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 skeptical objections, reviews Christian scholarship, and explores the theological importance of Jonah as a sign pointing to Jesus’ death and resurrection, while emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the story’s message of repentance and mercy. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/whale.html  GotQuestions.org – "Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale?" https://www.gotquestions.org/Jonah-whale.html Apologetics Press – "Was Jonah Swallowed by a Fish or a Whale?" by Eric Lyons https://apologeticspress.org/was-jonah-swallowed-by-a-fish-or-a-whale-2830/ Apologetics Press – "Jonah and the 'Whale'?" by Dave Miller, Ph.D. https://apologeticspress.org/jonah-and-the-whale-69/ Answers in Genesis – "Jonah and the Great Fish" by Don Landis https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/jonah-and-the-great-fish/ The Domain for Truth – "Bible Contradiction? Was Jonah swallowed by a fish or a whale?" by SLIMJIM https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2016/11/20/bible-contradiction-was-jonah-swallowed-by-a-fish-or-a-whale/ Logically Fallacious – "Examining Jonah: A Secular Critique of a Biblical Tale" https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/posts/examining-jonah-a-secular-critique-of-a-biblical-tale.html Catholic Answers – "Is the story of Jonah and the whale a myth?" https://www.catholic.com/qa/is-the-story-of-jonah-and-the-whale-a-myth Armstrong Institute – "Is the Book of Jonah 'Entirely Ahistorical'?" https://armstronginstitute.org/639-is-the-book-of-jonah-entirely-ahistorical The Atheist Experience – "Scientific Proof For The Story Of Jonah" (YouTube clip) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCSMpS0BCkc

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 enforcement, cites scholarly perspectives, and points forward to the hope of restoration and the significance of Christ as the faithful covenant-keeper. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  Keathley III, J. Hampton. "A Welcome Warning (Leviticus 26)." Bible.org. Available at: https://bible.org/seriespage/21-welcome-warning-leviticus-26 "Leviticus 26:30 Meaning." Video Bible. Available at: https://www.videobible.com/meaning/leviticus-26-30 McKinniss, Mike. "Tough Passages #9: The Price of Treason (Leviticus 26:27-30)." Redeeming Culture. Available at: https://redeemingculture.com/theology/tough-passages/3179-tough-passages-9-the-price-of-treason-leviticus-2627-30 Barrick, William D. "The Eschatological Significance of Leviticus 26." The Master's Seminary Journal 16/1 (Spring 2005): 95-126. Available at: https://drbarrick.org/files/papers/other/msj21e.pdf "Leviticus 26:30 and the Critical Importance of Rendering 'Bamot' as 'High Places' in Bible Translation." UASV Bible. Available at: https://uasvbible.org/2025/04/30/leviticus-2630-and-the-critical-importance-of-rendering-bamot-as-high-places-in-bible-translation/ Barrick, William D. "Leviticus 26: Its Relationship to Covenant Contexts and Concepts." Unpublished Th.D. dissertation, Grace Theological Seminary, 1981. Manby, Ted D. "An Exegetical Study of Leviticus 26: Mosaic Covenantal Laws, Blessings, and Curses with Implications for the Reading of Old Testament Canonical Books." Unpublished Th.M. thesis, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2008.

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 and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

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 will hear how Jonah’s three days in the fish functions as typology for Jesus’ three days in the earth, why the demand for signs was sinful testing rather than genuine faith, and how this clarifies an apparent contradiction in the Gospels. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptics Annotated Bible:https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/signs.html  Beate Kowalski, "Meaning and Function of the Sign of Jonah in Matthew 12:38-42 and 16:1-4," https://www.academia.edu/10737836/Meaning_and_Function_of_the_Sign_of_Jonah_in_Matthew_12_38_42_and_16_1_4 (or similar source for the PDF). Amy-Jill Levine and Ben Witherington III, "The Sign of Jonah," https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4547&context=byusq "The Sign of Jonah," https://wmpl.org/sign-of-jonah/ Vern Poythress, "The Miracles of Jesus," https://frame-poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/PoythressVernTheMiraclesOfJesus.pdf "Mysteries of the Bible: What Made Jesus’ Generation So Wicked For Asking A Sign," https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017/04/09/mysteries-of-the-bible-what-made-jesus-generation-so-wicked-for-asking-a-sign/ "What is the sign of Jonah?" https://www.gotquestions.org/sign-of-Jonah.html "How the Sign of Jonah Points to Jesus," http://www.steppesoffaith.com/apologetics/sign-jonah-jesus "The Mind-blowing Meaning Behind the Sign of Jonah," https://crossexamined.org/the-mind-blowing-meaning-behind-the-sign-of-jonah/

