The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Genesis 15:17 & 19:23--Observational Language in the Bible: Science or Metaphor?

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating discussion surrounding the use of terms like "the sun going down" in Genesis 15-17 and "the sun rising" in Genesis 19-23. Are these phrases indicative of a lack of scientific understanding, or is there a deeper, phenomenological perspective at work?
We explore how observational language is employed in the Bible, much like in modern weather forecasts, and how this does not signify scientific error. We draw parallels with Jesus' use of metaphors and bring historical context through Galileo's conflict with the church over heliocentricity.
Join us as we unpack the graciousness of God in allowing the Bible to communicate divine truths in a way that resonates with human experience across cultures and eras. We conclude by reflecting on how phenomenological perspectives help us appreciate the Bible's timeless relevance and divine inspiration.
Next week, we will explore Genesis 19:8 and the question of whether the sin of Sodom was homosexuality or inhospitality. Stay tuned for another exciting discussion!
As always, we welcome your questions, comments, and feedback at BibleDifficultiesAndAnswers.Podbean.com or via email at BibleDifficultiesAndAnswers@gmail.com. Please like, subscribe, and review our podcast on your favorite platform to help spread the word about the most amazing book ever written.
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2011/10/does-the-sun-rise 
https://goodquestionblog.com/2012/12/03/1203/
https://www.thenivbible.com/blog/bible-on-science-making-sense-of-difficult-verses/
https://www.thenivbible.com/blog/bible-on-science-making-sense-of-difficult-verses/
https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/stewart_don/faq/does-the-god-of-the-bible-exist/20-havent-discoveries-made-by-modern-science-disproved-gods-existence.cfm

Genesis 15:16--Unraveling and Decoding "Generations"

Welcome to another episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. Today, we delve into a perplexing topic that has puzzled scholars and believers: the apparent contradiction between the fourth generation mentioned in Genesis 15:16 and other biblical genealogies suggesting a different timeline.
We explore multiple perspectives on this issue, including interpretations of the term "generation," potential gaps in genealogies, and the symbolic meanings that might be at play. Through in-depth analysis and scholarly viewpoints, we aim to shed light on this complex biblical passage.
Grab your Bible and join us on this enlightening journey through time, scripture, and interpretation. Discover how thoughtful study can bring new insights to challenging passages. Don't miss next week's episode, where we'll tackle why the Bible uses unscientific terms like "the sun going down."
Feel free to connect with us and share your thoughts on this episode. We love hearing from our listeners!
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
http://www.increasinglearning.com/blog/bible-contradiction-genesis-15-vs-exodus-6 
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/acc/genesis-15.html#verse-16 
A Complete Chronology of the Israelites in Egypt: A Textual Study of the Length of the Sojourn from a Seventh-day Adventist Pers 

Genesis 14:18-20--Unveiling the Enigma of Melchizedek: Historical Figure or Christ-like Foreshadowing?

Welcome to the fifth and final episode in our series on Abraham, hosted by Lance Smith. Today, we tackle the compelling question: Who was Melchizedek? This mysterious biblical figure, mentioned briefly in Genesis, leaves us with more questions than answers. Was he a historical person, a supernormal being, or a type of Christ?
Join us as we delve into the enigma of Melchizedek, exploring his lack of genealogy, his eternal priesthood, and his intriguing connection to Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament. We'll examine various interpretations, including the view that Melchizedek was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus, as well as the more widely accepted belief that he served as a foreshadowing of Christ's eternal priesthood.
Tune in to uncover the theological significance of Melchizedek's brief encounter with Abraham and how it set the stage for many religious traditions. Share your thoughts and insights in the comments section below, and don't forget to join us next week as we explore another fascinating biblical topic.
As always, we appreciate your support. Please like, subscribe, and review our podcast on your preferred platform. Until next time, good luck, good health, and God bless!
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://a.co/d/60EVrgg (MacArthur Study Bible)
https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/ask-ligonier/who-was-melchizedek-was-he-jesus
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/how-to-find-jesus-in-the-story-of-melchizedek.html 
https://www.gotquestions.org/Melchizedek.html
https://warhornmedia.com/2023/01/26/melchizedek-and-jesus/ 

Genesis 14:1-16--Abraham's Victory: Historical Fact or Biblical Legend?

Welcome to the fourth episode of our five-part series on Abraham in the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. This episode delves into the intriguing question of whether the account of Abraham's defeat of the Mesopotamian kings, as described in Genesis 14:1-16, is historically reliable.
Join us as we explore critical topics such as the Documentary Hypothesis, the significance of the names and places mentioned in Genesis 14, and the archaeological evidence supporting or contradicting the biblical narrative. We'll also discuss what lessons we can draw from this ancient story and present various perspectives, concluding with Lance's own insights.
Don't miss this deep dive into one of the Bible's most fascinating tales of ancient warfare and miraculous victory. Tune in to unravel this biblical mystery with us!
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
Alleman and Flack, Old Testament Commentary, Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1954, 14
https://www.robibradshaw.com/contents.htm 
https://biblewise.com/bible_study/books/genesis14-abraham.php
https://a.co/d/aHiz6xE (New Revised Standard Version Bible) 
https://armstronginstitute.org/299-uncovering-the-battle-that-changed-the-world
https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/2021/07/16/top-ten-discoveries-related-to-abraham/ 

Genesis 12:10-20; 20:1-18: Why Did God Let Abraham Prosper by Lying?

