The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Leviticus 13:47–59—Leviticus' Moldy Mystery: Leprosy or Mildew?

Hey there, truth seekers. Ever cracked open your Bible and hit something that makes you stop and go, wait, huh? Leprosy in clothes? That's gotta be a translation glitch or some ancient superstition, right? Or maybe you've wondered, if the Bible's inspired, why would God tell priests to quarantine wool sweaters like they're biohazards? And here's the big one. Does this mean Scripture's just recycling old pagan rituals? Or is there something deeper here about purity, community, and even our spiritual lives today?
Stick around, because we're unpacking all that and more in today's episode. Welcome back to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, the podcast where we take those head-scratchers in Scripture head-on. No fluff, just facts, faith, and a whole lot of fascination. I'm your host, Lance Smith, and this is episode 191, Leviticus 13, 47-59. How can the Bible say that leprosy-infected clothing? If you're new here, go ahead and hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening. And let's dive in.
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
Balberg, Mira. "Rabbinic Authority, Medical Rhetoric, and Body Hermeneutics in Mishnah Nega‘im." AJS Review 35:2 (November 2011): 323–346.
Feder, Yitzhaq. "Tzaraat in Light of Its Mesopotamian Parallels." TheTorah.com. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://www.thetorah.com/article/tzaraat-in-light-of-its-mesopotamian-parallels
Parry, Donald W. "Ancient Sacred Vestments: Scriptural Symbols and Meanings." In Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, Volume 48 (2021): 11–31. https://cdn.interpreterfoundation.org/jnlpdf/Interpreter-Volume-48-PDF.pdf
Shellberg, Pamela. "From Cleansed Lepers to Cleansed Hearts: The Developing Meaning of Katharizō in Luke-Acts." PhD Dissertation, Marquette University, 2012. https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1179&context=dissertations_mu
Parker, Erik. "How to Handle Garments Stained by Corrupted Flesh." Infant Theology Blog, November 21, 2021. https://infanttheology.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/how-to-handle-garments-stained-by-corrupted-flesh/
"Leviticus 13:47-59 – Contaminated Garments." Be Still Blog. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://be-still.org/leviticus-1347-59-contaminated-garments

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 11:2-3 – Are You the One? John the Baptist’s Prison Question and Jesus’ Reply

Episode 190 examines Matthew 11:2–3 and John the Baptist’s shift from boldly declaring Jesus the Messiah to sending a question from prison. Lance Smith weighs interpretations—doubt, discipleship, or a mix—and shows how Jesus meets the struggle with evidence and mercy.
Key takeaways: doubt doesn’t disqualify you; bring others into your questions; and Jesus answers with presence and proof rather than shame.
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/john-recognize.html 
GotQuestions.org: "Did John the Baptist Lose His Faith While in Prison?" https://www.gotquestions.org/John-the-Baptist-doubt.html
Steven Cole, Bible.org: "Lesson 7: Who is Jesus? (John 1:29-34)" (2013) https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-7-who-jesus-john-129-34
David Platt, Radical.net: "Battling Our Doubt" https://radical.net/article/battling-our-doubt/
John Piper, Desiring God: "John the Baptist's Doubt" https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/john-the-baptists-doubt
Bob Wilkin, FaithAlone.org: "Did John the Baptist Lose His Faith While in Prison? Matthew 11:2-3" https://faithalone.org/grace-in-focus-articles/did-john-the-baptist-lose-his-faith-while-in-prison-matthew-112-3/
Jimmy Akin, Apologia Veritas: "Did John the Baptist Doubt that Jesus was the Messiah?" (2024) https://apologiaveritas.org/2024/06/09/did-john-the-baptist-doubt-that-jesus-was-the-messiah/
Benjamin B. Young, Bethel University: "A Qualitative Study of Doubt in the Evangelical Tradition" (2018) https://spark.bethel.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1673&context=etd
David Rhoads, Augustana College: "The Quest of the Historical Jesus: Problem & Promise" (2009) https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1348&context=intersections
Joel Marcus, Florida International University: "The Christology of Jesus' Disciples" (2010) https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1207&context=etd
 