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 after the Exodus. Drawing on biblical passages and scholarly commentary, the episode shows how Sukkot reenacts memory and gratitude—transforming discomfort into a yearly act of remembrance. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  New Revised Standard Version Bible with Apocrypha: New Annotated Study Edition. Oxford University Press. Available at: https://www.amazon.com/New-Oxford-Annotated-Apocrypha-Third/dp/0195289552 Katulka, Chris. "Practicing the Presence of God: The Feast of Tabernacles." The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, September 17, 2021. https://www.foi.org/2021/09/17/practicing-the-presence-of-god-the-feast-of-tabernacles-2/ ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministry. "The Meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles." ONE FOR ISRAEL. https://www.oneforisrael.org/the-meaning-of-the-feast-of-tabernacles/ Posner, Menachem. "What Is Sukkot? - A Guide to the Jewish Holiday of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Meanings Behind It."  https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4784/jewish/What-Is-Sukkot.htm Hal. "The Feasts of Israel – Booths (Sukkot)." Bible.org Blogs. https://blogs.bible.org/the-feasts-of-israel-booths/ deSilva, David A. "A History of Sukkot in the Second Temple and Rabbinic Periods." In The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in Orthodox Judaism, edited by Shmuel Shalom Ohana, Johns Hopkins University Press (Project MUSE Open Access). https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/327/oa_edited_volume/chapter/2545394

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 in transformed speech and actions. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/justified.html  Grier, W.J. "Justification by Faith." The Highway. Available at: https://www.the-highway.com/justification_Grier.html McFadden, Kevin W. "10 Things You Should Know about Justification by Faith." Crossway. Available at: https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-justification-by-faith/ Swanson, Scott A. "The Instruction of the Spirit: The Wisdom Framework for Pauline Spirit Dependence." Mid-America Journal of Theology 29 (2018): 81-128. Available at: https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files//pdf/journal/04swansonjournal2018.pdf "Matthew 12:37 For by your words you shall be justified." Christ's Words. Available at: https://christswords.com/content/mat-1237-your-words-you-shall-be-justified Wartanian, Simon. "God's Absolute Sovereignty." Lion and Lamb Apologetics (2024). Available at: https://lionandlambapologetics.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gods-Absolute-Sovereignty-Wartanian.pdf Cross, Bryan. "Justification: The Catholic Church and the Judaizers in St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians." Called to Communion (2009). Available at: https://www.calledtocommunion.com/2009/12/justification-catholic-church-and-the-judaizers/ (Included for balanced perspective on faith-works dialogue.)

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—and connects the observance to Jesus as the ultimate high priest, inviting listeners to trade confusion for confidence in Scripture. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  Gordon, Nehemia. "Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement)." Nehemia's Wall. https://www.nehemiaswall.com/yom-kippur-day-atonement Yeo, Bibianna. "Day of Atonement (Lev 23:26-32)." The Fellowship. https://www.thefellowship.site/archives/leviticuspart4/day-of-atonement Banas, Cliff. "Leviticus 23:26-32 (The Feasts of the Lord, The Day of Atonement)." Superior Word. https://superiorword.org/leviticus-23-26-32-the-feasts-of-the-lord-the-day-of-atonement/ Risk, Kenneth. "Atonement in Leviticus and Hebrews: Convergences and Divergences." Tyndale University, 2022. https://digitalcollections.tyndale.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/142a60e3-4b20-4c61-a085-dd2c728fb637/content Bodien, Bryan. "Sacrifice and Covenant: A Study of the Early Development of Atonement Theology." Boston College, 2010. https://ur.bc.edu/system/files/2025-04/bc-ir101512.pdf

