Bible Talk — A podcast by 9Marks & Southern Seminary

2 Kings 14: On Bible Talk Pivoting to Video While Israel and Judah Pivot toward Civil War (Ep. 141) Mar 12, 2025

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex, Jim, and Sam pivot to video, while Israel and Judah pivot toward civil war and eventual exile.

2 Kings 13: On Two Evil Reigns and Two Weird Things (Ep. 140) Mar 05, 2025

In 2 Kings 13, we get two evil reigns—Jehoahaz and Jehoash—and two weird things—which involve some misguided arrows and some life-giving bones. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.
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Bible Talk is brought to you by 9Marks and Southern Seminary. To learn more about Southern Seminary, visit sbts.edu.

2 Kings 11-12: On the Jezebel of Judah, and the Pretty-Good Reign of Joash (Ep. 139) Feb 26, 2025

As 2 Kings has gone on, it's been harder and harder to tell the difference between Israel and Judah. They intersected, and then they intermingled. So we might ask: Is there really any meaningful difference between the two?
Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss 2 Kings 11–12.
Subscribe to our new podcast, A Storm in the Desert.
Bible Talk is brought to you by 9Marks and Southern Seminary. To learn more about Southern Seminary, visit sbts.edu.

2 Kings 10: On the Word of the Lord on the War Path Yet Again (Ep. 138) Feb 19, 2025

In this episode of Bible Talk, Jim, Sam, and Alex talk about 2 Kings 10, where Jehu continues to administer justice to God's long-promised enemies.
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2 Kings 9: On the Word of the Lord Wiping Out the Henchmen and then the Heavy (Ep. 137) Feb 12, 2025

Bible Talk is back for another season!
In this episode, Jim, Sam, and Alex discuss 2 Kings 9 and the bloody end of Jezebel's wicked reign, which the Lord had promised years and years ago.
Subscribe to our new podcast, A Storm in the Desert.

2 Kings 8: On Joram & Joram, A Sad & More-than-Superficial Similarity (Ep. 136) Dec 18, 2024

In 2 Kings 8, we realize that the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah have become indistinguishable in almost every way, from their behavior to their birth names. What’s going on in this enigmatic chapter? Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

2 Kings 6–7: On What a Floating Axe Head and an Angel Army Says about Our Soothsaying, Sovereign God (Ep. 135) Dec 11, 2024

In 2 Kings 6–7, we get a floating axe-head and a Syrian siege and an angelic army. But why?
Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

2 Kings 5: On Namaan's Surprising Resurrection and Gehazi's Stunning Reversal of Fortune (Ep. 134) Dec 04, 2024

In 2 Kings 5, we witness two surprising reversals: a foreign, leprous general becomes a servant of the LORD; meanwhile, a servant of the LORD becomes a leper. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

2 Kings 3–4: On a Battle Born Out of the Wobbly Wool Industry and Elisha's Escalating Miracles (Ep. 133) Nov 27, 2024

In 2 Kings 3–4, Elisha is not a mere miracle worker—he’s a true prophet, and listening to him will lead Israel back to Yahweh.
Jim Hamilton, Alex Duke, and Sam Emadi discuss.

2 Kings 1–2: On Ahaziah Going Down, Down, Down as Elijah Goes Up, Up, Up (Ep. 132) Nov 20, 2024

In 2 Kings 1–2, Elijah ascends to heaven on a chariot of fire and Elisha curses 42 scoffers just before two she-bears rip them apart. What!? Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

1 Kings 21–22: On the Egyptization of Israel and the Random, Meticulous Sovereignty of God (Ep. 131) Nov 13, 2024

First Kings concludes with the death of a wicked king and the scattering of a nation that’s beginning to look a lot like . . . Egypt.
Listen in as Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss 1 Kings 21–22.

1 Kings 20: On Ben-hadad's Bluster, Ahab's Achan Moment, and the Temptation of Unjust Mercy (Ep. 130) Nov 06, 2024

In 1 Kings 20, we get the story of Ahab vs. Ben-hadad, of a battle between Israel vs. Syria. But is that it? Does this chapter give us anything more than military history?
Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 19: On the Still, Small Voice that Interrupts Elijah’s Possible Pity Party (Ep. 129) Oct 30, 2024

At this point in 1 Kings, we’re faced with a question: how will the Lord work through a beaten-down prophet in a disobedient nation? Through his Word.
Listen to this episode of Bible Talk as Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss 1 Kings 19.

1 Kings 18: On the Massacre of Baal on Mount Carmel (Ep. 128) Oct 23, 2024

It doesn’t take long for Elijah to be hurried into a battle with the prophets of Baal. But it’s not Elijah who is fighting — it’s Yahweh.
Listen as Alex Duke, Sam Emadi, and Jim Hamilton discuss 1 Kings 18.

1 Kings 17: On the Moses-Like Entrance of the Miraculous Elijah (Ep. 127) Oct 09, 2024

In 1 Kings 17, a new main character comes onto the scene. And he reminds us of someone we’ve seen before.
Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 15–16: On Entering into a Covenant with Darth Vader and then Re-Canaanizing the Land of Israel (Ep. 126) Oct 02, 2024

At first, 1 Kings 15 looks like a mostly chronologically organized list of mostly bad kings. But there’s more going on.
Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 14: On Jeroboam's Incrementally Increasing Excrement and Another Exodus Reversal (Ep. 125) Sep 25, 2024

As the prophet looks at the future of Jeroboam's dynasty, he doesn't see excitement; he sees excrement.
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 14.

