Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD

First Reading

Religion EN ↓ 344 episodes

First Reading offers exegetical resources for the Old Testament Lectionary reading each week. Dr. Rachel Wrenn is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Capital University), Rosy Kandathil is a PhD candidate in Hebrew Bible at Emory University, Dr. Tim McNinch is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Christian Theological Seminary, and Paul Essah is a PhD student in Hebrew Bible at Yale University. In addition to short weekly episodes, they periodically invite a leading Hebrew Bible scholar for a longer conversation about the nitty-gritty of the week's text.

Author

Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD

Episodes

2 Kings 2:1–2, 6–14 17.06.2019 5:56

Double Portion of Prophecy Lectionary Date: June 30, 2019 [3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Tim explores the passing of the torch from Elijah to Elisha.

1 Kings 19:1–15a 11.06.2019 11:53

Sustenance for the Journey Lectionary Date: June 23, 2019 [2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Rachel talks about Elijah's theophany.

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 03.06.2019 10:24

Get Wisdom Lectionary Date: June 16, 2019 [Trinity Sunday, Year C] This week, Tim introduces us to Woman Wisdom.

Genesis 11:1–9 27.05.2019 12:35

What Fear Does Lectionary Date: June 9, 2019 [Day of Pentecost, Year C] Come, let's try to understand the Tower of Babel with Rachel.

Psalm 97, with Marc Brettler 20.05.2019 51:48

Righteousness and Justice are the Base of God's Throne Lectionary Date: June 2, 2019 [7th Sunday of Easter, Year C] This week, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Marc Zvi Brettler, one of the leading scholars in the field of Hebrew Bible. He is Professor Emeritus and former chair of the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University. He has also taught at the Hebrew University...

Psalm 67 13.05.2019 10:39

An Exclusive Move for an Inclusive End Lectionary Date: May 26, 2019 [6th Sunday of Easter, Year C] Rachel walks through the meaning of the blessings in Psalm 67.

Psalm 148 10.05.2019 9:26

Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu! Lectionary Date: May 19, 2019 [5th Sunday of Easter, Year C] Tim’s up for a dip into the Hallels of Psalm 148.

Psalm 23 10.05.2019 10:45

Defamiliarizing the Shepherd Psalm Lectionary Date: May 12, 2019 [4th Sunday of Easter, Year C] Rachel offers a slightly edgier take on Psalm 23.

Psalm 30, with Stephen Reid 10.05.2019 48:07

Mourning and Dancing: the “Rhythm & Blues” of Life Lectionary Date: May 5, 2019 [3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C] Dr. Stephen Reid joins Rachel and Tim this week for a long-form episode, focusing on Psalm 30. Steve is Professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University. He earned his PhD at Emory University and has held a number of academic positions du...

Psalm 118:14–29 10.05.2019 10:37

Images of God’s Help Lectionary Date: April 28, 2019 [2nd Sunday of Easter, Year C] Rachel guides us through the Psalm for the week. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 65:17–25 10.05.2019 13:04

Easter Sunday: Hope for the Now Lectionary Date: April 21, 2019 [Resurrection of the Lord, Year C] Prepping for Easter? Tim challenges you to preach about hope from Isaiah 65.

Isaiah 50:4–9a 10.05.2019 13:03

Palm/Passion Sunday: Trusting Even in the Darkness Lectionary Date: April 14, 2019 [Liturgy of the Passion, Year C] Rachel is up to bat this week, working through a unique Palm Sunday text.

Isaiah 43:16–21, with Vanessa Lovelace 10.05.2019 13:03

God is Doing Something New Lectionary Date: April 7, 2019 [5th Sunday in Lent, Year C] Rachel and Tim are joined this week by Rev. Dr. Vanessa Lovelace, a Hebrew Bible professor at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. In addition to her position at ITC, Dr. Lovelace is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. She is the co-editor of the book, Womanist Interpretati...

Joshua 5:9–12 10.05.2019 11:08

Rolling Away the Reproach—The End of an Era Lectionary Date: March 31, 2019 [4th Sunday in Lent, Year C] Tim takes the lead this week, reflecting on the context and wordplay in Joshua 5.

Isaiah 55:1-9 10.05.2019 9:58

Hoi! Seeking God With Your Whole Nefesh Lectionary Date: March 24, 2019 [3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C] Rachel riffs on the body imagery in Isaiah 55!

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 10.05.2019 9:30

Cutting an Unusual Deal Lectionary Date: March 17, 2019 [2nd Sunday in Lent, Year C] A strange vision, a bloody ritual, and divine promises on the way to a profound expression of grace. Rachel leads us through this fascinating passage!

Deuteronomy 26:1-11 10.05.2019 10:52

Lectionary Date: March 10, 2019 [1st Sunday in Lent, Year C] Rachel offers a mini-episode with some literary and historical context for the text, and a preaching angle on stewardship with a surprising twist!

2 Samuel 11:1–15, with Caralie Focht 16.07.2018 20:01

Lectionary Date: July 29, 2018 [10th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This week, Rachel and Tim are joined by Caralie Focht (Emory University) to discuss the infamous story about Bathsheba and David. How can preachers address the issues of assault in this text with pastoral sensitivity toward those in their congregations who have experienced (or perpetrated) similar trauma?

2 Samuel 7, with Jacob Wright 09.07.2018 33:19

Lectionary Date: July 22, 2018 [9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] In this, First Reading's very first episode ever, Rachel and Tim introduce the podcast and delve into King David's plan to build a temple for God. With help from Dr. Jacob Wright (Emory University) they discuss the historical context of temple building, try to figure out why God is hesitant to let David do it, and offer a few pote...