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 reflect different situations: when spiritual battle allows no neutrality, and when kingdom work welcomes unexpected allies. Practical takeaways guide listeners on being strict with personal commitment while generous toward others, and how to apply these truths in everyday relationships and ministry. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/withme.html   "Whoever is Not With Me is Against Me," Desiring God Community Church: https://www.desiringgodchurch.org/web/2019/03/15/whoever-is-not-with-me-is-against-me/ Jimmy Akin, "If You’re Not with Me, You’re Against Me," Catholic Answers Magazine: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/if-youre-not-with-me-youre-against-me Ian Paul, "Mt 12:30/Mk 9:40/Lk 11:23 – For, or Against?," Walking with Giants: https://www.walkingwithgiants.net/bible/gospels/mt-1230-mk-940-lk-1123-for-or-against/ David W. Pitts, "No Problem? Addressing Apparent Conflicts in the Biblical Narrative," BiblicalTheology.com: https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/PittsD01.pdf D.A. Carson, "Must I Learn How to Interpret the Bible?," Modern Reformation: https://www.modernreformation.org/resources/articles/must-i-learn-how-to-interpret-the-bible Bart Ehrman, "50 Contradictions in the Bible," bartehrman.com: https://www.bartehrman.com/contradictions-in-the-bible/ "Response to Ehrman: Alleged Contradictions," biblequery.org: https://www.biblequery.org/OtherBeliefs/Skeptics/ResponseToEhrman2_AllegedContradictions.html "3-Question-2-What-does-the-Bible-say-about-itself?," Anglican Communion: https://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/254226/3-Question-2-What-does-the-Bible-say-about-itself.pdf

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 pastoral care and grace while clarifying the biblical case. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  Gagnon, Robert A. J. "The Meaning and Continuing Relevance of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13." SOR Faculty Publications and Presentations, Liberty University, 2015. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/sor_fac_pubs/180 Schlimm, Matthew R. "Homosexuality in Leviticus: A Historical-Literary-Critical Analysis." Journal of Men, Masculinities and Spirituality 8, no. 2 (2014): 195–211. https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/jmurj/vol8/iss2/7 Wilber, David. "Yes, Leviticus 18:22 Explicitly Prohibits Homosexual Activity." David Wilber (blog), April 11, 2022. https://davidwilber.com/articles/yes-leviticus-explicitly-prohibits-homosexual-activity Mohler, R. Albert, et al. The Bible, the Church, & Homosexuality. Family Research Council, 2005. https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF05K11.pdf Loader, William. "Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 in Discussion with the Debate on Homosexuality." Scriptura 112 (2023): 1–15. https://scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1010-99192023000100007 Thurston, Mark. "Out of Order: A Queer Reading of the Holiness Code." Theology & Sexuality 28, no. 1 (2022): 1–15. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1476993X221104182 "Holiness Code." Anglican Taonga, November 2015. https://anglicantaonga.org.nz/features/bible/holiness_cose

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 explain how ancient storytelling, priestly law, and compassion form a consistent theological thread rather than a contradiction. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/alone.html   Bowes, William B. "Revisiting 'the Time of Abiathar the High Priest': Interpretation, Methodology and Ways Forward for Understanding Mark 2:26." Themelios, The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/revisiting-the-time-of-abiathar-the-high-priest/ "Bible Contradiction? Was David alone when asking for the holy bread at Nob?" Veritas Domain. https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2025/01/02/bible-contradiction-was-david-alone-when-asking-for-the-holy-bread-at-nob/ "The Problem of Abiathar in Mark 2.26." Credo House Ministries. https://credohouse.org/blog/the-problem-of-abiathar-in-mark-2-26 "Was it wrong for David to eat the showbread in 1 Samuel 21:1–6?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/David-showbread.html "Why did Ahimelech give David the consecrated bread in 1 Samuel 21:6?" BibleHub.com. https://biblehub.com/q/Why_give_David_consecrated_bread_2.htm Lyons, Eric. "Who Was Joseph's Father in Jesus' Genealogy?" Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/who-was-josephs-father/ 