1 Kings 12:25–13:34: On Jeroboam’s Satellite Campus and Bootleg Religion (Ep. 124) Sep 18, 2024

In 1 Kings 12, King Jeroboam sets up his bootleg religion at his satellite campus. It's blasphemous. And then, in 1 Kings 13, a liar gets a prophet mauled by a lion. It's bloody.
Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 12:1–24: On Rehoboam’s Crass, Childish, and Pharoah-like Folly (Ep. 123) Sep 11, 2024

In 1 Kings 12, the new King of Israel sure looks a lot like the old Pharaoh of Egypt. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 11: On King Solomon’s Downfall and the Problem with Living With Ourselves Every Day (Ep. 122) Sep 04, 2024

Bible Talk is back! Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 1 Kings 11 and the downfall of King Solomon.

1 Kings 10: On the Queen of Sheba Losing Her Breath at Solomon’s Blessed Reign and Burgeoning Roth IRA (Ep. 121) Jun 26, 2024

When the Queen of Sheba shows up, Solomon’s reign takes her breath away. His people are blessed, his coffers are full, and she seems to trust the Lord. But is this the beginning of the end?
Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 10.

1 Kings 9: On When Prophecy Becomes Past, Which Explains the Present (Ep. 120) Jun 19, 2024

When we read the Old Testament, we’re tempted to see characters as either all good or all bad. But when we get to 1 Kings 9 and see Solomon’s interactions with Hiram the King of Tyre, well, it’s more complicated than that.
Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 8:31–66: On Blessings and Benedictions and Barbecues (Ep. 119) Jun 12, 2024

The glory of the LORD has filled the Temple. So . . . now what? How do God's people actually use it?
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton about 1 Kings 8:31–66, which doubles as a kind of user's manual for the temple.

1 Kings 8:1–30: On the Glory of YHWH Filling the House of YHWH (Ep. 118) May 29, 2024

The biblical storyline takes a leap forward when the LORD’s glory fills the Temple. While this moment is significant, it also becomes clear that the Temple isn’t the end goal.
Listen to Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 1 Kings 8:1–30.

1 Kings 6:2–7:51: On the Extraordinary Architecture of the Ark for the Ark (Ep. 117) May 22, 2024

The Lord's presence has more or less been a nomad since Genesis 3. But with the temple, he's about to have a permanent address (kind of). In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 6–7.

1 Kings 6:1: Yep, A Whole Episode on Just One Verse (Ep. 116) May 01, 2024

So . . . Jim Hamilton had a wild idea: let's do a whole episode on 1 Kings 6:1. Alex Duke was dubious, even aghast. But he and Sam Emadi obliged. This conversation is the result.
In this episode of Bible Talk, they talk about burn layers and interpretive priority and Indiana Jones.

1 Kings 5: On the Bible's Memory Palace Which Prepares Us for Phase 1 of Solomon's Temple-Building Project (Ep. 115) Apr 24, 2024

The story of the Old Testament is the story of God's people returning to God's presence. The building of the temple significantly advances that story. In 1 Kings 5, we get Phase 1 of Solomon's construction project. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 3:16–4:34: On a List of People, a List of Stuff, and Solomon's Platinum Age (Ep. 114) Apr 17, 2024

Solomon is wise. Solomon is wealthy. Solomon is worth listening to. This is his Platinum Age, better than anything that came with his father David. Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 3:16–4:34.

1 Kings 2:12–3:15: On Solomon’s Snake-Stomping Shrewdness and Snake-Handling Stupidity (Ep. 113) Apr 10, 2024

We all know the story about Solomon pleading with the Lord for wisdom. But do you remember how it begins? It’s surprising.
Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 2:12–3:15, which highlights Solomon’s shrewdness and his sinfulness.

1 Kings 2:1–12: On David’s Deathbed Charge, Solomon’s Moses-Like Transition, and the Looming Threat of a Man-Less Throne (Ep. 112) Apr 03, 2024

King David is on his deathbed. What does he say to his son? “Be strong. Follow the Lord and all his ways. If you don’t . . .”
Jim Hamilton, Alex Duke, and Sam Emadi chat about 1 Kings 2:1–12.

1 Kings 1: On David's Decline, Adonijah's Absalomization, and Solomon's Donkey-Shaped Pattern (Ep. 111) Mar 27, 2024

Bible Talk begins a new book! In this episode, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about 1 Kings 1.

2 Samuel 23–24: On David's Final Words, the Temple's Future Address, and 1–2 Samuel's Messianic Finale (Ep. 110) Mar 20, 2024

The end of 2 Samuel is odd: it portrays the king at cruising altitude and then describes his bumpy descent. What's going on here? Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about the messianic finale of 2 Samuel 23–24.

2 Samuel 21–22: On a Reincarnated Goliath, a Chiastic Cheat Code, and David as the "New Israel" (Ep. 109) Mar 06, 2024

We've entered 1–2 Samuel's epilogue, which rewinds the clock to mighty deeds of mighty men and gives us a chiastic cheat code that reveals some fascinating connections between King David and all that's gone before.

