Bible Backdrop

The story of the birth of Israel continues with Isaac and his twin sons, Jacob and Esau. How did the older son come to serve the younger? How does Jacob live up to his name? Why was Esau rejected for the covenantal blessing? How was Jacob deceived into marrying the wrong sister? This episode of Bible Backdrop continues to cover the story of Israel's history by talking about the people that we...

The Bible tells amazing personal stories, but what about the bigger picture? What was Israel's place in the world during Bible times? This episode is the first in the series looking at the history of Israel and it's place in the ancient world. This will give us context to when these events took place. The first episode is all about Abraham with a little about Isaac and Ishmael. There&apo...

The Feast of Weeks is designated as the third and final pilgrimage festival for Israelites and is described in Leviticus 23. Called Shavuot or Pentecost, it is known as a harvest festival, but becomes the day the church was founded in Acts 2. This episode of Bible Backdrop goes into some of the history and traditions surrounding this festival.

Merry Christmas everyone! December 8 marks the first day of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. Most know that this involves lighting a menorah, but what are the origins of this festival? The last episode of Bible Backdrop for 2023 goes into the story and other details about Hanukkah. Why is it celebrated? How do Jews today celebrate? Why is it important? If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, p...

Passover is one of the best known feasts in the Bible. Most people know the general story behind the Passover, but how was it celebrated in Bible times? This episode of Bible Backdrop looks at the history of Passover along with how the meal was eaten. We also discuss the Feast of Unleavened Bread that was a 7 day festival in honor of God's deliverance. If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, plea...

We hear about the Feast of Booths, but what exactly was it? Why did God institute this festival in the Jewish religious calendar? On this episode of Bible Backdrop, we look into some of the details on the Feast of Booths including the time of year, the events that took place, and what the booths looked like. We also look into how Jesus used this to great effect during His ministry. If you are enjo...

In the previous episode of Bible Backdrop, we talked about the details surrounding the Day of Atonement. After finishing the episode, there is so much symbolism surrounding this day that it really required an Extra episode. When you look closely at the events, you can easily see how it ties back to Jesus and his sacrifice for our atonement.  If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5 sta...

Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Established by God with detailed instructions to Moses in Leviticus 16, this episode of Bible Backdrop looks at the particulars surrounding that day. What is the meaning of Yom Kippur? Where did it fall on the Jewish calendar? What did the high priest have to do on that day? What was so different about it? Thank you for downloading this episode...

Wrapping up our series on the offerings in Leviticus, the latest episode of Bible Backdrop looks into the Trespass Offering and the Guilt Offering. Each of these had very specific requirements and we go into details on what was included, why it was included, and how they affect us today. If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating and review. You can also contact...

Continuing our series on the sacrifices in the Old Testament, this episode of Bible Backdrop looks at the Sin Offering. In many ways, it was different from the other offerings and we look into those differences here. God held people to a high standard when it came to the Sin Offering and it shows in the sacrifices. If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5 star rating and review. Also,...

Leviticus 3 and Leviticus 7 gives instructions to the children of Israel regarding the Peace Offering. What exactly was included in a peace offering? Why did someone bring this kind of offering to God? Who needed to make the offering? In the latest episode of Bible Backdrop, we take a look at these verses and go into some additional details. If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5 sta...

The burnt offering and the grain offering are both described in Leviticus 1 and 2. Why were these sacrifices significant? What did they mean? In this episode of Bible Backdrop Extra, we go into the deeper meaning behind these sacrifices and their symbolism.  If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5-star rating and review. You can get in touch with the show via the e-mail I mention in t...

In Leviticus, God outlined 5 sacrifices: The burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering and the peace offering. Each one had a different function and method. In this episode of Bible Backdrop, we'll look at the first two sacrifices and go into a few details regarding each one.  Thank you for listening to Bible Backdrop. If you are enjoying the show, please leave...

Welcome to the first episode of Bible Backdrop Extra! This is a shorter episode where I go a little deeper into an earlier episode. This week, I talk about the symbolism of the Tabernacle and how it points to Jesus. All the implements of worship, their placement, even the courtyard points to Jesus' teaching.  If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5 star rating and review. You can...

During their years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites worshiped and offered sacrifices to Yahweh at The Tabernacle. In this episode of Bible Backdrop, we look at how it was built along with the tools of worship that were used in the course of offering sacrifices. How big was the Tabernacle? What were the curtains made of? Could anyone go in? These are some of the questions answered in this...

Most of us have seen the movie "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark." The Ark of the Covenant has intrigued people for years. What was so special about the Ark? How was it made? And what happened to it? In this episode of Bible Backdrop, we'll look at some of the details surrounding the Ark, when it was used, and how it was made. We'll also give a few theories as to w...

Mary is one of the 3 central figures in the Christmas story. Like the episode on Joseph last year, this episode adds some context around Mary's role and the evidence of her strong faith. I also talk a little about the heavenly hosts and what that means to the story. Have a Merry Christmas!

In the Bible, the army of Israel is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. How did the army come to be and how was it formed? Was there always a standing army? How were wars fought during Bible times? In this latest episode of Bible Backdrop, I look at how the Israelite military was formed from the very first battle in Genesis to the formation of the professional army under Saul and David. ...

Skilled labor was essential to ancient Israel during Bible times. This episode of Bible Backdrop delves into 4 different types of skilled laborers and what they provided to the economy and society. We look at carpenters, stone workers, metal workers, potters and tent makers. Each one provided a necessary service for both the community and the nation. If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leav...

How did people earn a living during Bible times? What was the economy like? In this episode of Bible Backdrop, we take a look at some of the jobs people did and how they were able to make a living. We cover agriculture, livestock, fishing and trade. If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5 star rating and review. You can find this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. You ca...

The family structure in the Bible was extremely important. Extended families were large and tied to the land. What did this mean for people during this time? What laws protected the family and their tie to the land? In this episode of Bible Backdrop, I look at the family structures and how this affected people during this time. I also look at how the establishment of the monarchy changed this dyna...

Homes in Bible times were much different than our homes today. Multiple generations lived under one roof and living quarters were tight. This episode of Bible Backdrop goes into some of the details about homes in Bible times. Why was the roof so important? Where did people stay most of the time? Listen to this episode to learn more! If you enjoy Bible Backdrop, please subscribe and leave a 5-star...

What did people eat during Bible times? What foods were readily available and what was only eaten by the wealthy? In this episode of Bible Backdrop, we look at the food of the Bible: fruits, vegetables, meat and grains. All of it is significant and will help as you study the Bible.  Bible Backdrop is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Also, you can find us on the GoodPods app. If...

We see them throughout the Old Testament, but who exactly were the Philistines? Where did they come from? Why were they in conflict with the Israelites? What were they like? In this episode of Bible Backdrop, we look at the history, culture, religion and politics of the Philistine people. While being a "cultural philistine" is seen as a negative, the actual people were quite advanced. Wa...

We hear about the Sanhedrin in the New Testament, but what are its origins? Is there evidence in the Old Testament? What did they do and how was it formed? Today's episode of Bible Backdrop dives into the history and structure of the Sanhedrin. We discuss the theories of when it started, what it took to be a judge, and what kind of cases they handled. If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, pleas...