Bible Talk — A podcast by 9Marks & Southern Seminary

Isaiah 36: On Trusting the Lord and Rebelling Against the World

9Marks — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Bible Talk is back! Our march through Isaiah continues as we enter a new section, in which Assyria's hype-man taunts Israel and tempts them to leave their God. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 36.

Isaiah 35: On What the World Will Be Like When Sin and Suffering Cease (Ep. 181)

9Marks — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:54:40 -0400

The last episode before summer break ends on a high note. If Isaiah 34 depicts a world overrun by the sin's curse, then Isaiah 35 depicts a world overrun by salvation's joy. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Isaiah 34: On What the World Would Be Like if God Left Us Alone (Ep. 180)

9Marks — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:00:21 -0400

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if God left us alone after Genesis 3? That's kind of what Isaiah 34 is like. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Isaiah 33: On Governments of Angels and Streams of Structureless Consciousness (Ep. 179)

9Marks — Wed, 27 May 2026 05:00:21 -0400

This episode touches on a lot: the founding of America and its separation of powers, whether Isaiah writes like William Faulkner, and how the world will end. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 33.

Isaiah 31–32: On the Meaningful Difference between Jim's "Very Good" and "You're Exactly Right" (Ep. 178)

9Marks — Wed, 20 May 2026 05:00:20 -0400

In Isaiah 31–32, we get a great example of the "dual lenses" through which Isaiah sees God's work in the future. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Isaiah 30: On High-School Bible Studies & Forks in the Road (Ep. 177)

9Marks — Wed, 13 May 2026 07:21:39 -0400

Isaiah 30 offers glimpses of both Israel's near future and eternal future. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss this fascinating passage.

Isaiah 29: On Divine Deliverance from A to Z, From Ariel to Zion (Ep. 176)

9Marks — Wed, 06 May 2026 05:00:22 -0400

Isaiah 29 offers a play-by-play of what we see in the Gospels—from the miraculous to the call to the meek and the poor. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Isaiah 28: On Judgment and Gibberish (Ep. 175)

9Marks — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:26 -0400

We're covering similar terrain in Isaiah 28, which raises an important question: What do you do when you come across seemingly repetitive segments of Scripture? Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Isaiah 27: On the Blood of the Leviathan and the Fruit of Forgiveness (Ep. 174)

9Marks — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:00:32 -0400

This passage has everything: dying dragons, a world covered in the fruit of forgiveness, and a surprising trumpet blast. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 27.

Isaiah 26: On A Bunch of Load-Bearing, Poetic Metaphors that Point to Being Born Again, Again (Ep. 173)

9Marks — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:21 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about Isaiah 26, a dense, metaphor-laden passage that cranes its neck to the glorious future that awaits all those who trust in the LORD.

Isaiah 25–26: On God Swallowing Up Death Forever (Ep. 172)

9Marks — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:19 -0400

The judgment of the whole earth (Isaiah 24) gives way to the hope of the whole earth: a God-initiated resurrection. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 25–26.

Isaiah 24: On the Escalating, Eschatological, All-Encompassing End of Everything (Ep. 171)

9Marks — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:21 -0400

In this passage, the scope widens as the destruction of particular nations gives way to the destruction of the world. Alex, Jim, and Sam talk about Isaiah 24.

1 Peter 5:1-5: On Job Descriptions and Dispositions (A Bonus Episode)

9Marks — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:00:20 -0400

In this bonus episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about 1 Peter 5:1–5. They focus on a pastor's job description and disposition. Who knew these guys talked about the New Testament, too!?

Isaiah 23: On Bitcoin's Nadir and the Inevitable Futility of Living for Money (Ep. 170)

9Marks — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:00:19 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about the oracle against Tyre in Isaiah 23. This passage teaches us, among other things, why it's stupid to put our hope in money.

Isaiah 22: On the Valley of Vision—Not the Devotional, but the Destruction (Ep. 169)

9Marks — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:21 -0500

After several chapters of judgment against the nations, the scope of God's judgment now zeroes in on Judah. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 22.