2 Samuel 19–20: On David’s Unraveling Reign, Joab’s Bloodthirsty Lawlessness, and Subtle Details from the Royal Court (Ep. 108) Feb 28, 2024

By now, David’s reign is beginning to unravel. In fact, these chapters are beginning to remind us not of 1–2 Samuel, but of the book of Judges. Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 2 Samuel 19–20.

2 Samuel 17–18: On the Son's Demise, the Father's Despair, and the Hunt for Meaningful Connections (Ep. 107) Feb 21, 2024

A father should never have to mourn the death of his son. But that's precisely what happens here. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 2 Samuel 17–18.

2 Samuel 15:13–16:23: On David's Exodus Reversal and Accidentally Stealing from C. S. Lewis (Ep. 106) Feb 14, 2024

A messenger comes to David and gives him bad news: "The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom." Then David flees—and in doing so he fails as both father and king.

2 Samuel 14:1–15:12: On a Convoluted Conversation and a Kiss that Ends in a Coup (Ep. 105) Feb 07, 2024

Absalom is a smarmy guy who makes himself seem powerful and compassionate. King David, meanwhile, stays quiet while his kingdom nears collapse.

2 Samuel 13: On the Hateful Misanthrope and the Hateful Milquetoast (Ep. 104) Jan 31, 2024

The story of Amnon, Tamar, and the subsequent terrible fallout is ultimately a story about two fake loves. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi talk through 2 Samuel 13.

2 Samuel 12: On Nathan's Brave Parable, David's Belated Repentance, and the LORD's Merciful Response (Ep. 103) Jan 24, 2024

At the beginning of 2 Samuel 12, King David is in a dark place. Even worse, he doesn't seem to know it. By the end of 2 Samuel 12, he's back where he belongs and he's writing Psalm 51. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

2 Samuel 11: On David, Bathsheba, and the Long-Awaited Avalanche (Ep. 102) Jan 17, 2024

For a while now, we've been tracking the avalanche in the distance. Now, with the story of David and Bathsheba, it's finally here.
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi chat about 2 Samuel 11.

2 Samuel 8–10: On Horse Math and Mephibosheth’s Honor in David’s Golden Age (Ep. 101) Dec 06, 2023

After the mountain top of 2 Samuel 7, we get David’s Golden Age. He’s successful, he’s subduing the LORD’s enemies, and he’s showing surprising mercy to helpless people like Mephibosheth.
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 2 Samuel 8–10.

2 Samuel 7: On the Mountain Top of the Old Testament Which Teaches Us, Yet Again, That the Bible Is Amazing (Ep. 100) Nov 29, 2023

To celebrate our 100th episode, we did something a little different. But the conversation—on perhaps the mountain-peak of the whole OT—ended up at the same place: the Bible is amazing.
Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi chat about 2 Samuel 7.

2 Samuel 4–6: On Being Blameless in the Battlefield . . . But Not in the Bedroom (Ep. 99) Nov 22, 2023

After the squelching of Ish-bosheth's insurrection, David is anointed king over a united kingdom and the nations are streaming to the city of Zion. And yet . . . the author wants us to know that something's not quite right in the state of Israel. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 2 Samuel 4–6.

2 Samuel 1–3: On Bill Buckner's Obituary, Ish-Bosheth's Failed Coup Attempt, and a Parable of a Prodigal Soldier (Ep. 98) Nov 15, 2023

In 2 Samuel 1–3, the inaugural moments of King David's reign are full of stomach-stabbings, failed coups, and heartfelt laments. And through it all, King David remains upright and unscathed. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Samuel 29–31: On the Rise of David and the Death of Saul, Which Is Also Anti-Evangelistic Beheading (Ep. 97) Nov 08, 2023

When you get to the end of 1 Samuel, you realize how Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 2:1–10) really does frame everything that's to come.

1 Samuel 26–28: On the Witch of Endor's Surprising Success, the Ghost of Samuel's Final Sermon, and the King of Israel's Meal with the Devil Nov 01, 2023

Alex chats with Jim and Sam about the witch of Endor and the rest of 1 Samuel 26-28.

1 Samuel 25: On a Fake King, a Sinful King, and the Biggest Argument in Bible Talk History (Ep. 95) Oct 25, 2023

In 1 Samuel 25, David is face-to-face with a foolish man who thinks he’s a king. As readers, we’re face-to-face with a vital question: What kind of king will David be?
Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss (and have their biggest argument yet!).

1 Samuel 23–24: On that One Time King Saul Walked Down the Aisle and Prayed a Prayer (Ep. 94) Oct 18, 2023

The cat-and-mouse game between David and Saul continues and, in the quiet darkness of a cave in the wilderness, it reaches a shocking climax. We don't get revenge. We get . . . a reunion?
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Samuel 23–24.

1 Samuel 20–22: On the Ethics of Lying While Dodging the King's Spears (Ep. 93) Oct 11, 2023

David's now a fugitive on the run. But he's not alone. He's got the support of his best friend Jonathan. He's gathered to himself Israel's strugglers and stragglers. Oh, and he's also got Goliath's sword.
Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 1 Samuel 20–22.