Host Lance Smith examines Leviticus 18.22, comparing ceremonial laws like dietary restrictions with moral laws about sexual ethics. The episode surveys conservative and progressive scholarly views, New Testament passages on law and fulfillment, and the pastoral implications for same-sex–attracted Christians Listeners are offered practical takeaways about how to balance conviction with compassion, understand the moral versus ceremonial distinction, and shepherd people toward flourishing in Christ. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI Keller, Tim. "The Bible and Same-Sex Relationships: A Review Article." Redeemer Report, 2015. https://www.redeemer.com/redeemer-report/article/the_bible_and_same_sex_relationships_a_review_article Paul, Ian. "Leviticus and Same-Sex Relations." Psephizo, 2014. https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/leviticus-and-same-sex-relations/ "Are Christians Hypocritical to Avoid Sexual Immorality but Allow Tattoos?" The Gospel Coalition Australia, 2019. https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christians-hypocritical-avoid-sexual-immorality-allow-tattoos/ Klein, Josh. "Confronting Homosexuality in a Culture of Identity (Part 2)." CrossExamined.org, n.d. https://crossexamined.org/confronting-homosexuality-in-a-culture-of-identity-part-2/ Craig, William Lane. "A Christian Perspective on Homosexuality." Reasonable Faith, n.d. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/practical-issues/a-christian-perspective-on-homosexuality Freeman, John. "The Gospel Remedy for Homosexuality." Ligonier Ministries, n.d. https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/gospel-remedy-homosexuality "Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, and a 'Man Who Lies with a Man.'" Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM), n.d. https://www.carm.org/leviticus-1822-2013-and-a-man-who-lies-with-a-man Honeycutt, Willie E. "The Meaning and Continuing Relevance of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13." Liberty University Digital Commons, 2002. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1180&context=sor_fac_pubs "The Prohibitions in Leviticus Don’t Apply to Christians." The Reformation Project, n.d. https://reformationproject.org/case/levitical-prohibitions/ Solberg, R.L. "The Sexual Prohibitions in Leviticus 18 Don’t Apply to Christians." RLSolberg.com, 2022. https://rlsolberg.com/the-sexual-prohibitions-in-leviticus-18-dont-apply-to-christians/ Dowsett, Chris. "The Bible and Same-Sex Relationships, Part 6: Leviticus: The Holiness Code, Ancient Sex Ethics and Abominations." FutureChurchNow, 2015. https://www.futurechurchnow.com/2015/08/18/the-bible-and-same-sex-relationships-part-6-leviticus-the-holiness-code-ancient-sex-ethics-and-abominations/ Sandlin, Rev. Mark. "Clobbering 'Biblical' Gay Bashing." Believe Out Loud, n.d. https://www.believeoutloud.com/voices/article/clobbering-biblical-gay-bashing/ Jarosz, Ian. "Homosexuality in Leviticus: A Historical-Literary-Critical Analysis." James Madison University Undergraduate Research Journal, 2013. https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1072&context=jmurj

Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 12:1-2 in episode 194 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, exploring whether Jesus rescinded the Sabbath or fulfilled its purpose. The episode weighs Old Testament commands, New Testament examples, and recent scholarship (including David Wilber) to show the Sabbath as covenant context and Jesus as the fulfiller who deepens its meaning—concluding it’s not a contradiction but a progression toward rest in Christ. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/sabbath.html  Wilber, David. "Sabbath Observance in Luke-Acts: Situating the Earliest Followers of Jesus Within Judaism." E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 11, no. 3 (2025): 51-59. DOI: 10.38159/erats.20251131. Schreiner, Thomas. "Is the Sabbath Still Required for Christians?" The Gospel Coalition, 2021. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/schreiner-qa-is-the-sabbath-still-required-for-christians/. "Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?" Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-christians-keep-the-sabbath. "Does God Require Sabbath-Keeping of Christians?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/Sabbath-keeping.html. Lee, Jon English. "The Sabbath and Its Relation to Christ and the Church in the New Covenant." Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 20, no. 1 (2016): 47-66. https://cf.sbts.edu/equip/uploads/2016/08/SBJT-20.1-Sabbath-Relation-Christ-Church-New-Covenant-Updated.pdf. Craig, William Lane. "The Sabbath Day and Mytho-History." Reasonable Faith, 2021. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/question-answer/ajax_more/the-sabbath-day-and-mytho-history. Fox, Timothy. "You Don’t Understand the Old Testament." CrossExamined.org, 2016. https://crossexamined.org/you-dont-understand-the-old-testament/.

