The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

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)

In episode 186 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith unpacks Matthew 10:28 and explores the Bible's two-fold teaching on fear: reverential awe of God that motivates holiness, and the New Testament's assurance that perfect love casts out paralyzing fear. Drawing on Old and New Testament passages and contemporary scholars, this episode reframes fear as awe that empowers faithful living amid persecution and promises eternal perspective. 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/feargod.html  Ellis, Paul. "Fear God Who Can Throw Us Into Hell? (Matthew 10:28)." Escape to Reality Blog, July 9, 2013. https://escapetoreality.org/2013/07/09/matthew-10v28-fear-god/ "Who Has the Power to Kill Body and Soul? Matthew 10:28 Reconsidered." BBH Church Connection Blog, May 9, 2014. https://bbhchurchconnection.wordpress.com/2014/05/09/who-has-the-power-to-kill-body-and-soul-matthew-1028-reconsidered/ Poor, Jeffery. "What Does It Mean to Fear God? (and What We Get Wrong About Fear)." Medium, May 2020. https://jefferypoor.medium.com/what-does-it-mean-to-fear-god-and-what-we-get-wrong-about-fear-rethink-d44cf6c5f925 "Why Are We Told, 'Do Not Fear Those Who Can Kill the Body'?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-fear-those-who-can-kill-the-body.html Bar, Eitan. "Fear God Who Could Throw You Into Hell?! (Matthew 10:28)." Eitan Bar Articles, https://eitan.bar/articles/fear-god-who-could-throw-you-into-hell-matthew-1028/ Hildebrandt, Theodore. "Fear of God." Biblical eLearning Short Paper, 2010. https://biblicalelearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Hildebrandt_FearOfGod_ETS_Atlanta2010ShortVersion.pdf Moser, Paul K. "The Fear of the Lord: The Beginning of Reconciliation." Irish Theological Quarterly 87, no. 1 (2022): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/00211400221078906 Blocher, Henri. "The Fear of the Lord as the 'Principle' of Wisdom." Tyndale Bulletin 28 (1977): 3–42. https://tyndalebulletin.org/article/30613-the-fear-of-the-lord-as-the-principle-of-wisdom.pdf 

Episode 185 examines the apparent contradiction in Leviticus 5 about bringing a guilt offering "to the Lord" versus "to the priest," showing how the priest functions as God’s appointed representative who facilitates atonement, restitution, and reconciliation. The episode traces the ritual’s purpose, its theological meaning, and its fulfillment in Christ, and offers practical takeaways about restoration, mediation, and trusting Scripture’s harmony. 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  Stiles, Wayne. "Offerings in Leviticus—What They Were and Why They Mattered." https://www.waynestiles.com/blog/offerings-in-leviticus-what-they-were-and-why-they-mattered/ Dunham, Kyle C. "The Sin Offering and the Guilt Offering of the Levitical Cult: Their Occasion, Nature, and Distinction." Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, 2025. https://dbts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-Sin-Offering-and-the-Guilt-Offering-of-the-Levitical-Cult-by-Kyle-C-Dunham.pdf Watts, James W. "Leviticus’ Rhetorical Presentation of the Sin and Guilt Offerings." TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/leviticus-rhetorical-presentation-of-the-sin-and-guilt-offerings Watts, James W. "The Historical and Literary Contexts of the Sin and Guilt Offerings." In Syracuse University Surface Repository, 2006. https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1083&context=rel Gane, Roy E. "Sacrifice and the Old Testament." St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology. https://www.saet.ac.uk/Christianity/SacrificeandtheOldTestament

