The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

This episode traces the Bible’s changing food story from Genesis’s plant-based ideal, through post‑Flood permission and the Mosaic dietary laws, to Jesus’ and the apostles’ teaching that ceremonial food restrictions no longer bind Christians. Listeners will get a clear, concise answer: New Testament believers are not biblically restricted in what animals they may eat, but they are called to act in...

Episode 219 examines Numbers 5:13–22 and the objection that the Sotah ritual is superstition. The host explores explanations including psychosomatic effects, the ritual’s role as a legal restraint protecting women from vigilante violence, and its theological connections pointing toward Christ’s cup of judgment. The episode argues the passage refines justice rather than endorsing magic. References...

Host Lance Smith examines whether the Bible supports capital punishment by unpacking Old Testament laws, the story of Cain, Jesus' actions in John 8, and New Testament teachings like Romans 13 and Genesis 9:6. The episode explains the difference between Israel’s theocracy (where civil death penalties applied) and the New Testament church (which emphasizes forgiveness), while noting that government...

This episode tackles an apparent contradiction between Exodus 25:15 and Numbers 4:6 about whether the Ark of the Covenant’s poles were removed for transport. By examining the Hebrew verb, archaeological parallels (like Egyptian ritual chests), and later biblical references, the host shows the poles remained attached but were positioned for carrying, resolving the difficulty. The conclusion highlig...

Episode 216 examines whether Herod Antipas thought Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead, comparing Matthew and Mark (which record Herod's confident conclusion) with Luke (which highlights his puzzled, unsettled reaction). The episode argues the accounts are complementary: guilt and remorse explain Herod's fearful conclusion, while Luke records the confusion and inner turmoil before that...

This episode unpacks why Numbers 4:3, Numbers 8:24, and Ezra 3:8 list different ages for Levitical service and shows they are not contradictions but reflect different roles and historical contexts. It explains that 25 marks apprenticeship in the wilderness, 30 denotes full responsibility for heavy tabernacle duties, and 20 reflects the settled temple-era and Davidic reforms—making the system coher...

Episode 214 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast examines the apparent contradiction between Luke 4 and Matthew/Mark about when Jesus was rejected in Nazareth. Lance Smith compares Luke’s early, dramatic account with Matthew and Mark’s later, quieter version and explores whether these are two separate visits or one event presented differently. The episode surveys scholarly views, explains...

Why does Numbers devote so much space to censuses, genealogies, and detailed regulations—and what are we supposed to do with them as Christians? In this episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers, we take a closer look at Numbers 3 and the replacement of Israel’s firstborn with the tribe of Levi. Did God change His mind, or is something deeper happening in the structure of Israel’s worship and iden...

Hey there, truth seekers. In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent tension between the Gospels: Matthew (and Mark) claim Jesus always taught the crowds in parables, while John records extended theological dialogues instead of short parables. The episode compares context, literary style, and scholarly arguments to show how both accounts can be complementary—Matthew highlights Jesus’ public...

Host Lance Smith examines why the Bible records the exact same census total—603,550—twice in Exodus and Numbers. He explains that the Exodus count was for atonement and tabernacle contributions, while the Numbers count, taken one month later, was a military census for organizing Israel to move. The episode addresses objections about the large population figure and concludes the matching totals ref...

In this episode Lance Smith examines the apparent tension between Jesus saying some understand the "secrets of the kingdom" (Matthew 13:10–11) and his claim at his trial that he "said nothing in secret" (John 18). Using clear translation, historical context, and scholarship, Lance shows parables function as a public filter—revealing truth to the receptive and concealing it from the hardened—while...

Episode 209 digs into Numbers 1–4 to examine the famous census that lists roughly 603,550 fighting men and implies a population of 2–2.5 million. Lance Smith surveys the logistical, archaeological, and textual challenges that raise doubts about a literal headcount. The episode surveys three main responses: appeal to ongoing miracles, symbolic or theological exaggeration, and a linguistic solution...

Lance Smith examines the apparent contradiction between biblical commands to honor parents and Jesus' strong sayings about family priority. Using context, cultural idiom, and examples from Matthew, Luke, and John, he shows how phrases like “hate your father” are hyperbolic calls for ultimate allegiance to God, not literal family rejection. The episode explains the passages, defends Jesus' respect...