Isaiah 21: On the Judgment Against Babylon and a Truman Capote Conspiracy Theory (Ep. 168)

9Marks — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:23 -0500

This episode of Bible Talk walks through Isaiah 21, which features an enigmatic, yet grand prophecy on the coming judgment of Babylon. Watch as Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Isaiah 19–20: On the Egyptian Exodus and the Glorious Task of Global Missions (Ep. 167)

9Marks — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:18 -0500

One of the clearest motivators for global missions can be found, believe it or not, right here amidst oracles of judgment against disobedient nations. This passage is glorious. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 19–20.

Isaiah 17–18: On Paper Tigers and Saving Signals (Ep. 166)

9Marks — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:19 -0500

After our holiday hiatus, Bible Talk is back!

In this episode, Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 17–18, which includes the LORD's oracle against Damascus and Cush.

Isaiah 15–16: On Moab’s Decision between the Lion and the Lamb (Ep. 165)

9Marks — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:08:22 -0500

Isaiah 15–16: On Moab’s Decision between the Lion and the Lamb

Isaiah 13–14: On Judgment for Babylon and Assyria and Jubilation for Israel (Ep. 164)

9Marks — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:18 -0500

This chapter marks a transition, as the prophet shifts his attention from Israel to the nations. The Lord has sworn to judge the nations for their unbelief. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 13–14.

Isaiah 12: On Enjoying Your Broccolini as You Read the Bible (Ep. 163)

9Marks — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:20 -0500

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about this small, but action chapter: Isaiah 12.

Isaiah 11: On the Malevolent, Predatory Instincts of Carnivorous Animals & the Coming Messiah (Ep. 162)

9Marks — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:03:23 -0500

Isaiah 11 is a marvelous passage about the coming messiah, and all the blessings that he will bring to his people. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Isaiah 10: On the Nation-Humbling, Axe-Wielding Sovereignty of God (Ep. 161)

9Marks — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:18 -0500

In Isaiah 10, there's an axe of judgment wielded against a "godless nation." That axe is Assyria; the godless nation is Judah. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Isaiah 9: On the Third Baby in Isaiah's Baby Trilogy—Who Will Deliver God's People from Exile (Ep. 160)

9Marks — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:00:17 -0400

We've all read this passage at Christmas Eve services. It's a dark, enigmatic passage—and then the promise of God-with-us breaks through. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 9.

Isaiah 8: On the Coming Assyrian Invasion, From the Safety of Boynton Beach (Ep. 159)

9Marks — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:18 -0400

In this special episode of Bible Talk, recorded in at the recent Promised and Fulfilled Conference, Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 8. Judgment is coming, says the LORD, but there is a way out.

You can watch the talks from the Promised and Fulfilled Conference here.

Isaiah 7: On a Perplexing, Perspicuous, Christmas-Canceling Passage (EP. 158)

9Marks — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:19 -0400

Isaiah 7 is well-known for its prophecy about a "virgin who will conceive." Well, who exactly is Isaiah talking about? Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Isaiah 6: On Isaiah's Burning Bush Moment and Difficult Job Description (Ep. 157)

9Marks — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:22 -0400

In Isaiah 6, the prophet sees the Lord and learns his mission. It's a difficult one: "Preach to a bunch of people who won't listen to you. In fact, your preaching will harden them further."

Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 6.

Isaiah 5: On the Parable of a Vineyard and a Reprehensible Joel Osteen Sermon (Ep. 156)

9Marks — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:19 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about Isaiah 5, a sobering passage about God’s judgment.

Isaiah 3–4: On Oppressive Baby Princes, Arboreal Imagery, and Irreligiously Esteemed Beauty (Ep. 155)

9Marks — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:18 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about Isaiah 3–4, a poignant passage about—what else?—God's glory in salvation through judgment.

Isaiah 2: On the Nations Streaming, Swords Disappearing, and Sparks Flying (Ep. 154)

9Marks — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:18 -0400

In Isaiah 2, Isaiah envisions a glorious future where all the nations stream to worship the Lord and all their inhabitants lay down their weapons forever. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss and, for the first time in a while, disagree.