Leviticus 12:5-7—Why New Moms Had to Offer Sacrifices: Leviticus 12 Explained

Episode 189 unpacks Leviticus 12:5–7 to explain why new mothers brought purification offerings, why the waiting period differs for sons and daughters, and how ancient ritual, medical ideas, and theology interacted.
Host Lance Smith shows the difference between ceremonial impurity and moral guilt, highlights the protective rest the law provided, and points to Mary and Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the purification rites.
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
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible: NASB. Thomas Nelson, 1995. (Notes on Leviticus 12:1-8.) Available at: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/the-macarthur-daily-bible-2nd-edition-nasb/
Thiessen, Matthew. "The Legislation of Leviticus 12 in Light of Ancient Embryology." Vetus Testamentum 68, no. 3 (2018): 297-319. Full open-access article: https://www.academia.edu/32175503/The_Legislation_of_Leviticus_12_in_Light_of_Ancient_Embryology  
"In Leviticus chapter 12, why is a woman unclean longer if she gives birth to a daughter than if she gives birth to a son?" GotQuestions.org. Accessed November 2025. https://www.gotquestions.org/unclean-daughter-longer-son.html
Mowczko, Marg. "Periods of Purification after Childbirth (Leviticus 12:1–8)." Marg Mowczko Blog, February 2023. https://margmowczko.com/purification-after-giving-birth-leviticus-12/
Masonheimer, Phylicia. "Levitical Purification After Childbirth." Phylicia Masonheimer, March 2019. https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/levitical-purification-after-childbirth/
Wright, David P. "The Rationale of the Laws of Clean and Unclean in the Old Testament." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 20, no. 4 (1977): 319-328. Free PDF via BiblicalStudies.org.uk: https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/jets/clean_sprinkle.pdf (Note: This is the core excerpt on impurity symbolism; full JETS archive at https://www.etsjets.org/).
Guzik, David. "Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Leviticus Chapter 12." Enduring Word, 2022. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/leviticus-12/ (Hosted on Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/leviticus/leviticus-12.cfm)
"Leviticus 12: Purification After Childbirth." Sefaria Texts & Sheets, Sheet by Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld (Sheet #167321). https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/167321?lang=bi (Interactive rabbinic commentary with midrashic insights).
Amador, Melanie. "In the Bible, Why Is a Woman Unclean for Twice as Long After Giving Birth to a Girl?" Where I Am Blog, October 8, 2021. https://whereiam.blog/2021/10/08/in-the-bible-why-is-a-woman-unclean-for-twice-as-long-after-giving-birth-to-a-girl/
"Postpartum Impurity: Why Is the Duration Double for a Girl?" TheTorah.com, by Rabbi Dr. Shmuel Herzfeld (based on ancient Near Eastern parallels). https://www.thetorah.com/article/postpartum-impurity-why-is-the-duration-double-for-a-girl

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 10:33 – Can God Refuse to Forgive? Unpacking the Unforgivable Sin

In this episode Lance Smith examines Jesus' warnings about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit alongside New Testament promises of complete forgiveness, explaining how the “unforgivable” sin relates to persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit rather than a momentary doubt or mistake.
With scripture, scholarly perspectives, and pastoral sensitivity, the episode offers clarity and comfort for listeners wrestling with guilt, encouraging confession, repentance, and trust in Christ’s mercy.
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/unforgivable.html 
GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/blasphemy-Holy-Spirit.html
Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/can-a-christian-blaspheme-the-holy-spirit
The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/you-asked-what-is-the-unforgivable-sin/
Mid-America Journal of Theology: https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/02-lammejournal2012.pdf
Concordia University Thesis: https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/976982/1/Plunkett_MA_s2013.pdf
Andrews University Dissertation: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1123&context=dissertations
Habets, Myk. "Jesus, the Spirit, and the Unforgivable Sin: A Contribution from Spirit Christology." Journal of Theological Interpretation 12, no. 1 (2018): 39-57. DOI: 10.5325/jtheointe.12.1.0039.
Cummins, Fergal. "The Only Unforgivable Sin: To Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." (2015). Academia.edu.