Host Lance Smith begins a 31-episode tour through Numbers by tackling a major question: could Moses have written this book, or is it a later compilation as the documentary hypothesis claims? Smith reviews the biblical claims, Jesus’ testimony, archaeological evidence, and ancient literary practices to argue that the evidence supports Mosaic authorship and that the question matters for how we read...

Host Lance Smith examines the classic ‘‘Jonah and the Whale’’ question by reading the Hebrew and Greek texts, consulting the Septuagint, and comparing translations. The episode explains how ancient language and translation choices—not contradiction—account for ‘‘great fish’’ versus ‘‘whale,” and shows why Jesus’ reference in Matthew 12:40 aligns with the original text. The show also listens to ske...

Episode 205 concludes the Leviticus series by tackling Leviticus 26:30 and the question: did God despise Israel? Lance Smith explains this strong language as covenantal, judicial judgment against persistent idolatry rather than ultimate rejection, showing how discipline aims at restoration and preserves God’s covenant promises. The episode connects the chapter’s blessings and curses to covenant en...

Host Lance Smith reviews the podcast's 2025 growth, key milestones, and listener-driven series that shaped the year. He shares download stats, geographic and platform trends, standout episodes, and plans for 2026 while thanking the community for its support. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith   The Bible Difficulties...

In this episode Lance Smith examines Matthew 12:38–41 and Luke 11:29 to explain why Jesus refused to perform a sign on demand and instead pointed to "the sign of Jonah." Drawing on scripture and scholarly insights, the episode shows that Jesus wasn’t denying his miracles but rebuking a hard‑hearted generation and pointing ahead to his death, burial, and resurrection as the ultimate sign. Listeners...

Episode 202 examines Leviticus 23:42–43 and the seeming tension between Israel dwelling in "tents" during the wilderness and being commanded to live in temporary "booths" for Sukkot. Host Lance Smith explains that tents were the practical homes of a nomadic people, while the festival booths were symbolic, short-term structures meant to teach dependence on God and to recall the fragile beginnings a...

Lance Smith delivers a warm Christmas greeting to listeners, praying that the peace of Christ meets them wherever they are. He reminds listeners that God stepped into our world and cares for us in our questions and struggles. He thanks the community for their support, wishes everyone hope, light, good health, and God’s blessing, and sends Christmas blessings from his family to yours.

Host Lance Smith marks episode 200 by tackling an apparent contradiction between Matthew 12:37 and Psalm 143:2. He explains how Psalm 143:2 shows that no one can earn righteousness before God, while Matthew 12:37 highlights how our words reveal the heart and confirm genuine faith. The episode resolves the tension by distinguishing forensic justification by faith from evidential justification seen...

Episode 199 unpacks an apparent contradiction in Leviticus about whether the Day of Atonement starts on the ninth or the tenth day. Lance Smith explains the biblical sunset-to-sunset reckoning, shows how the evening of the ninth begins the tenth, and cites scholars and commentaries that clarify the timing. The episode also explores the rituals of Yom Kippur—fasting, atonement, and priestly action—...

Episode 198 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 12:30 and parallel passages in Luke and Mark to address the apparent contradiction between "anyone who isn’t with me is against me" and "anyone who is not against you is for you." The episode walks scene-by-scene through the context, consults classical and modern commentators, and explains how both sayings...

Episode 197 examines whether Leviticus condemns homosexuality because it allegedly threatens Israel's fertility. Lance Smith walks through the text, historical context, and scholarly responses to argue the prohibition centers on holiness and covenant boundaries, not a population agenda. The episode contrasts traditional and progressive readings, addresses the death‑penalty argument, and emphasizes...

Episode 196 examines the alleged contradiction about David asking for the holy bread at Nob: did he go alone or with companions? Host Lance Smith walks through 1 Samuel 21, the Gospel citations, such as Matthew 12:3-4, and scholarly insights to show that the texts focus on different moments of the same event and highlight mercy over ritual. This short dive connects Ahimelech, David, and Jesus to e...