Isaiah 1: On Israel Becoming Like Sodom and Gomorrah and the LORD’s Gracious Invitation (Ep. 153)

9Marks — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:19 -0400

We’ve started a new book: Isaiah. In Isaiah 1, the prophet explains Israel’s heart problem, and what they need to do—or believe!—in order to fix it. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

On Rules for Reading the Prophets, None of Which Jim Likes (Ep. 152)

9Marks — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:19 -0400

After a summer delay, Bible Talk is back! And we’re switching genres . . . or do genres even exist? Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss “rules” for reading prophetic literature. (Spoiler: Jim doesn’t like the rules.)

In the Beginning Was the Word: A Bonus Bible Talk Episode

9Marks — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:18 -0400

In this special episode, Alex and Sam talk to Jim about his new book on John’s Gospel.

Bible Talk is brought to you by 9Marks and Southern Seminary. To learn more about Southern Seminary, visit https://www.sbts.edu

2 Kings 23:31-25:30: On the Plane Finally Crashing and a Little Ray of Sunshine (Ep. 151)

9Marks — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:00:17 -0400

We've finally arrived at the end of 2 Kings. Judah is ransacked by Babylon, and the people are funneling back to Egypt of all places. They have no king. And yet . . . is there reason for hope?

Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

2 Kings 23:1–30: On King Josiah, the Temple Builder Who Wasn’t Good Enough (Ep. 150)

9Marks — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:00:16 -0400

In 2 Kings 23, King Josiah is on the warpath against wickedness. He’s a great king, perhaps the best in Israel’s history. And yet, he still wasn’t good enough.

Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

2 Kings 22: On the Unsung Heroes of Hilkiah, Shaphan, and Huldah (Ep. 149)

9Marks — Wed, 14 May 2025 05:00:13 -0400

The closing chapters of 2 Kings have been dark. And then, out of nowhere, King Josiah and a few unsung heroes show up and lead Judah back to God. But it's too late . . . right?

Jim, Alex, and Sam discuss 2 Kings 22.

2 Kings 21: On Manasseh, the Temple Blasphemer Who Should Have Been the Temple Builder ( Ep. 148)

9Marks — Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:13 -0400

As Judah continues its descent toward destruction, we meet Manasseh. He's a terrible, wicked, awful king. He should be building the temple, but instead he's blaspheming it. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss 2 Kings 21.

2 Kings 20: On Hezekiah's Final Failure, Which Makes Us Long for What Only Jesus Can Bring (Ep. 147)

9Marks — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:00:13 -0400

In 2 Kings 20, we come across the sad final chapter of Hezekiah's reign. What started out so well ends so poorly. What can we learn from this? Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

From Eden to Egypt: A Special Bible Talk Episode

9Marks — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:00:15 -0400

In this special episode of Bible Talk, Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi interview Alex Duke about From Eden to Egypt, a book about Genesis “for normal people.”

From Eden to Egypt, by Alex Duke

2 Kings 19: On the Juiced-Up Diatribe and Just Demise of Assyria’s King Sennacherib (Ep. 146)

9Marks — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 05:00:12 -0400

In 2 Kings 19, King Sennacherib of Assyria offers a juiced-up diatribe about his own accomplishments. And then the Lord speaks up and gets to work.

Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss 2 Kings 19.

2 Kings 18: On Not Making Deals with the Mafia or Darth Vader (Ep. 145)

9Marks — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:12 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex, Jim, and Adam discuss 2 Kings 18, which features the surprisingly hopeful opening overture of Judah’s final act.

2 Kings 17: On Israel’s Obituary and the Danger of Not Believing the Lord’s Warnings (Ep. 144)

9Marks — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:00:12 -0400

In this episode, the author of Kings writes a theologically informed obituary for the nation of Israel. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss 2 Kings 17.

2 Kings 16: On the Despicable Ahaz and His Blasphemous Magic 8 Ball (Ep. 143)

9Marks — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:00:12 -0400

In 2 Kings 16, Judah’s worst king to date takes the throne—what happens next is despicable and blasphemous. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

2 Kings 15: On a Bad Israelite King Sandwich, With Some Good Judean King Bread (Ep. 142)

9Marks — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:00:12 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, the author serves up a sandwich made up of bad Israelite meat and good Judean bread.