1 Samuel 18–19: On Affectionate Men, Attempted Murders, and Arranged Marriages (Ep. 92) Oct 04, 2023

The second David kills Goliath, Saul wants to kill David. Why? Because he's a puny, self-righteous man. Thankfully, David has Jonathan on his side to slow down his father's murderous rampages.
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Eamdi about 1 Samuel 18–19.

1 Samuel 17: On Our Everyday Battles and David's Evangelistic Beheading (Ep. 91) Sep 27, 2023

The story of David and Goliath is not giving us a strategy for how we can fight our everyday battles. It's giving us an evangelistic beheading.
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Samuel 17.

1 Samuel 16: On the Ruddy Seed of Judah from the Little Town of Bethlehem (Ep. 90) Sep 20, 2023

In 1 Samuel 16, we finally meet David. He's an afterthought to his father, a caretaker to his father's sheep, and a comforter to the demon-addled king Saul. But to the Lord? He's the King. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Samuel 15: On Some Gilgal Gab about Saul's "Repentance" and the Lord's "Regret" (Ep. 89) Sep 13, 2023

In Samuel 15, the Lord "regrets" and Saul "repents." Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Samuel 13–14: On Israel's Military-Industrial Complex, Saul's Hoarding of AK-47s, and Jonathan's Holy Heroics (Ep. 88) Sep 06, 2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex, Jim and Sam talk about 1 Samuel 13–14.

1 Samuel 11–12: On Snake-Man the Thug-Ruler, Samuel's Bummer Farewell Speech, and Learning to Read the Bible With Your Imagination (Ep. 87) Aug 30, 2023

Some people would look at this passage as Saul's "Golden Age." But when you look closer, clearly something else is going on. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Samuel 11–12.

1 Samuel 8–10: On the Comedic Coronation of Israel’s Handsome, High-High “Hero” Who Can’t Even Find His Father’s Donkey (Bible Talk, Ep. 86) Aug 23, 2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi on 1 Samuel 8–10.

1 Samuel 4–7: On Eli’s Death, Dagon’s Destruction, and the Philistines Wondering about YHWH’s Return Policy (Bible Talk, Ep. 85) Aug 16, 2023

From Dagon’s decapitation to Eli’s death, from Ichabod to Ebenezer, 2 Samuel 4–7 has a lot going on. What’s it all mean?

1 Samuel 2:12–3:21: On the Fat and Fatuous Priests and the Favored and Faithful Prophet (Bible Talk, Ep. 84) Aug 09, 2023

This passage in 1 Samuel is a yo-yo—or, as Sam likes to call it, a chiasm. It bounces up and down between the unfaithful priests (Eli’s sons) and the faithful prophet Samuel. Listen to the latest episode of Bible Talk with Alex, Jim, and Sam.

1 Samuel 1:1–2:11: On the Rosetta Stone, Flat-Earthers’ Prooftext, and a Repetitious Swirl of Genesis and Judges (Bible Talk, Ep. 83) Aug 02, 2023

Bible Talk is back!
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim and Sam about the strange opening of 1 Samuel.

On Opening Up Your Mind to Something You’ve Never Considered—Or, the Weirdest Episode of Bible Talk Yet (Bible Talk, Ep. 82) May 03, 2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about canonical order.

Judges 19–21: On Saving the Worst for Last While There’s Still No King in the Land (Bible Talk, Ep. 81) Apr 26, 2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Judges 19–21.

Judges 17–18: On Religious Guns-for-Hire, Sellouts in Ministry, and Sins Coming Home to Roost (Bible Talk, Ep. 80) Apr 19, 2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Judges 17–18.

Judges 15–16: On the Bald, Eyeless Jester Who Is Used by God (Bible Talk, Ep. 79) Apr 12, 2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Judges 15–16.

Judges 13-14: On the Birth and Betrothal of Israel's Surprising, Set-Apart, and Sinful Savior (Bible Talk, Ep. 78) Mar 22, 2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Judges 13–14. They discuss Samson, Israel's surprising, set-apart, and sinful savior.

Judges 11-12: On the Tragic Tale of Jephthah and the Tragic Consequences of Not Knowing Your Bible (Bible Talk, Ep. 77) Mar 08, 2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Judges 11–12.

Judges 9-10: On Loose Lugnuts, Israel’s Anti-King, and the Utter Stupidity of Evil (Bible Talk, Ep. 76) Mar 01, 2023

As we near the midpoint of Judges, the wheels are starting to fall off. Israel has long wanted a king. In Abimelech, they finally get what they want—and the results are disastrous.

