The Context and Color of the Bible

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we continue our tour through the Psalms, stopping to notice the themes, connections, and biblical images that prepare us for deeper study later. Rather than diving into every detail, we're acting as tour guides, pointing out the landmarks that help us understand the bigger picture of the Psalms. We begin with Psalms 42 and 43, where the psalmist longs for the...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore several psalms that deepen our understanding of God's character and the life of faith. We begin with Psalm 17 and the Hebrew idiom "the apple of Your eye," discovering the powerful image David uses to describe God's protection and care for His people. Next, we dive into Psalm 18, examining the rich imagery David uses to describe God...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we continue our journey through the Psalms by exploring Psalms 11, 12, 13, and 15. Together, these psalms wrestle with a question that believers have asked throughout history: What do we do when wickedness seems to be winning? Psalm 11 contrasts the righteous and the wicked, reminding us that while evil may appear powerful, the righteous can find refuge in God. He...

Send us Fan Mail Psalms 1 and 2 serve as the introduction to the entire book of Psalms, giving readers the lens through which the rest of the collection should be understood. In this episode, we explore the two paths presented in Psalm 1. The righteous delight in God's Torah, meditate on it day and night, and become like a fruitful tree planted by streams of water. In contrast, the wicked rej...

Send us Fan Mail If you want to have the story of the Old Testament that Erika presents in digital form, you can purchase a 10 page PDF for $1.99 at  Understanding the Old Testament Story (PDF Guide) Before we dive into the Psalms, we need to understand how the original audience viewed Scripture. The Bible was written in a different language, in a different land, during a different time period. Ev...

Send us Fan Mail This episode launches our summer of Psalms series.  To set the stage we are taking you back to the original context as we look at the culture, language, land and mindset of the authors and audience.   We also lay a foundation that Psalms is not just a book of poetry.  It's a prayer book.  It's a hymnal.  It's a praise and worship book.  And it's all rooted in t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Erika unpacks the title Holy One of Israel.  Isaiah uses this title for God over and over in his book.  From this prophet and other verses, we find this aspect of God as the God who is set apart from all other gods.  There is no one or anything else like Him. His power is unlike any other god or power out there.  He is El Elyon, God Most High. But in being set apar...

Send us Fan Mail YHWH Rohi means “The LORD is my Shepherd,” a name that reveals God’s personal, attentive care for His people. First expressed in Psalm 23, this title draws on David’s lived experience as a shepherd to illustrate how God leads, provides, protects, and restores. Throughout Scripture, God is consistently shown as the One who seeks His sheep, feeds them, and brings them safely home. T...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Erika unpacks a name Adonai - Lord.  Abraham first used it in Genesis 15:2 when Abraham reminds God he doesn't have an heir.  From this story and other verses, we find this aspect of God as master and ruler.  We are reminded we are called to obey our Master - much like Abraham did in Genesis 22 when God told him to sacrifice his only son.  But we also see how...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Erika and Veronica explore the powerful Hebrew name YHWH Nissi — “The Lord is My Banner,” first declared by Moses in Book of Exodus 17 after Israel’s battle with Amalek. They unpack how a “banner” in the ancient world was more than a flag—it was a rallying point, a source of identity, and a symbol of victory. Through the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur, listeners s...

Send us Fan Mail In classic Erika style, she's back with another name of God that isn't a name.  It's a title - God of Israel.  She walks us through Scripture showing how this title is used as a way link God with Israel (the person and nation).  This title is important though because it teaches us that God has linked Himself with a people group and He cannot turn His back on them.  ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Erika and Veronica explore the Hebrew name YHWH Tzva’ot, often translated as “The Lord of Hosts” or “The Lord of Armies.” They unpack its meaning, showing how it refers not only to armies but also to angels, stars, and the forces of creation, emphasizing God’s absolute authority over both the visible and invisible worlds. Using examples from Hannah’s prayer, David...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Erika and Veronica explore the Hebrew name of God El Shaddai , meaning “the sufficient one.”  This word is a hard one to translate into English, but the common current thought is that God is sufficient - He is enough.  Erika and Veronica look at passages that discuss God being enough.  This name of God is used in positive and negative situations.  Naomi seems to h...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Erika and Veronica explore the Hebrew name of God El Olam , meaning “Everlasting God.” First introduced in Genesis 21:33 when Abraham called on the Lord after establishing a covenant, this name points to a God whose existence and faithfulness extend beyond time itself. Scripture repeatedly reminds us that while human life is temporary, God remains constant “from e...