Bible Talk is brought to you by 9Marks and Southern Seminary. To learn more about Southern Seminary, visit https://www.sbts.edu

2 Kings 14: On Bible Talk Pivoting to Video While Israel and Judah Pivot toward Civil War (Ep. 141)

9Marks — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:11 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex, Jim, and Sam pivot to video, while Israel and Judah pivot toward civil war and eventual exile.

2 Kings 13: On Two Evil Reigns and Two Weird Things (Ep. 140)

9Marks — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:13 -0500

In 2 Kings 13, we get two evil reigns—Jehoahaz and Jehoash—and two weird things—which involve some misguided arrows and some life-giving bones. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

Subscribe to our new podcast, A Storm in the Desert.

Bible Talk is brought to you by 9Marks and Southern Seminary. To learn more about Southern Seminary, visit sbts.edu.

2 Kings 11-12: On the Jezebel of Judah, and the Pretty-Good Reign of Joash (Ep. 139)

9Marks — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:00:13 -0500

As 2 Kings has gone on, it's been harder and harder to tell the difference between Israel and Judah. They intersected, and then they intermingled. So we might ask: Is there really any meaningful difference between the two?

Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss 2 Kings 11–12.

Subscribe to our new podcast, A Storm in the Desert.

Bible Talk is brought to you by 9Marks and Southern Seminary. To learn more about Southern Seminary, visit sbts.edu.

2 Kings 10: On the Word of the Lord on the War Path Yet Again (Ep. 138)

9Marks — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:13 -0500

In this episode of Bible Talk, Jim, Sam, and Alex talk about 2 Kings 10, where Jehu continues to administer justice to God's long-promised enemies.

Subscribe to our new podcast, A Storm in the Desert.

2 Kings 9: On the Word of the Lord Wiping Out the Henchmen and then the Heavy (Ep. 137)

9Marks — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:00:13 -0500

Bible Talk is back for another season!

In this episode, Jim, Sam, and Alex discuss 2 Kings 9 and the bloody end of Jezebel's wicked reign, which the Lord had promised years and years ago.

Subscribe to our new podcast, A Storm in the Desert.

2 Kings 8: On Joram & Joram, A Sad & More-than-Superficial Similarity (Ep. 136)

9Marks — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:00:13 -0500

In 2 Kings 8, we realize that the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah have become indistinguishable in almost every way, from their behavior to their birth names. What’s going on in this enigmatic chapter? Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

2 Kings 6–7: On What a Floating Axe Head and an Angel Army Says about Our Soothsaying, Sovereign God (Ep. 135)

9Marks — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:13 -0500

In 2 Kings 6–7, we get a floating axe-head and a Syrian siege and an angelic army. But why?
Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

2 Kings 5: On Namaan's Surprising Resurrection and Gehazi's Stunning Reversal of Fortune (Ep. 134)

9Marks — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:08 -0500

In 2 Kings 5, we witness two surprising reversals: a foreign, leprous general becomes a servant of the LORD; meanwhile, a servant of the LORD becomes a leper. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

2 Kings 3–4: On a Battle Born Out of the Wobbly Wool Industry and Elisha's Escalating Miracles (Ep. 133)

9Marks — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:11 -0500

In 2 Kings 3–4, Elisha is not a mere miracle worker—he’s a true prophet, and listening to him will lead Israel back to Yahweh.

Jim Hamilton, Alex Duke, and Sam Emadi discuss.

2 Kings 1–2: On Ahaziah Going Down, Down, Down as Elijah Goes Up, Up, Up (Ep. 132)

9Marks — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:00:14 -0500

In 2 Kings 1–2, Elijah ascends to heaven on a chariot of fire and Elisha curses 42 scoffers just before two she-bears rip them apart. What!? Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss.

1 Kings 21–22: On the Egyptization of Israel and the Random, Meticulous Sovereignty of God (Ep. 131)

9Marks — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:13 -0500

First Kings concludes with the death of a wicked king and the scattering of a nation that’s beginning to look a lot like . . . Egypt.