Judges 7-8: On the Complicated Story of Israel’s Knock-Off Priest-King Getting Toppled by a Sneeze (Bible Talk, Ep. 75) Feb 22, 2023

Judges 6: On the Rise of Scaredy-Cat Gideon, Prayer Fleeces, and North Face Fleeces, Too (Bible Talk, Ep. 74) Feb 15, 2023

Judges 4-5: On Barak the Bashful, Deborah the Complementarian, and Jael the Serpent-Crusher (Bible Talk, Ep. 73) Feb 08, 2023

Judges 3:7-31: On Othniel the Leader, Ehud the Left-Handed, and Clippy the Paper Clip (Bible Talk, Ep. 72) Jan 25, 2023

Judges 1:1–3:6: On the Pattern Set Forth in the Two-Part Introduction of the Book of Judges (Bible Talk, Ep. 71) Jan 18, 2023

On the Virgin Conception, the Sinlessness of Christ, and Hell Slinking Away, Defeated and Exhausted (with Steve Wellum) Dec 20, 2022

Joshua 22-24: On Joshua’s Postscript and Post-Postscript, Which Is a Lot Like a Marvel Movie’s (Bible Talk, Ep.70) Dec 07, 2022

Joshua 11–21: On the Big, Boring List of Place Names that You Should Read with Tears in Your Eyes (Bible Talk, Ep. 69) Nov 23, 2022

Joshua 9–10: On the Gibeonite Deception, Rash Vows, and Booing Woodrow Wilson (Bible Talk, Ep. 68) Nov 16, 2022

Joshua 7–8: On Achan’s Sin, the Fall of Ai, and Steph Curry’s Ankle Injury (Bible Talk, Ep. 67) Nov 09, 2022

Joshua 5–6: On the Walls of Jericho, the Fall of Jericho, and a Different Kind of “Circumcision Party” (Bible Talk, Ep. 66) Nov 02, 2022

Joshua 3–4: On Israel’s “Monumental” Second Exodus into the Promised Land (Bible Talk, Ep. 65) Oct 26, 2022

Joshua 1–2: On Gentile Passovers and Joshua as Jeremy Renner as Jason Bourne (Bible Talk, Ep. 64) Oct 19, 2022

Deuteronomy 31–34: On the End of the Torah, Which Is Not at All Like The Lion King (Bible Talk, Ep. 63) Aug 24, 2022

Deuteronomy 27–30: On the Israelites’ “Re-Dedicating” Their Lives to the Covenant and Moses Landing the Plane (Bible Talk, Ep. 62) Aug 18, 2022

Deuteronomy 18–26: On a Series of Prophetic Laterals that Eventually Get to Jesus (Bible Talk, Ep. 61) Aug 10, 2022

Deuteronomy 14-17: On Proto-Temples, IHOP Booths, and the Morality of Monarchies (Bible Talk, Ep. 60) Aug 03, 2022

Deuteronomy 12–13: On Church Discipline, Oracle-Mongers, and Barbecues at the Garden of Eden (Bible Talk, Ep. 59) Jul 06, 2022

Deuteronomy 9–11: On Our Willful Inability to Perform Open-Heart Surgery on Ourselves (Bible Talk, Ep. 58) Jun 15, 2022

Deuteronomy 7–8: On God’s Love, Our Security, and Turtles All the Way Down (Bible Talk, Ep. 57) Jun 01, 2022

Deuteronomy 5–6: On "Fam Deevs," Mar Duke, and the Shema (Bible Talk, Ep. 56) May 18, 2022

Deuteronomy 4: On the Heart of the Old Testament, "Seeing" with Our Ears, & a Healthy, Protestant Suspicion of Sensory Overload (Ep. 55) May 12, 2022

Deuteronomy 1–3: On Moses’ Final Words on the Cusp of the Cusp of the Promised Land (Bible Talk, Ep. 54) Apr 27, 2022

Numbers 32–36: On Murderers, Manslayers, and Not Being Bored by Moses’ Border Drawing (Bible Talk, Ep. 53) Apr 13, 2022

Numbers 26-31: On Another Census, Another Set of Laws, and Moses’ Last Military Mission in Midian (Bible Talk, Episode 52) Mar 16, 2022

Numbers 24–25: On Jacob's Star and Israel's Scepter (Bible Talk, Episode 51) Mar 09, 2022

Numbers 22–23: On Balak’s Ominous Cough, Balaam’s Greedy Perseverance, and the Beleaguered People of God (Bible Talk, Ep. 50) Feb 23, 2022

The story of Balaam and Balak raises an all-important question: “What will win out—the might of Moab or the promises of God?”

Numbers 20–21: On Two Funerals, Charles Spurgeon's Conversion, and a Legion of Snake-Demon Lieutenants (Bible Talk, Ep. 49) Feb 16, 2022

Miriam and Aaron die, the people complain (again!), and Moses makes a grave error with even graver consequences. Oh, and there are also a fiery snakes.

Numbers 17–19: On Warrior-Priests, Heifer Ashes, and Aaron's Almond Joy (Bible Talk, Ep. 48) Feb 09, 2022

Numbers 15–16: On the Absurdity of Theonomy, the Corrupting Nature of J.Crew Sponsorship, and Korah’s Rebellion (Bible Talk, Ep. 47) Jan 26, 2022

Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Numbers 15–16. They cover Korah’s Rebellion, the absurdity of theonomy, and . . . more laws about purification and the priesthood? Why!?

Numbers 12–14: On Israel’s Disastrous Attempt to Reverse the Exodus (Bible Talk, Ep. 46) Dec 22, 2021

There’s no way around it: these chapters are grim. Moses’ siblings turn on him, the Israelites want to stone him, and the Lord seems ready to end the covenant.
How did we get here? Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Numbers 12–14.

