblical passage. Join us as we unravel whether Shiloh is a symbol of the Messiah, a particular place, or something entirely different, shedding light on its implications in Biblical prophecy. Be sure to tune in next week as we continue the fascinating exploration of this specific scripture verse.
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 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
Chris Sandoval, The Failure of Bible Prophecy: A Skeptic’s Review of the Evidence (Canada, Trafford Publishing, 2010), (page 50).
https://www.gotquestions.org/shiloh.html 
https://christiancourier.com/articles/who-is-the-mysterious-shiloh 
Alleman, Herbert (1948), “Genesis,” Old Testament Commentary, H.C. Alleman & E.E. Flack, eds., (Philadelphia: Muhlenberg Press), (p. 205).
Edersheim, Alfred (reprint of 1890 ed.), Bible History (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans), Vol. 1, (p. 183).
https://sb.rfpa.org/the-meaning-of-shiloh-in-genesis-4910/ 
https://www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/ot-difficulties/genesis-deuteronomy/gen-4910-was-jacob-predicting-jesus-in-this-passage/ 

Tuesday Contradictions - Matthew 5:1-3 - Resolving Jesus' First Sermon: Mountain or Plain?

Join us in this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith delves into one of the intriguing questions that often puzzles Bible readers: Did Jesus preach his first sermon on a mountain or a plain? This session examines Matthew 5 and Luke 6, comparing their accounts of Jesus' sermons and addressing whether these gospel narratives truly conflict or merely complement each other by highlighting different aspects of Jesus' teachings.
Discover how geographical terminology, audience considerations, and the context of Jesus' teachings help us understand the apparent contradictions. Listen as Lance explains how these differences might reflect Jesus' strategic approach to engaging diverse listeners and tailoring his message for varied settings.
This enlightening discussion challenges common misconceptions and encourages further exploration of Scripture, emphasizing the depth and adaptability of Jesus' ministry as presented in different gospels.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
https://www.wednesdayintheword.com/mountvsplain/ 
https://www.gotquestions.org/Sermon-on-the-Plain.html 
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/are-the-sermon-on-the-plain-and-sermon-on-the-mount-the-same-thing.html
https://publicsquaremag.org/faith/gospel-fare/unearthing-the-overlooked-gems-of-lukes-sermon-on-the-plain/

Genesis 49:5-7 – Harmonizing Jacob's Curse and Moses' Blessing: The Levi Paradox

Welcome to the latest episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where we dive into one of the most intriguing paradoxes in Scripture. Have you ever wondered how a curse can transform into a blessing? Join host Lance Smith as he unravels the mystery behind Jacob's curse on Levi and Moses' subsequent blessing in what appears to be a contradiction within the Bible.
In this episode, we explore Genesis 49:5-7 and Deuteronomy 33:8-11, revealing how these two passages reflect different historical and theological contexts, yet harmonize into a profound story of divine redemption. Discover how Levi's supposed punishment of dispersion actually becomes a part of God's grand plan, turning a curse into a sacred calling.
Dive into the complex narrative of how the tribe of Levi transitions from a violent past to a place of spiritual leadership in Israel, showing how God's grace can turn apparent curses into significant blessings. This episode provides insightful answers to reconcile conflicting verses, emphasizing a powerful example of God's sovereignty and transformative grace.
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 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/49/Genesis-49-7.html
https://www.studylight.org/commentary/genesis/49-5.html
https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/moses-blesses-the-tribe-of-levi/

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 4:12 - Reconciling Bible Contradictions: Peter & Andrew's Calling

Join host Lance Smith in this intriguing episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where we delve into what seems like a contradiction between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John regarding the timeline of events surrounding the calling of Peter and Andrew versus the imprisonment of John the Baptist.
This episode explores these scriptural accounts, examining them closely to uncover the layered truths they hold, and discusses how these accounts can be harmonized to present a cohesive narrative of Jesus' call to his disciples.
We consider how initial introductions to Jesus and gradual commitments illustrate his gentle approach to discipleship, offering insights into our personal journey of faith. Reflection on these foundational moments challenges us to assess our own readiness to fully commit to following him.
Tune in to ponder these spiritual insights and explore your own relationship with Jesus.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
http://www.christcreated.com/con/bible/contradictions/came-first-calling-peter-andrew-imprisonment-john-baptist/ 
https://thesowermagazine.com/the-calling-of-the-disciples/