Listen in as Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss 1 Kings 21–22.

1 Kings 20: On Ben-hadad's Bluster, Ahab's Achan Moment, and the Temptation of Unjust Mercy (Ep. 130)

9Marks — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 05:00:08 -0500

In 1 Kings 20, we get the story of Ahab vs. Ben-hadad, of a battle between Israel vs. Syria. But is that it? Does this chapter give us anything more than military history?

Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 19: On the Still, Small Voice that Interrupts Elijah’s Possible Pity Party (Ep. 129)

9Marks — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:00:09 -0400

At this point in 1 Kings, we’re faced with a question: how will the Lord work through a beaten-down prophet in a disobedient nation? Through his Word.

Listen to this episode of Bible Talk as Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss 1 Kings 19.

1 Kings 18: On the Massacre of Baal on Mount Carmel (Ep. 128)

9Marks — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:00:08 -0400

It doesn’t take long for Elijah to be hurried into a battle with the prophets of Baal. But it’s not Elijah who is fighting — it’s Yahweh.

Listen as Alex Duke, Sam Emadi, and Jim Hamilton discuss 1 Kings 18.

1 Kings 17: On the Moses-Like Entrance of the Miraculous Elijah (Ep. 127)

9Marks — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 05:00:08 -0400

In 1 Kings 17, a new main character comes onto the scene. And he reminds us of someone we’ve seen before.

Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 15–16: On Entering into a Covenant with Darth Vader and then Re-Canaanizing the Land of Israel (Ep. 126)

9Marks — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 05:00:07 -0400

At first, 1 Kings 15 looks like a mostly chronologically organized list of mostly bad kings. But there’s more going on.

Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 14: On Jeroboam's Incrementally Increasing Excrement and Another Exodus Reversal (Ep. 125)

9Marks — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 05:25:01 -0400

As the prophet looks at the future of Jeroboam's dynasty, he doesn't see excitement; he sees excrement.

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 14.

1 Kings 12:25–13:34: On Jeroboam’s Satellite Campus and Bootleg Religion (Ep. 124)

9Marks — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:00:07 -0400

In 1 Kings 12, King Jeroboam sets up his bootleg religion at his satellite campus. It's blasphemous. And then, in 1 Kings 13, a liar gets a prophet mauled by a lion. It's bloody.

Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 12:1–24: On Rehoboam’s Crass, Childish, and Pharoah-like Folly (Ep. 123)

9Marks — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:00:02 -0400

In 1 Kings 12, the new King of Israel sure looks a lot like the old Pharaoh of Egypt. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 11: On King Solomon’s Downfall and the Problem with Living With Ourselves Every Day (Ep. 122)

9Marks — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 09:11:48 -0400

Bible Talk is back! Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 1 Kings 11 and the downfall of King Solomon.

1 Kings 10: On the Queen of Sheba Losing Her Breath at Solomon’s Blessed Reign and Burgeoning Roth IRA (Ep. 121)

9Marks — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 05:00:09 -0400

When the Queen of Sheba shows up, Solomon’s reign takes her breath away. His people are blessed, his coffers are full, and she seems to trust the Lord. But is this the beginning of the end?

Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 10.

1 Kings 9: On When Prophecy Becomes Past, Which Explains the Present (Ep. 120)

9Marks — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 05:00:10 -0400

When we read the Old Testament, we’re tempted to see characters as either all good or all bad. But when we get to 1 Kings 9 and see Solomon’s interactions with Hiram the King of Tyre, well, it’s more complicated than that.

Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 8:31–66: On Blessings and Benedictions and Barbecues (Ep. 119)

9Marks — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 05:00:10 -0400

The glory of the LORD has filled the Temple. So . . . now what? How do God's people actually use it?

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton about 1 Kings 8:31–66, which doubles as a kind of user's manual for the temple.

1 Kings 8:1–30: On the Glory of YHWH Filling the House of YHWH (Ep. 118)

9Marks — Wed, 29 May 2024 05:00:08 -0400

The biblical storyline takes a leap forward when the LORD’s glory fills the Temple. While this moment is significant, it also becomes clear that the Temple isn’t the end goal.