Leviticus 11:5-6 – Did the Bible Get Rabbits Wrong? Leviticus 11 Explained

Host Lance Smith examines Leviticus 11:5-6 and the charge that the Bible wrongly says rabbits and hyraxes “chew the cud.”
The episode explains the Hebrew wording, observable animal behaviors (like re‑ingestion and jaw motion), and how ancient descriptive language differs from modern anatomical terms.
By viewing the passage from the original cultural perspective, the apparent conflict with biology is resolved and the episode shows how Scripture communicates truth in everyday terms.
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 
Mitchell, Tommy. "Do Rabbits Really 'Chew the Cud'?" Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/do-rabbits-really-chew-the-cud/
"Why does the Bible say that rabbits chew the cud? Is this an error in the Bible?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/rabbits-chew-cud.html
McClellan, Matt. "Do Leviticus 11:6 & Deuteronomy 14:7 Contain A Factual Error About Rabbits Chewing Cud?" Dust off the Bible. https://dustoffthebible.com/Blog-archive/2020/04/04/do-leviticus-116-deuteronomy-147-contain-a-factual-error-about-rabbits-chewing-cud/
"Did the Bible Writers Commit Biological Blunders?" Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/did-the-bible-writers-commit-biological-blunders-2731/
Lyons, Eric. The Anvil Rings III: Answers to Alleged Bible Discrepancies. Apologetics Press, 2021. https://apologeticspress.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Anvil-Rings-3-Web.pdf
Philo of Alexandria. On the Special Laws I. (translation available at https://earlyjewishwritings.com/philo.html)
John Calvin. Commentary on Leviticus. (available via Christian Classics Ethereal Library: https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom03)

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 10:28 – Fear or Freedom?

In episode 186 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith unpacks Matthew 10:28 and explores the Bible's two-fold teaching on fear: reverential awe of God that motivates holiness, and the New Testament's assurance that perfect love casts out paralyzing fear. Drawing on Old and New Testament passages and contemporary scholars, this episode reframes fear as awe that empowers faithful living amid persecution and promises eternal perspective.
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/feargod.html 
Ellis, Paul. "Fear God Who Can Throw Us Into Hell? (Matthew 10:28)." Escape to Reality Blog, July 9, 2013. https://escapetoreality.org/2013/07/09/matthew-10v28-fear-god/
"Who Has the Power to Kill Body and Soul? Matthew 10:28 Reconsidered." BBH Church Connection Blog, May 9, 2014. https://bbhchurchconnection.wordpress.com/2014/05/09/who-has-the-power-to-kill-body-and-soul-matthew-1028-reconsidered/
Poor, Jeffery. "What Does It Mean to Fear God? (and What We Get Wrong About Fear)." Medium, May 2020. https://jefferypoor.medium.com/what-does-it-mean-to-fear-god-and-what-we-get-wrong-about-fear-rethink-d44cf6c5f925
"Why Are We Told, 'Do Not Fear Those Who Can Kill the Body'?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-fear-those-who-can-kill-the-body.html
Bar, Eitan. "Fear God Who Could Throw You Into Hell?! (Matthew 10:28)." Eitan Bar Articles, https://eitan.bar/articles/fear-god-who-could-throw-you-into-hell-matthew-1028/
Hildebrandt, Theodore. "Fear of God." Biblical eLearning Short Paper, 2010. https://biblicalelearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Hildebrandt_FearOfGod_ETS_Atlanta2010ShortVersion.pdf
Moser, Paul K. "The Fear of the Lord: The Beginning of Reconciliation." Irish Theological Quarterly 87, no. 1 (2022): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/00211400221078906
Blocher, Henri. "The Fear of the Lord as the 'Principle' of Wisdom." Tyndale Bulletin 28 (1977): 3–42. https://tyndalebulletin.org/article/30613-the-fear-of-the-lord-as-the-principle-of-wisdom.pdf 