Numbers 9–11: On Ten Homer Simpsons Worth of Quail Judgment (Bible Talk, Ep. 45) Dec 08, 2021

Finally, Israel leaves Mount Sinai. They march toward the Promised Land and, for a while, things go well! They take the Passover, the LORD dwells among them, and the people are marching according to the word of the Lord.
And then . . . the people start to grumble.
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Sam Emadi and Jim Hamilton about Numbers 9–11.

Numbers 5–8: On How Moses’ Test for Adultery Is Different Than Monty Python’s Test for Witches (Bible Talk, Ep. 44) Dec 01, 2021

As Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, we discover a strange test for adultery, the genesis of the Nazirite vow, and one of the most well-known passages in the whole Bible.

Numbers 1–4: On Kohath, Gershon, & Merari—Israel’s Best Furniture Store (Bible Talk, Ep. 43) Nov 24, 2021

By the time we get to the beginning of Numbers, Israel is poised to take the Promised Land. But first, they need to receive their marching orders.

Leviticus 26-27: On “Oh, No, This Isn’t a Warning - This Is a Prophecy” (Bible Talk, Ep. 42) Oct 27, 2021

Leviticus ends with a speech from the Lord that sounds like a warning. But in reality, it’s a prophecy of what’s to come for Israel—in all its high highs and low lows. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats about Leviticus 26–27.

Leviticus 21-25: On Sacred Time and Sacred Space (Bible Talk, Ep. 41) Oct 20, 2021

In the Old Testament, the Lord wants his people to be holy as he is holy (Lev. 20:26). That means sacred lives, but it also means he them to be marked of by sacred times and sacred places.
Alex chats with Jim and Sam about Leviticus 21–25.

Leviticus 17-20: On Goat Demons and the Golden Rule (Bible Talk, Ep. 40) Oct 13, 2021

Leviticus 17–20 covers a lot: goat demons, the meaning of blood, Molech, the holiness of God, and loving your neighbor as yourself. How does it all fit together?

Leviticus 16: On the Pinnacle of the Pentateuch (Bible Talk, Ep. 39) Oct 06, 2021

For a while now, Jim and Sam have been saying that Leviticus 16—the Day of the Atonement—is the theological center of the Torah. In this episode, they finally defend their case.

Leviticus 11–15: On Why You Can Step on Bugs and Eat Rock Badger Nuggets—And Still Go to Church (Bible Talk, Ep. 38) Sep 29, 2021

In Leviticus, uncleanness results from death. That’s the big idea of Leviticus 11–15 and its discussion of chewing the cud, leprosy, and bodily discharges.
Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about the next section of Leviticus.

Leviticus 8–10: On What the Deaths of Nadab and Abihu Have to Do With Church Membership and Discipline (Bible Talk, Ep. 37) Sep 22, 2021

At the end of Leviticus 9, it’s almost as if we’ve fixed the problem of sin. But in the very next chapter, the Lord strikes down two priests—Nadab and Abihu—for offering “strange fire.”
In this episode of Bible Talk, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi chat about Leviticus 8–10.

Leviticus 1–7: On the Difference Between Being the Quarterback and Tailgating Outside the Stadium (Bible Talk, Ep 36) Sep 15, 2021

The book of Leviticus isn’t just a bunch of random rules. It provides an answer to the problem that’s been swirling over God’s people since Genesis 3: How can a sinful people dwell in the midst of a holy God?
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duck talks with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Leviticus 1–7.

Exodus 35-40: On How It Started, How It’s Going, and the Beautiful End of Exodus (Bible Talk, Ep. 35) Jul 21, 2021

By the end of Exodus, our story has come full circle. Humanity has been exiled since the Garden. But now, God will dwell amidst his people and they will have access to his presence.
Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Exodus 35–40.

Exodus 34: On YHWH’s Self-Expositional Sermon and Why We Have It Better than Radiant-Faced Moses (Bible Talk, Ep. 34) Jul 14, 2021

In Exodus 34, Moses learns that the God who has saved and revealed himself to Israel is a God who has established his justice so that he can display the wonders of his mercy. This becomes the center of biblical theology.

Exodus 32-33: On Worshiping YHWH in a Carnival Mirror (Bible Talk, Ep. 33) Jul 07, 2021

In Exodus 26–31, Moses is on the mountain talking with God. While that was happening, what were God’s people up to?
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Exodus 32–33, in which God’s people “worship” God in terribly destructive ways.

Exodus 26-31: On Chip & Joanna Gaines’ Tour through the Furniture of Faith (Bible Talk, Ep. 32) Jun 30, 2021

When we get to Exodus 26–31, we’re tempted to let our eyes glaze over what seems to be an overly long list of the Tabernacle furniture and its accompanying details. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi what these chapters tell us and why we as Christians should care about them.

Exodus 24-25: On the Floor of Heaven and the Feet of God (Bible Talk, Ep. 31) Jun 23, 2021

In Exodus 24–25, the summit of Sinai becomes the floor of heaven. Through Israel, God is once again establishing a connection between heaven and earth. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about what all this means.