Host Lance Smith walks through Leviticus 16:6–22, explaining the Day of Atonement ritual, the roles of the slaughtered goat and the live scapegoat, and how the rites purified the sanctuary and the people. The episode explores ancient Near Eastern context and competing views of Azazel, addresses a classic objection about two goats versus one sacrifice, and connects the ritual’s meaning to Jesus as the ultimate atonement. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI Hurlbert, Brandon. “It’s Not About the Goat: The Scapegoat Ritual of Leviticus 16 in Its Ancient Near Eastern Context.” Talbot School of Theology, 2015. Heiser, Michael S. “The Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16: A Goat for Azazel.” Naked Bible Podcast/More Naked Bible, 2015. https://drmsh.com/day-atonement-leviticus-16-goat-azazel/. “Being Made the Scapegoat (Leviticus 16:20-34).” Two Saints for All Seasons Devotionals, 2013. https://devotionalstsf.org/2013/03/27/being-made-the-scapegoat-leviticus-620-34/. “Leviticus 16 - Christ Our Scapegoat.” Christian Study Library. https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/leviticus-16-christ-our-scapegoat. Angelini, Anna. “Is Azazel a Goat, Place, Demon, or Deity?” TheTorah.com, 2021. https://www.thetorah.com/article/is-azazel-a-goat-place-demon-or-deity. “Azazel.” Jewish Virtual Library. Encyclopaedia Judaica. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/azazel.

In this episode Lance Smith examines the apparent contradiction between Jesus calling John the Baptist “Elijah” (Matthew 11, 17) and John’s own denial when asked if he was Elijah (John 1). The conclusion: John is not Elijah literally, but he fulfills Elijah’s mission in spirit and power — a typological fulfillment rooted in Malachi and explained across Matthew, Luke, and John. Listeners will hear biblical passages, scholarly perspectives, and practical applications about prophecy, typology, and how God’s promises can be fulfilled in layers rather than by literal replication. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/elijah.html  Casillas, Ken. "Was John the Baptist Elijah?" BJU Seminary Theology in 3D. https://seminary.bju.edu/theology-in-3d/was-john-the-baptist-elijah/ Godfrey, Neil. "Jesus as the New Elijah, and the Gospel as a Symbolic Tale According to a Scholarly View." Vridar.org. https://vridar.org/2010/12/20/jesus-as-the-new-elijah-and-the-gospel-was-a-symbolic-tale-according-to-a-scholarly-view/ Hahn, Scott. "John the Baptist: In the Spirit and Power of Elijah." St. Paul Center. https://stpaulcenter.com/posts/john-the-baptist-in-the-spirit-and-power-of-elijah Deffinbaugh, Bob. "John the Baptist as Elijah." Doctrine.org. https://doctrine.org/john-the-baptist-as-elijah Willmington, Harold. "Contrasting Elijah and John the Baptist." Liberty University Scholars Crossing. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=contrast_compare Schachterle, Joshua (ed. Bart Ehrman). "Was John the Baptist Elijah? (Differences & Similarities)." BartEhrman.com. https://www.bartehrman.com/was-john-the-baptist-elijah/