Leviticus 5:18 – Who Does the Ram Reach? Solving Leviticus 5's Sacrifice Puzzle

Episode 185 examines the apparent contradiction in Leviticus 5 about bringing a guilt offering "to the Lord" versus "to the priest," showing how the priest functions as God’s appointed representative who facilitates atonement, restitution, and reconciliation.
The episode traces the ritual’s purpose, its theological meaning, and its fulfillment in Christ, and offers practical takeaways about restoration, mediation, and trusting Scripture’s harmony.
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 
Stiles, Wayne. "Offerings in Leviticus—What They Were and Why They Mattered." https://www.waynestiles.com/blog/offerings-in-leviticus-what-they-were-and-why-they-mattered/
Dunham, Kyle C. "The Sin Offering and the Guilt Offering of the Levitical Cult: Their Occasion, Nature, and Distinction." Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, 2025. https://dbts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-Sin-Offering-and-the-Guilt-Offering-of-the-Levitical-Cult-by-Kyle-C-Dunham.pdf
Watts, James W. "Leviticus’ Rhetorical Presentation of the Sin and Guilt Offerings." TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/leviticus-rhetorical-presentation-of-the-sin-and-guilt-offerings
Watts, James W. "The Historical and Literary Contexts of the Sin and Guilt Offerings." In Syracuse University Surface Repository, 2006. https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1083&context=rel
Gane, Roy E. "Sacrifice and the Old Testament." St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology. https://www.saet.ac.uk/Christianity/SacrificeandtheOldTestament

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 10:10 – Shoes, Staffs, and Scripture: Untangling the Gospel Sending Instructions

In this episode of The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast, host Lance Smith tackles a fascinating tension in the Gospels: When Jesus commissions the Twelve for their first mission, did He send them out barefoot and staff-less, as Matthew and Luke suggest, or equipped with sandals and a walking stick, per Mark? Drawing from the New Living Translation, Lance explores the parallel accounts in Matthew 10, Mark 6, Luke 9, and the bonus sending of the seventy-two in Luke 10.
Unpack the Greek nuances—like ktaomai ("acquire") vs. airo ("carry")—with insights from scholars Dave Miller (Apologetics Press), Stacia McKeever (Answers in Genesis), Bill Mounce, and The Veritas Domain. Discover how these aren't contradictions but complementary emphases: "No extras—use what you have and trust God's provision." Lance also fairly addresses skeptical views from Joseph Alward and the Skeptics Annotated Bible, grounding it all in the mission's context of radical dependence.
More than a Bible puzzle, this is a call to lighten your load today—whether in career steps, tough talks, or daily doubts. Travel light; let faith lead. Perfect for Bible study groups, seekers, or anyone wrestling with Scripture's depths.
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/barefoot.html 
Dave Miller, "Take It or Leave It," Apologetics Press, 2004: https://apologeticspress.org/take-it-or-leave-it-295/
Stacia McKeever, "A Staff or Not," Answers in Genesis, January 12, 2009: https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/a-staff-or-not/
Veritas Domain Blog, "Bible Contradiction? Did Jesus tell his apostles to go barefoot and without a staff?," May 20, 2025: https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2025/05/20/bible-contradiction-did-jesus-tell-his-apostles-to-go-barefoot-and-without-a-staff/
Bill Mounce, "Bible Contradiction: Staff or No Staff?," Bill Mounce Blog, 2024: https://www.billmounce.com/blogs/bible-contradictions/staff-or-no-staff
Joseph Francis Alward, "Should Disciples Carry a Staff?," Skeptical Views of Christianity, September 5, 1999: https://skepticalviewsofchristianity.com/disciples_staff.html