Exodus 22-23: On Israel’s Bloated Sheep Market—and Other Jewels of Jewish Jurisprudence (Bible Talk, Ep. 30) Jun 09, 2021

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi continue their conversation through Exodus. This time, they discuss all those laws in Exodus 22–23. Why are they there? Why should Christians not just let their eyes glaze over them?

Exodus 21: On Slavery, Proportional Justice, Goring Oxen, and Other Easy Topics (Bible Talk, Ep. 29) May 26, 2021

When Moses refers to slavery in the Torah, how should we understand it? What about “justice”? In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about a difficult chapter of Scripture: Exodus 21.

Exodus 19–20: On Thoughts, Words, Deeds, Deeds, Words, Thoughts (Bible Talk, Ep. 28) May 19, 2021

At this point in Exodus, we have the people of God at the mountain of God to receive the Law of God in order to engage in the worship of God.

Exodus 16–18: On the Benefits of Small Government, Good In-Laws, and a Plurality of Elders (Bible Talk, Ep. 27) Apr 29, 2021

It doesn’t take long for the Israelites to go from singing by the sea to grumbling against God, begging him to take them back to Egypt.

Exodus 14–15: From Beheading the Snake to Singing by the Sea (Bible Talk, Ep. 26) Apr 23, 2021

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Exodus 14–15.
Here, the people of Israel are overjoyed as they move from beheading the snake to singing by the sea.

Exodus 11–13: On the Presbyterian Exodus and the “Very Great” Podcast Named Bible Talk (Bible Talk, Ep. 25) Apr 14, 2021

Bible Talk’s conversations through Exodus finally arrive at the exodus.

Exodus 8–10: On Finding Out There’s Something Rotten in the State of Egypt (Plus a Defense of Our References to Harry Potter!) (Ep. 24) Apr 07, 2021

Exodus 8 begins with a plague of frogs. By the end of Exodus 10, the whole nation of Egypt is covered in total darkness—so much so that “they did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days.” It’s as if the people of Egypt were stuck in a grave.
But the people of Israel? Moses tells us: “But all the people of Israel had light where they lived.”
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Exodus 8–10.

Exodus 5–7: On Slowed-Down Wifi and Waiting in a Two-Hour Line Before Space Mountain (Bible Talk, Ep. 23) Mar 17, 2021

By the end of Exodus 7, the Lord has brought the first plague against Egypt. But before we get there, Moses makes us wait.

Exodus 3–4: On Moses Milling about in Midian Until His Momentous Mountain Moment (Bible Talk, Ep. 22) Mar 10, 2021

At the beginning of Exodus 3, Moses is just milling about in Midian. Then the LORD shows up—and everything changes.

Exodus 1–2: On Moses and the Ark—And Tracking Aslan on the Move (Bible Talk, Ep. 21) Mar 03, 2021

Genesis ends with Joseph’s bones in a box in the belly of the beast. Exodus begins with Israel being fruitful and multiplying under the harsh rule of a Pharaoh who knows neither Joseph nor his God. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Exodus 1–2.

Genesis 1–50: The Academy Awards Episode (Bible Talk, Ep. 20) Feb 24, 2021

Alex Duke hosts the “Academy Awards of Genesis,” in which he gives some superlatives and asks Jim and Sam to look back and reflect on what they’ve learned as they’ve walked slowly through Moses’ masterpiece.

Genesis 48–50: On Genesis Fading to Black, Like the Extended Edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Bible Talk, Ep. 19) Feb 17, 2021

In chapters 48–50, Genesis finally fades to black . . . very, very slowly.
Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Moses’ conclusion—which includes Jacob’s death, Joseph’s death, and a fascinating snapshot of “what could have been” for Egypt.

Genesis 46–47: On "Rosebud," Clunky Portmanteaus, and—At Last!—the Reunion of Father and Son (Bible Talk, Ep. 18) Feb 10, 2021

It’s been decades since Jacob found out his beloved son Joseph had been torn apart by wild animals (Gen. 33:37). But at the end of last week’s episode, he discovered he was wrong! Joseph is alive! And so he wants to go see him before he dies.
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Genesis 46–47. They cover this long-awaited reunion, and the tribes of Israel settling in Goshen.

Genesis 44–45: On the Shift from Fratricide to Forgiveness, Famine to Feast (Bible Talk, Ep. 17) Feb 03, 2021

Finally, Bible Talk is back—and finally, Joseph tells his brothers who he really is. In this episode, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Genesis 44–45.

Matthew 1–2: On The Virgin Mary, a Hail Mary, and Casper the Friendly Ghost (A Special Christmas Episode) Dec 21, 2020

Bible Talk celebrates Christmas!
In Matthew 1–2, the Gospel writer regularly appeals to the Old Testament to show that what’s happening in the present is a fulfillment of past prophecies. But when you begin to scrutinize the texts in their original context, it’s not at clear that they point forward to the Messiah.
This raises a few questions: How does the Old Testament predict Jesus’ birth? More broadly, how do the New Testament writers understand Old Testament prophecy? Do they twist the text to make it say something the original authors never intended? More broadly, is there more than one kind of promise-and-fulfillment?
In this special Christmas episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about Matthew 1–2 in order to find answers to these questions. Spoiler alert: they’re fascinating!