Hey there, truth seekers. Ever cracked open your Bible and hit something that makes you stop and go, wait, huh? Leprosy in clothes? That's gotta be a translation glitch or some ancient superstition, right? Or maybe you've wondered, if the Bible's inspired, why would God tell priests to quarantine wool sweaters like they're biohazards? And here's the big one. Does this mean Scripture's just recycling old pagan rituals? Or is there something deeper here about purity, community, and even our spiritual lives today? Stick around, because we're unpacking all that and more in today's episode. Welcome back to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, the podcast where we take those head-scratchers in Scripture head-on. No fluff, just facts, faith, and a whole lot of fascination. I'm your host, Lance Smith, and this is episode 191, Leviticus 13, 47-59. How can the Bible say that leprosy-infected clothing? If you're new here, go ahead and hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening. And let's dive in. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI Balberg, Mira. "Rabbinic Authority, Medical Rhetoric, and Body Hermeneutics in Mishnah Nega‘im." AJS Review 35:2 (November 2011): 323–346. Feder, Yitzhaq. "Tzaraat in Light of Its Mesopotamian Parallels." TheTorah.com. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://www.thetorah.com/article/tzaraat-in-light-of-its-mesopotamian-parallels Parry, Donald W. "Ancient Sacred Vestments: Scriptural Symbols and Meanings." In Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, Volume 48 (2021): 11–31. https://cdn.interpreterfoundation.org/jnlpdf/Interpreter-Volume-48-PDF.pdf Shellberg, Pamela. "From Cleansed Lepers to Cleansed Hearts: The Developing Meaning of Katharizō in Luke-Acts." PhD Dissertation, Marquette University, 2012. https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1179&context=dissertations_mu Parker, Erik. "How to Handle Garments Stained by Corrupted Flesh." Infant Theology Blog, November 21, 2021. https://infanttheology.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/how-to-handle-garments-stained-by-corrupted-flesh/ "Leviticus 13:47-59 – Contaminated Garments." Be Still Blog. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://be-still.org/leviticus-1347-59-contaminated-garments

Episode 190 examines Matthew 11:2–3 and John the Baptist’s shift from boldly declaring Jesus the Messiah to sending a question from prison. Lance Smith weighs interpretations—doubt, discipleship, or a mix—and shows how Jesus meets the struggle with evidence and mercy. Key takeaways: doubt doesn’t disqualify you; bring others into your questions; and Jesus answers with presence and proof rather than shame. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/john-recognize.html  GotQuestions.org: "Did John the Baptist Lose His Faith While in Prison?" https://www.gotquestions.org/John-the-Baptist-doubt.html Steven Cole, Bible.org: "Lesson 7: Who is Jesus? (John 1:29-34)" (2013) https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-7-who-jesus-john-129-34 David Platt, Radical.net: "Battling Our Doubt" https://radical.net/article/battling-our-doubt/ John Piper, Desiring God: "John the Baptist's Doubt" https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/john-the-baptists-doubt Bob Wilkin, FaithAlone.org: "Did John the Baptist Lose His Faith While in Prison? Matthew 11:2-3" https://faithalone.org/grace-in-focus-articles/did-john-the-baptist-lose-his-faith-while-in-prison-matthew-112-3/ Jimmy Akin, Apologia Veritas: "Did John the Baptist Doubt that Jesus was the Messiah?" (2024) https://apologiaveritas.org/2024/06/09/did-john-the-baptist-doubt-that-jesus-was-the-messiah/ Benjamin B. Young, Bethel University: "A Qualitative Study of Doubt in the Evangelical Tradition" (2018) https://spark.bethel.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1673&context=etd David Rhoads, Augustana College: "The Quest of the Historical Jesus: Problem & Promise" (2009) https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1348&context=intersections Joel Marcus, Florida International University: "The Christology of Jesus' Disciples" (2010) https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1207&context=etd  