Listen to Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 1 Kings 8:1–30.

1 Kings 6:2–7:51: On the Extraordinary Architecture of the Ark for the Ark (Ep. 117)

9Marks — Wed, 22 May 2024 05:00:08 -0400

The Lord's presence has more or less been a nomad since Genesis 3. But with the temple, he's about to have a permanent address (kind of). In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 6–7.

1 Kings 6:1: Yep, A Whole Episode on Just One Verse (Ep. 116)

9Marks — Wed, 01 May 2024 05:00:06 -0400

So . . . Jim Hamilton had a wild idea: let's do a whole episode on 1 Kings 6:1. Alex Duke was dubious, even aghast. But he and Sam Emadi obliged. This conversation is the result.

In this episode of Bible Talk, they talk about burn layers and interpretive priority and Indiana Jones.

1 Kings 5: On the Bible's Memory Palace Which Prepares Us for Phase 1 of Solomon's Temple-Building Project (Ep. 115)

9Marks — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 05:00:06 -0400

The story of the Old Testament is the story of God's people returning to God's presence. The building of the temple significantly advances that story. In 1 Kings 5, we get Phase 1 of Solomon's construction project. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Kings 3:16–4:34: On a List of People, a List of Stuff, and Solomon's Platinum Age (Ep. 114)

9Marks — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 05:00:05 -0400

Solomon is wise. Solomon is wealthy. Solomon is worth listening to. This is his Platinum Age, better than anything that came with his father David. Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 3:16–4:34.

1 Kings 2:12–3:15: On Solomon’s Snake-Stomping Shrewdness and Snake-Handling Stupidity (Ep. 113)

9Marks — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:10:02 -0400

We all know the story about Solomon pleading with the Lord for wisdom. But do you remember how it begins? It’s surprising.

Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 2:12–3:15, which highlights Solomon’s shrewdness and his sinfulness.

1 Kings 2:1–12: On David’s Deathbed Charge, Solomon’s Moses-Like Transition, and the Looming Threat of a Man-Less Throne (Ep. 112)

9Marks — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 05:00:03 -0400

King David is on his deathbed. What does he say to his son? “Be strong. Follow the Lord and all his ways. If you don’t . . .”

Jim Hamilton, Alex Duke, and Sam Emadi chat about 1 Kings 2:1–12.

1 Kings 1: On David's Decline, Adonijah's Absalomization, and Solomon's Donkey-Shaped Pattern (Ep. 111)

9Marks — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 05:00:04 -0400

Bible Talk begins a new book! In this episode, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about 1 Kings 1.

2 Samuel 23–24: On David's Final Words, the Temple's Future Address, and 1–2 Samuel's Messianic Finale (Ep. 110)

9Marks — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 05:00:03 -0400

The end of 2 Samuel is odd: it portrays the king at cruising altitude and then describes his bumpy descent. What's going on here? Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about the messianic finale of 2 Samuel 23–24.

2 Samuel 21–22: On a Reincarnated Goliath, a Chiastic Cheat Code, and David as the "New Israel" (Ep. 109)

9Marks — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:00:02 -0500

We've entered 1–2 Samuel's epilogue, which rewinds the clock to mighty deeds of mighty men and gives us a chiastic cheat code that reveals some fascinating connections between King David and all that's gone before.

2 Samuel 19–20: On David’s Unraveling Reign, Joab’s Bloodthirsty Lawlessness, and Subtle Details from the Royal Court (Ep. 108)

9Marks — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 07:52:32 -0500

By now, David’s reign is beginning to unravel. In fact, these chapters are beginning to remind us not of 1–2 Samuel, but of the book of Judges. Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 2 Samuel 19–20.

2 Samuel 17–18: On the Son's Demise, the Father's Despair, and the Hunt for Meaningful Connections (Ep. 107)

9Marks — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:00:03 -0500

A father should never have to mourn the death of his son. But that's precisely what happens here. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 2 Samuel 17–18.

2 Samuel 15:13–16:23: On David's Exodus Reversal and Accidentally Stealing from C. S. Lewis (Ep. 106)

9Marks — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:00:02 -0500

A messenger comes to David and gives him bad news: "The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom." Then David flees—and in doing so he fails as both father and king.