In this episode of The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast, host Lance Smith tackles a fascinating tension in the Gospels: When Jesus commissions the Twelve for their first mission, did He send them out barefoot and staff-less, as Matthew and Luke suggest, or equipped with sandals and a walking stick, per Mark? Drawing from the New Living Translation, Lance explores the parallel accounts in Matthew 10, Mark 6, Luke 9, and the bonus sending of the seventy-two in Luke 10. Unpack the Greek nuances—like ktaomai ("acquire") vs. airo ("carry")—with insights from scholars Dave Miller (Apologetics Press), Stacia McKeever (Answers in Genesis), Bill Mounce, and The Veritas Domain. Discover how these aren't contradictions but complementary emphases: "No extras—use what you have and trust God's provision." Lance also fairly addresses skeptical views from Joseph Alward and the Skeptics Annotated Bible, grounding it all in the mission's context of radical dependence. More than a Bible puzzle, this is a call to lighten your load today—whether in career steps, tough talks, or daily doubts. Travel light; let faith lead. Perfect for Bible study groups, seekers, or anyone wrestling with Scripture's depths. 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/barefoot.html  Dave Miller, "Take It or Leave It," Apologetics Press, 2004: https://apologeticspress.org/take-it-or-leave-it-295/ Stacia McKeever, "A Staff or Not," Answers in Genesis, January 12, 2009: https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/a-staff-or-not/ Veritas Domain Blog, "Bible Contradiction? Did Jesus tell his apostles to go barefoot and without a staff?," May 20, 2025: https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2025/05/20/bible-contradiction-did-jesus-tell-his-apostles-to-go-barefoot-and-without-a-staff/ Bill Mounce, "Bible Contradiction: Staff or No Staff?," Bill Mounce Blog, 2024: https://www.billmounce.com/blogs/bible-contradictions/staff-or-no-staff Joseph Francis Alward, "Should Disciples Carry a Staff?," Skeptical Views of Christianity, September 5, 1999: https://skepticalviewsofchristianity.com/disciples_staff.html

Ever stared at your Bible and thought, "Sprinkle? Pour? Is this a holy contradiction or just ancient wordplay?" Buckle up, truth-seekers—welcome to Episode 183 of The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast, where we turn Leviticus' ritual riddles into revelations of grace. From The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe comes today's head-scratcher: Leviticus 3:2 commands priests to "splatter the blood against all sides of the altar" (NLT), while Deuteronomy 12:27 insists on "pour[ing] it out on the altar." Contradiction in the peace offering? Spoiler: Nope! Drawing on Jewish sage Maimonides, we unpack the two-step choreography—sprinkle the top (zārak: scatter like divine confetti), pour the base (shaphak: full release)—no conflict, just sacred precision. It's like two camera angles on a steakhouse sizzle: dash for flavor, pool for depth. But we don't stop at harmonizing verses. Dive deeper with P.M. Venter's "Atonement through Blood in Leviticus" (Verbum et Ecclesia, 2005), revealing blood as life's costly bridge in priestly reconciliation: "Sacrifice and blood are the main means…for reconciling man with God."  Then, Joshua M. Vis's Duke dissertation (The Purification Offering of Leviticus and the Sacrificial Offering of Jesus, 2012) flips the script: Blood purges both sanctuary and sinner in a two-stage dance—from guilt to forgiveness (Lev 4–5), sanctuary cleanse to purity (Lev 16)—echoing Hebrews' heavenly offering. Bridge to today with David Mathis (Desiring God, 2017) on Paul's "poured out" life (Phil 2:17) as modern peace offering, Cornelis van Dam's burnt-offering parallels (1991), and Daniel J. Brege's eucharistic ties in Hebrews (2002): From external sprinkles to internal feast—tabernacle to Lord's Table. Messy mercy? Absolutely. But every drop points to Christ's ultimate pour-out. Laugh at dad-joke analogies (IKEA holiness, anyone?), ponder your "splatter" stories, and emerge with faith fortified. Perfect for skeptics, seekers, and Sunday school pros. Listen now—grace awaits in the gore! Subscribe, rate, and share your Bible "gotcha" at bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com. 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  Venter, P.M. "Atonement through Blood in Leviticus." Verbum et Ecclesia 26(1), 2005, pp. 275-279. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266529232_Atonement_through_blood_in_Leviticus Vis, Joshua M. "The Purification Offering of Leviticus and the Sacrificial Offering of Jesus." PhD Dissertation, Duke University, 2012. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/71249791/The_Purification_Offering_of_Leviticus_and_the_Sacrificial_Offering_of_Jesus Mathis, David. "Poured Out for Others: The Meaning of a Sacrificial Life." Desiring God, 2017. Available at: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/poured-out-for-others Brege, Daniel J. "Eucharistic Overtones Created by Sacrificial Concepts in the Epistle to the Hebrews." Concordia Theological Quarterly 66(1), 2002, pp. 61-78. Available at: https://ctsfw.net/media/pdfs/bregeeucharistic.pdf van Dam, Cornelis. "The Burnt Offering in Its Biblical Context." Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, 1991. Available at: https://canadianreformedseminary.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1991-Burnt-Offering.pdf