Send us Fan Mail This week we’re exploring the Hebrew name for God Hamakom — “The Place.” At first glance it sounds unusual, but in Jewish tradition this was a reverent way to refer to God without speaking His name aloud. It’s a circumlocution, a respectful substitute, and yet everyone knew exactly who it meant. Throughout Scripture, this title reminds us of something profound: God is not confined...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we explore the Hebrew name עֶלְיוֹן (Elyon) — “the Most High” — and what it reveals about God’s authority and position in a world full of competing powers. From its first appearance in Genesis to its powerful use in the Psalms, Prophets, and even the New Testament, this title declares the unrivaled sovereignty of the covenant God. In the ancient world, height sym...

Send us Fan Mail Time to cross off an item on my (Veronica) bucket list!  Ever since we started the podcast, it's been a dream of mine to get Lois Tverberg on the podcast.   We interviewed her over zoom and if you would rather watch us you can hope over to our YouTube channel.   In this conversation we talk about what started Lois down the road of the culture and Jewishness of Jesus.  She sha...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we push back on the “go big or go home” mindset that often leaves us overwhelmed and ready to quit. Instead of trying to do everything at once, we talk about the power of starting small when it comes to studying the Bible. Veronica and Erika share simple, manageable steps that help build consistency without pressure. They also walk through several completely free...

Send us Fan Mail Erika and Veronica explore the deeper purpose of obedience to God, especially when it feels like nothing is changing. We often assume that if we do the right thing, God will respond with visible results, but Scripture challenges that expectation. Looking at Moses and Pharaoh, we see that Pharaoh’s heart didn’t shift because of Moses’ words, things moved only according to God’s tim...

Send us Fan Mail This episode continues our conversation with Shannon Popkin as we explore how Bible stories can be used to teach lessons and deepen meaningful discussion. Shannon walks us through a simple, repeatable method that begins by telling the story and then inviting others to retell it in their own words. From there, we ask thoughtful questions that help uncover what the story reveals abo...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the podcast, we explore why the Bible is filled with stories and how those stories function as powerful teaching tools. In an ancient, oral culture, stories weren’t just entertainment — they were carefully crafted containers of truth meant to be remembered, repeated, and lived out. Rather than simply telling lessons, biblical narratives show us who God is by inviting...

Send us Fan Mail We've come to the end of the Deuteronomy and the entire Torah.  We've walked with Moses from before his birth right until his death.  We've seen his high points and low points.  We've seen his wide range of emotions for his people.   What lessons do these final chapters have in store?  Where does this leave Israel as they stand on the threshold of a new journey...

Send us Fan Mail Moses is (finally) wrapping up his speech to the people.  As he's preparing to transfer leadership to Joshua, he's giving his final pleas to the people to hold fast to God.   He paints a powerful image of God to remind the people that when they fail - and they will - that God will bring them back and defeat their enemies.  If you want to listen to our episodes on Habakku...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we follow Moses as he shifts from recounting laws and history to revealing the deeper moral and spiritual meaning behind Israel’s journey. He explores why people so often fail to recognize God’s presence, how gratitude fades, and why following the stubbornness of the heart can endanger an entire community. Moses warns of the consequences of turning away from God,...

Send us Fan Mail Moses tells the Israelites what their blessings will be when they obey God's laws.  But then he quickly goes back to what the curses.  Find out why even the curses are a good thing and what they reveal about God.  Our website is The Context and Color of the Bible We are on Facebook - The Context and Color of the Bible | Facebook We are on Instagram - @contextandcolorofthebibl...