2 Samuel 14:1–15:12: On a Convoluted Conversation and a Kiss that Ends in a Coup (Ep. 105)

9Marks — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:00:02 -0500

Absalom is a smarmy guy who makes himself seem powerful and compassionate. King David, meanwhile, stays quiet while his kingdom nears collapse.

2 Samuel 13: On the Hateful Misanthrope and the Hateful Milquetoast (Ep. 104)

9Marks — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:00:03 -0500

The story of Amnon, Tamar, and the subsequent terrible fallout is ultimately a story about two fake loves. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi talk through 2 Samuel 13.

2 Samuel 12: On Nathan's Brave Parable, David's Belated Repentance, and the LORD's Merciful Response (Ep. 103)

9Marks — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:00:02 -0500

At the beginning of 2 Samuel 12, King David is in a dark place. Even worse, he doesn't seem to know it. By the end of 2 Samuel 12, he's back where he belongs and he's writing Psalm 51. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

2 Samuel 11: On David, Bathsheba, and the Long-Awaited Avalanche (Ep. 102)

9Marks — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:00:02 -0500

For a while now, we've been tracking the avalanche in the distance. Now, with the story of David and Bathsheba, it's finally here.

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi chat about 2 Samuel 11.

2 Samuel 8–10: On Horse Math and Mephibosheth’s Honor in David’s Golden Age (Ep. 101)

9Marks — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:00:03 -0500

After the mountain top of 2 Samuel 7, we get David’s Golden Age. He’s successful, he’s subduing the LORD’s enemies, and he’s showing surprising mercy to helpless people like Mephibosheth.

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 2 Samuel 8–10.

2 Samuel 7: On the Mountain Top of the Old Testament Which Teaches Us, Yet Again, That the Bible Is Amazing (Ep. 100)

9Marks — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 05:00:03 -0500

To celebrate our 100th episode, we did something a little different. But the conversation—on perhaps the mountain-peak of the whole OT—ended up at the same place: the Bible is amazing.

Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi chat about 2 Samuel 7.

2 Samuel 4–6: On Being Blameless in the Battlefield . . . But Not in the Bedroom (Ep. 99)

9Marks — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 06:46:21 -0500

After the squelching of Ish-bosheth's insurrection, David is anointed king over a united kingdom and the nations are streaming to the city of Zion. And yet . . . the author wants us to know that something's not quite right in the state of Israel. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 2 Samuel 4–6.

2 Samuel 1–3: On Bill Buckner's Obituary, Ish-Bosheth's Failed Coup Attempt, and a Parable of a Prodigal Soldier (Ep. 98)

9Marks — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 05:00:03 -0500

In 2 Samuel 1–3, the inaugural moments of King David's reign are full of stomach-stabbings, failed coups, and heartfelt laments. And through it all, King David remains upright and unscathed. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Samuel 29–31: On the Rise of David and the Death of Saul, Which Is Also Anti-Evangelistic Beheading (Ep. 97)

9Marks — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 05:00:03 -0500

When you get to the end of 1 Samuel, you realize how Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 2:1–10) really does frame everything that's to come.

1 Samuel 26–28: On the Witch of Endor's Surprising Success, the Ghost of Samuel's Final Sermon, and the King of Israel's Meal with the Devil

9Marks — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 05:00:03 -0400

Alex chats with Jim and Sam about the witch of Endor and the rest of 1 Samuel 26-28.

1 Samuel 25: On a Fake King, a Sinful King, and the Biggest Argument in Bible Talk History (Ep. 95)

9Marks — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 09:37:39 -0400

In 1 Samuel 25, David is face-to-face with a foolish man who thinks he’s a king. As readers, we’re face-to-face with a vital question: What kind of king will David be?
Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss (and have their biggest argument yet!).

1 Samuel 23–24: On that One Time King Saul Walked Down the Aisle and Prayed a Prayer (Ep. 94)

9Marks — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 05:00:04 -0400

The cat-and-mouse game between David and Saul continues and, in the quiet darkness of a cave in the wilderness, it reaches a shocking climax. We don't get revenge. We get . . . a reunion?