Genesis 42–43: On Joseph's Brilliant, Premeditated-ish Plan for His Bowed-Down Brothers (Bible Talk, Ep. 15) Dec 16, 2020

In Genesis 42–43, Joseph has a brilliant plan to see if his brothers have been humbled, or if they’re still as wicked as they were when they threw him into a well and sold him into slavery.

Genesis 40–41: On Joseph's Rise from Gen Pop to the Second in Command (Bible Talk, Ep. 14) Dec 09, 2020

At the beginning of Genesis 40, Joseph is living in the belly of the beast: an Egyptian prison. By the end of Genesis 41, he’s Pharaoh‘s second-in-command. But no matter his station, God’s favor remains on Joseph.

Genesis 37–39: On Being Like Joseph and Not Being Like Judah - At Least Not Yet (Bible Talk, Ep. 13) Dec 02, 2020

Joseph’s story resolves every major plot-line of Genesis, proving that Moses is a “literary genius,” as Jim Hamilton puts it.
Alex Duke chats with Jim & Sam about Genesis 37–39. They cover Joseph’s brothers, Judah & Tamar, and Joseph & Potiphar’s wife.

Genesis 34–36: On Dinah’s Defiling, Jacob’s Sons’ War Crimes, and Other Things That Ought Not Be Done in Israel (Bible Talk, Ep. 12) Nov 25, 2020

These chapters of Genesis cover some dark terrain, things that ought not be done in Israel (34:7). Shechem violates Dinah. Two of his others sons—Simeon and Levi—commit a war crime. And Esau’s descent away from God’s people is finally codified through his genealogy (Gen. 36).
What’s God up to in Genesis 34–36? Even amidst his chosen people’s sin and wickedness, he’s still preserving and preparing them for his purposes.

Genesis 32–33: On Jacob’s Rumbling Reconciliation with Esau and a Main Event Even Better Than WrestleMania III’s (Bible Talk, Ep. 11) Nov 18, 2020

In Genesis 32–33, Jacob has two life-altering confrontations—one with the angel of God & one with the adversary of his lifetime: Esau, his brother. What happens next may surprise you.
Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton & Sam Emadi about all this & more.

Genesis 29–31: On Rachel's Junk Science, Jacob's Ancient Eugenics, and the Fear of Isaac's Unshakeable Sovereignty (Bible Talk, Ep. 10) Nov 11, 2020

There’s a lot of deception and re-deception going on here. There's also some poetic justice, some pathetic names, some junk science, and a tense camel chase. In Episode 10 of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Genesis 29–31.

Genesis 27–28 | On Deception, Dreams, & Soap-Operatic Heartbreak (Bible Talk, Ep. 9) Nov 04, 2020

These chapters of Genesis continue the story of Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau. They play out like an episode of a soap opera: family member against family member; deceit on top of deceit; the promise of revenge.

Genesis 24–26: On When Isaac Meets Rebekah, Esau's Stupid Trade, and Sam's Fever Dreams about the Exodus (Bible Talk, Ep. 8) Oct 28, 2020

In these chapters, Moses shifts his attention to the next generation of the promised line. As he does, familiar themes show up.

Genesis 21–23: On Ishmael's Expulsion, Isaac's Sacrifice, and Abraham's Graveyard (Bible Talk, Ep. 7) Oct 22, 2020

Moses spends so much time cultivating an expectation for Isaac’s birth. But then, out of nowhere, the Lord tests Abraham, telling him to sacrifice his son, his only son whom he loves. Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton & Sam Emadi about Genesis 21–23.

Genesis 18–20: On Sordid Sins and the Glimmer of Grace, Even in Sodom and Gomorrah (Bible Talk, Ep. 6) Oct 14, 2020

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about the Genesis 18–20. These chapters cover some of the darkest episodes in all of Scripture. We see the wages of sin—death—on full display. And yet, we also see glimmers of God’s grace and mercy.

Genesis 15–17: On The Lord's Covenant Ceremony, Sarah's Covenant Scheme, and Abraham's Covenant Sign (Bible Talk, Ep. 5) Oct 07, 2020

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about the Lord’s covenant ceremony (Gen. 15), Sarah’s covenant scheme (Gen. 16), and Abraham’s covenant sign (Gen. 17).

Genesis 12–14 | On Lot’s Fateful Journey East, the War of the Pirate-Kings, and Abram’s “Aragorn Moment” Sep 30, 2020

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about a towering Old Testament figure: Abram of the Chaldeans. What kind of man is he?

Genesis 6:9–11:32: On the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and PETA's Beef with Genesis 9:3 Sep 23, 2020

In this third episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Noah and the flood, the genealogy of Genesis 10, the Tower of Babel, and what all of this has to do with Jesus.

Genesis 3:20–6:8: On Cain & Abel, the Nephilim, and the Progeny of George Foreman Sep 16, 2020

In the second episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Genesis 3:20–6:8. As man’s sinfulness grows both broader and deeper, God is still preserving a line of promise.

Genesis 1:1-3:19: On the Serpent, the Promised Seed, and Nahash the King of the Ammonites Sep 04, 2020

In this inaugural episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about the first three chapters of Genesis. These first three chapters of the Bible are so important because they set the trajectory for everything that comes next—all the way until we get to Revelation 22.

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