What in the Word?

Many know one verse from this chapter for its connection to Jesus Christ, but few understand its immediate relevance to King Ahaz and the people of Judah amidst a looming Assyrian threat. Exploring the historical context, we learn about how the powerful rise of Assyria dictated regional alliances and strategies, but that Isaiah's message in it all was clear: Trust what God says, not what you see....

Isaiah chapter 6 details Isaiah's well-known encounter with God. The question is about Isaiah's startling self-identification with the desperately wicked unclean of Judah. Understanding it means understanding the concept of justice-righteousness as used in Isaiah, as well as spiritual uncleanness. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com and we'll try to c...

It's a bluegrass classic, folks .   If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com and we'll try to cover it.    

Judges 14 tells the story of Samson and his contentious wedding. We see how the repeating cycles of apostasy and deliverance throughout the book of Judges reveal what to think about Sampson and how he embodies Israel's estrangement from God. Meanwhile, interesting features of the story, like the lion, bees, and the riddle, relate to Israel's spiritual condition, the nature of sin, and the power of...

In this episode, we take a look at some enigmatic verses of Ecclesiastes 7, exploring the challenges of wisdom, righteousness, and the human desire for control. We think about the limits of wisdom and righteousness and come back to the fundamental message that true contentment comes from acknowledging God. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com and we'll...

In this episode, we explore Ecclesiastes 3 and the Hebrew word hebel, and how it encapsulates the absurdity and fleeting nature of life. Ecclesiastes 3 challenges us to question why wisdom, despite its advantages over foolishness, fails to grant control over life's uncertainties and offers a fresh perspective on how to navigate life's unpredictability. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you...

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou rod of Jesse, free  Thine own from Satan's tyranny;  From depths of hell thy people save,  And give them victory o'er the grave.  Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel  Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel; That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

This special edition episode is posted by request of Lauren H. These special editions cover the book of Titus in depth.

This special edition episode is posted by request of Lauren H. These special editions cover the book of Titus in depth.

This special edition episode is posted by request of Lauren H. These special editions cover the book of Titus in depth.

This special edition episode is posted by request of Lauren H. These special editions cover the book of Titus in depth.

In this episode, we look at Prov 30, a chapter primarily aimed at young men destined for leadership in Israel. The chapter is organized around two key sets of teachings, each introduced by a single line in verses 10 and 17, and these instructions provide some clarity for interpreting the subsequent numerical sayings. The first set warns against oppressing subordinates; the second set addresses reb...

This episode explores Proverbs 24:13-20 and how they illustrate the real promises that Proverbs as a book makes to God's people.   If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com and we'll try to cover it.  

In this episode, we look at part of Proverbs 22 and how it has some of the best teaching on wealth you'll ever hear.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com and we'll try to cover it.

The Apostle Paul's discussion of Hagar and Sarah as representations of two covenants is a great way to appreciate how much he hated slavery. Join us as we look at Paul's main point – faith over works –  and also  misconceptions about the acceptance of slavery in biblical texts. Discover how Paul's allegory is actually a condemnation of both spiritual and physical bondage, and why understanding the...

In this episode, we look at one key part of an argument by Paul about why faith is the only way to live with God. Paul argues that the root of all sin is the attempt to live independently of God. He challenges the notion that sin is an act of moral failure, presenting it instead as a religious problem of a heart turned away from God. Through this discussion, we uncover the true essence of Paul's m...

In this episode, we look particularly at 1 Corinthians 14:22. We explore the context of Paul's letter to the Corinthians and its connection to Isaiah 28 to see what he means in this verse and how it's mean to build up love and unity.   If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com and we'll try to cover it.

In this episode, we look at Job 40 and 41 and the remarkable courtroom-like encounter between Job and God. Beginning in chapter 38, God challenges Job's understanding of justice and its foundational role in creation. Through vivid descriptions of natural phenomena and powerful creatures, God illustrates His control and the intricate balance of the world, highlighting the limits of human perception...

(It's from Matlock)  

Today we look at Job 21, where Job challenges the simplistic belief that suffering is solely a consequence of sin. Join us as we examine the flaws in Job's friends' arguments and explore the "white dog argument" that Job uses to dismantle their claims and prepare for the answers that God will eventually reveal. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com and...

Job's cries reveal a man grappling with his suffering and the accusations of his friends, and struggling in the midst of anger and confusion. And then, unexpectedly, he turns to God—the very one he believes is against him. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com and we'll try to cover it.

In this episode, we explore the intense back-and-forth between Job and his friends and note the escalating tensions and misunderstandings. We zero in on Eliphaz's argument, which echoes his earlier sentiments but with sharper, more cutting rhetoric. Eliphaz accuses Job and makes hurtful comments, and Eliphaz's arguments reveal his fear of a God who operates beyond human control. If you have a bit...

Chapter 3 presents Job's raw and honest lament as he grapples with the pain and despair following his calamities. We examine how Job's emotional and physical agony is expressed through imagery and how, despite his anguish, Job refrains from cursing God. Instead, it sets the stage for the way his understanding will be transformed through encounter with God, and his friends' worldview will be turned...