Episode 189 unpacks Leviticus 12:5–7 to explain why new mothers brought purification offerings, why the waiting period differs for sons and daughters, and how ancient ritual, medical ideas, and theology interacted. Host Lance Smith shows the difference between ceremonial impurity and moral guilt, highlights the protective rest the law provided, and points to Mary and Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the purification rites. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible: NASB. Thomas Nelson, 1995. (Notes on Leviticus 12:1-8.) Available at: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/the-macarthur-daily-bible-2nd-edition-nasb/ Thiessen, Matthew. "The Legislation of Leviticus 12 in Light of Ancient Embryology." Vetus Testamentum 68, no. 3 (2018): 297-319. Full open-access article: https://www.academia.edu/32175503/The_Legislation_of_Leviticus_12_in_Light_of_Ancient_Embryology   "In Leviticus chapter 12, why is a woman unclean longer if she gives birth to a daughter than if she gives birth to a son?" GotQuestions.org. Accessed November 2025. https://www.gotquestions.org/unclean-daughter-longer-son.html Mowczko, Marg. "Periods of Purification after Childbirth (Leviticus 12:1–8)." Marg Mowczko Blog, February 2023. https://margmowczko.com/purification-after-giving-birth-leviticus-12/ Masonheimer, Phylicia. "Levitical Purification After Childbirth." Phylicia Masonheimer, March 2019. https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/levitical-purification-after-childbirth/ Wright, David P. "The Rationale of the Laws of Clean and Unclean in the Old Testament." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 20, no. 4 (1977): 319-328. Free PDF via BiblicalStudies.org.uk: https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/jets/clean_sprinkle.pdf (Note: This is the core excerpt on impurity symbolism; full JETS archive at https://www.etsjets.org/). Guzik, David. "Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Leviticus Chapter 12." Enduring Word, 2022. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/leviticus-12/ (Hosted on Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/leviticus/leviticus-12.cfm) "Leviticus 12: Purification After Childbirth." Sefaria Texts & Sheets, Sheet by Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld (Sheet #167321). https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/167321?lang=bi (Interactive rabbinic commentary with midrashic insights). Amador, Melanie. "In the Bible, Why Is a Woman Unclean for Twice as Long After Giving Birth to a Girl?" Where I Am Blog, October 8, 2021. https://whereiam.blog/2021/10/08/in-the-bible-why-is-a-woman-unclean-for-twice-as-long-after-giving-birth-to-a-girl/ "Postpartum Impurity: Why Is the Duration Double for a Girl?" TheTorah.com, by Rabbi Dr. Shmuel Herzfeld (based on ancient Near Eastern parallels). https://www.thetorah.com/article/postpartum-impurity-why-is-the-duration-double-for-a-girl

In this episode Lance Smith examines Jesus' warnings about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit alongside New Testament promises of complete forgiveness, explaining how the “unforgivable” sin relates to persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit rather than a momentary doubt or mistake. With scripture, scholarly perspectives, and pastoral sensitivity, the episode offers clarity and comfort for listeners wrestling with guilt, encouraging confession, repentance, and trust in Christ’s mercy. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/unforgivable.html  GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/blasphemy-Holy-Spirit.html Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/can-a-christian-blaspheme-the-holy-spirit The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/you-asked-what-is-the-unforgivable-sin/ Mid-America Journal of Theology: https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/02-lammejournal2012.pdf Concordia University Thesis: https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/976982/1/Plunkett_MA_s2013.pdf Andrews University Dissertation: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1123&context=dissertations Habets, Myk. "Jesus, the Spirit, and the Unforgivable Sin: A Contribution from Spirit Christology." Journal of Theological Interpretation 12, no. 1 (2018): 39-57. DOI: 10.5325/jtheointe.12.1.0039. Cummins, Fergal. "The Only Unforgivable Sin: To Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." (2015). Academia.edu.

Host Lance Smith examines Leviticus 11:5-6 and the charge that the Bible wrongly says rabbits and hyraxes “chew the cud.” The episode explains the Hebrew wording, observable animal behaviors (like re‑ingestion and jaw motion), and how ancient descriptive language differs from modern anatomical terms. By viewing the passage from the original cultural perspective, the apparent conflict with biology is resolved and the episode shows how Scripture communicates truth in everyday terms. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  Mitchell, Tommy. "Do Rabbits Really 'Chew the Cud'?" Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/do-rabbits-really-chew-the-cud/ "Why does the Bible say that rabbits chew the cud? Is this an error in the Bible?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/rabbits-chew-cud.html McClellan, Matt. "Do Leviticus 11:6 & Deuteronomy 14:7 Contain A Factual Error About Rabbits Chewing Cud?" Dust off the Bible. https://dustoffthebible.com/Blog-archive/2020/04/04/do-leviticus-116-deuteronomy-147-contain-a-factual-error-about-rabbits-chewing-cud/ "Did the Bible Writers Commit Biological Blunders?" Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/did-the-bible-writers-commit-biological-blunders-2731/ Lyons, Eric. The Anvil Rings III: Answers to Alleged Bible Discrepancies. Apologetics Press, 2021. https://apologeticspress.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Anvil-Rings-3-Web.pdf Philo of Alexandria. On the Special Laws I. (translation available at https://earlyjewishwritings.com/philo.html) John Calvin. Commentary on Leviticus. (available via Christian Classics Ethereal Library: https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom03)