(CORRECTION: The second Bible Reading in the podcast is Genesis 20:1-18)
Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this third episode of our five-part series on Abraham, we explore a perplexing question from Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 20:1-18: Why did God let Abraham prosper by lying?
We delve into the nature of God, the character of Abraham, and the role of the Old Testament, examining how divine grace and forgiveness play into these narratives. This episode also looks at theological perspectives and interpretations to understand the complexities of Abraham's actions and their consequences.
Join us as we unravel this biblical mystery and gain new insights into these fascinating stories. Don't forget to check the show notes for further reading and resources. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll discuss the historical reliability of Abraham's defeat of the Mesopotamian kings.
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/oldabe.html 
https://www.gotquestions.org/Abram-Pharaoh-lie.html
https://answersingenesis.org/archaeology/ancient-egypt/were-the-plagues-on-pharaoh-because-of-abram-and-sarai-unfair/
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/my-wife-my-sister/
https://a.co/d/aHiz6xE (New Revised Standard Version Bible)
 

Genesis 11:32-12:1--Unraveling Abraham's Age: 75 or 135?

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this second episode of our five-part series on Abraham, we tackle a perplexing question from Genesis 11:32-12:1: Was Abraham 75 years old or 135 when he left Haran? Join us as we delve into the historical context and biblical interpretation to uncover the truth.
We explore the age of Abraham's father, Terah, at Abraham's birth and discuss whether the biblical listing of Terah's sons reflects their actual birth order. By examining various perspectives and interpretations, we'll attempt to resolve this apparent contradiction and offer insights into biblical genealogies.
This episode not only addresses the specific question of Abraham's age but also highlights the importance of context, cultural understanding, and careful interpretation in biblical studies. Tune in to unravel this biblical mystery and gain valuable tools for your own scriptural exploration.
Next week, we'll continue our series with an intriguing discussion on why God allowed Abraham to prosper despite his deception. Don't miss it!
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/oldabe.html 
https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/did-abraham-really-live-175-years/

Genesis 11:27-28--Unraveling Abraham's Origins: Ur or Haran?

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast! In this episode, host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing question of Abraham's origins as depicted in Genesis 11:27-28. Was Abraham's family from Ur of the Chaldees, or Haran? This episode explores different interpretations, scholarly hypotheses, and the cultural context of ancient geographical locations.
Join us as we analyze various scholarly perspectives and interpretations, including those of Martin Noth, Gerhard von Rad, John Van Seters, and E. A. Speiser. We'll also discuss historical and archaeological contexts, cultural and traditional factors, and the geographical confusion surrounding Abraham's origins.
Don't miss this fascinating discussion backed by impressive research, and find out why the traditional view that Abraham was from Ur of the Chaldees remains widely accepted today. Check the show notes for links to all the research discussed, and prepare to dive deep into this biblical mystery!
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://a.co/d/bQKFWUi (The laws in the Pentateuch, and other studies by Martin Noth from Amazon)
https://a.co/d/gGPNvCp (Genesis, Revised Edition: A Commentary-The Old Testament Library by Gerhard von Rad from Amazon)
https://a.co/d/bm77YvC (Abraham in History and Tradition by John Van Seters from Amazon)
https://a.co/d/1VA7TXk (Genesis: Introduction, Translation, and Notes (The Anchor Bible, Vol. 1) by E. A. Speiser from Amazon

Genesis 11:5--Unpacking the Tower of Babel: Irony, Theophany, and Divine Perspective

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In today's episode, we delve into the profound narrative of the Tower of Babel, focusing on Genesis 11:5. This short but significant verse is rich in literary and theological meaning, prompting a discussion on the concept of theophany and the use of irony in biblical texts.
We explore how God's omnipresence is juxtaposed with His 'coming down' to see the tower, a theme loaded with both irony and sarcasm. The episode examines various scholarly opinions, including insights from the Big Book of Bible Difficulties and interpretations by renowned scholars. We also look at four notable theophanies in the Old Testament, highlighting their importance and implications.
Join us as we unpack the literary brilliance and theological depth of this brief but powerful verse, and discover how it addresses themes of human pride, divine intervention, and the futility of striving for divine status through human efforts. Don't miss this enlightening exploration!
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/11/Genesis-11-5.html
https://interpreterfoundation.org/cfm-commentary-genesis-11/
Gordon J. Wenham, Genesis 1–15, Word Biblical Commentary 1 (Waco, TX: Word Books, 1987), 240.
https://www.bethmelekh.com/yaakovs-commentary/the-ziggurat-of-confusion-bavel-revisited-genesis-11