In this episode Lance Smith unpacks the apparent contradiction between Jesus' instruction to limit ministry to Israel (Matthew 10:5–6) and the later Great Commission to all nations (Matthew 28:19). He shows that the difference is one of timing and strategy—not a change of mind—describing Jesus' mission as a staged relay that begins with Israel and expands to the Gentiles. Drawing on examples from Matthew, Acts, Old Testament prophecy, and everyday analogies like farming and relay races, the episode traces how the gospel moved from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth and explains what that sequence teaches about discipleship and God’s timing today. 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/samaritans.html  Perriman, Andrew. "Why did Jesus instruct his disciples not to preach the kingdom of God to Gentiles and Samaritans?" Postost.net, November 2015. https://www.postost.net/2015/11/why-did-jesus-instruct-his-disciples-not-preach-kingdom-god-gentiles-samaritans SendU Blog. "Why did Jesus prohibit his disciples from going to the least reached?" March 7, 2019. https://sendublog.com/2019/03/07/why-did-jesus-prohibit-his-disciples-from-going-to-the-least-reached/ Robinson, Laura. "Mission, Jews, and Gentiles in the Gospel of Matthew." PhD Dissertation, Duke University, 2010. https://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/d8f0d12e-0ca2-4f1e-a861-356e2d360d2b/content Staples, Jason. "Matthew's 'Lost Sheep of the House of Israel'." Substack, October 2024. https://jasonstaples.substack.com/p/matthews-lost-sheep-of-the-house  Konradt, Matthias. "Israel, Church, and the Gentiles in the Gospel of Matthew." (Referenced in Robinson). Pentecost, J. Dwight. "The Great Commission." Doctrine.org. https://doctrine.org/the-great-commission Bauer, David R. "Jesus and the Jewish Commission." Anglican Compass. https://anglicancompass.com/jesus-and-the-jewish-commission/ "How do we reconcile John 4:39-40 with Matthew 10:5-7?" Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange. https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/66627/how-do-we-reconcile-john-439-40-with-matthew-105-7 "Is The Great Commission Not For The Church Because It's In Matthew?" Believer.com. https://believer.com/frequently-asked-questions/is-the-great-commission-not-for-the-church-because-its-in-matthew Matthew 10:5 Verse-by-Verse Commentary. StudyLight.org. https://www.studylight.org/commentary/matthew/10-5.html

In the finale of the 20-week series on J. Steve Miller's Faith That's Not Blind, Lance Smith walks through the epilogue and appendices, highlighting Miller’s challenge called the "priority of the search" and the black swan analogy that disrupts naturalistic certainty. The episode emphasizes faith as an active, lifelong pursuit of truth, explains how multiple lines of evidence can stack and mutually support one another, and recommends practical ways to rate and tally arguments. Smith also points listeners to further resources in the appendices and issues a personal call to keep learning, seeking, and allowing the search to shape a deeper, growing faith. 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  Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd  Plantinga, A. (n.d.). Two Dozen (or so) Theistic Arguments. Available at: https://appearedtoblogly.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/plantinga-alvin-22two-dozen-or-so-theistic-arguments221.pdf Craig, W. L. Suggested Readings List: https://www.reasonablefaith.org/christian-apologetics-books Apologetics Book Directory: https://apologetics315.com/2009/11/recommended-apologetics-book-directory/ Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://plato.stanford.edu/ Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://iep.utm.edu/ Philosophy of Religion Journal List: http://philosophyofreligion.org/?page_id=488

Episode 180 unpacks Exodus 34:20 and the curious law about firstborn donkeys—why a lamb can substitute, when the donkey must be killed, and how later law allows monetary redemption. Host Lance Smith explains the theological principle that the firstborn belong to God, explores historical and practical reasons for the changing method from livestock to silver, and connects the ritual to themes of substitutionary redemption and devotion. 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  Fraser, Andrew. "Exodus 34: Covenantal Ethnotheology and the (Re-)Birth of the First Holy Nation." The Occidental Quarterly, vol. 16, no. 3, Fall 2016, pp. 71-80. Frankel, Rabbi Dr. David. "Laws of the Firstborn: How They Were Connected to the Tenth Plague." TheTorah.com, 2023. https://www.thetorah.com/article/laws-of-the-firstborn-how-they-were-connected-to-the-tenth-plague Danam, Gnanadas. "The Sacrifice of the Firstborn in the Hebrew Bible." PhD thesis, University of Leeds, 2018. https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/21729/1/The%20Sacrifice%20of%20the%20Firstbron%20in%20the%20Hebrew%20Bible.pdf "Exodus 34:20." StudyLight.org Commentary. https://www.studylight.org/commentary/exodus/34-20.html "Morning Musing: Exodus 34:19-20." The-Nexus.blog, October 22, 2024. https://the-nexus.blog/2024/10/22/morning-musing-exodus-3419-20/ "Meaning of Exodus 34:20." Bible.art. https://bible.art/meaning/exodus-34:20