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Samuel 23–24.

1 Samuel 20–22: On the Ethics of Lying While Dodging the King's Spears (Ep. 93)

9Marks — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 05:00:04 -0400

David's now a fugitive on the run. But he's not alone. He's got the support of his best friend Jonathan. He's gathered to himself Israel's strugglers and stragglers. Oh, and he's also got Goliath's sword.

Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 1 Samuel 20–22.

1 Samuel 18–19: On Affectionate Men, Attempted Murders, and Arranged Marriages (Ep. 92)

9Marks — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 05:00:04 -0400

The second David kills Goliath, Saul wants to kill David. Why? Because he's a puny, self-righteous man. Thankfully, David has Jonathan on his side to slow down his father's murderous rampages.

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Eamdi about 1 Samuel 18–19.

1 Samuel 17: On Our Everyday Battles and David's Evangelistic Beheading (Ep. 91)

9Marks — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 05:00:03 -0400

The story of David and Goliath is not giving us a strategy for how we can fight our everyday battles. It's giving us an evangelistic beheading.

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Samuel 17.

1 Samuel 16: On the Ruddy Seed of Judah from the Little Town of Bethlehem (Ep. 90)

9Marks — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 05:00:03 -0400

In 1 Samuel 16, we finally meet David. He's an afterthought to his father, a caretaker to his father's sheep, and a comforter to the demon-addled king Saul. But to the Lord? He's the King. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Samuel 15: On Some Gilgal Gab about Saul's "Repentance" and the Lord's "Regret" (Ep. 89)

9Marks — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 05:00:03 -0400

In Samuel 15, the Lord "regrets" and Saul "repents." Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

1 Samuel 13–14: On Israel's Military-Industrial Complex, Saul's Hoarding of AK-47s, and Jonathan's Holy Heroics (Ep. 88)

9Marks — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 05:00:03 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex, Jim and Sam talk about 1 Samuel 13–14.

1 Samuel 11–12: On Snake-Man the Thug-Ruler, Samuel's Bummer Farewell Speech, and Learning to Read the Bible With Your Imagination (Ep. 87)

9Marks — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 05:00:04 -0400

Some people would look at this passage as Saul's "Golden Age." But when you look closer, clearly something else is going on. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Samuel 11–12.

1 Samuel 8–10: On the Comedic Coronation of Israel’s Handsome, High-High “Hero” Who Can’t Even Find His Father’s Donkey (Bible Talk, Ep. 86)

9Marks — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 05:00:04 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi on 1 Samuel 8–10.

1 Samuel 4–7: On Eli’s Death, Dagon’s Destruction, and the Philistines Wondering about YHWH’s Return Policy (Bible Talk, Ep. 85)

9Marks — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 05:00:03 -0400

From Dagon’s decapitation to Eli’s death, from Ichabod to Ebenezer, 2 Samuel 4–7 has a lot going on. What’s it all mean?

1 Samuel 2:12–3:21: On the Fat and Fatuous Priests and the Favored and Faithful Prophet (Bible Talk, Ep. 84)

9Marks — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 05:00:02 -0400

This passage in 1 Samuel is a yo-yo—or, as Sam likes to call it, a chiasm. It bounces up and down between the unfaithful priests (Eli’s sons) and the faithful prophet Samuel. Listen to the latest episode of Bible Talk with Alex, Jim, and Sam.

1 Samuel 1:1–2:11: On the Rosetta Stone, Flat-Earthers’ Prooftext, and a Repetitious Swirl of Genesis and Judges (Bible Talk, Ep. 83)

9Marks — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 05:00:03 -0400

Bible Talk is back!
In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim and Sam about the strange opening of 1 Samuel.

On Opening Up Your Mind to Something You’ve Never Considered—Or, the Weirdest Episode of Bible Talk Yet (Bible Talk, Ep. 82)

9Marks — Wed, 03 May 2023 05:00:02 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about canonical order.

Judges 19–21: On Saving the Worst for Last While There’s Still No King in the Land (Bible Talk, Ep. 81)

9Marks — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 05:00:02 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Judges 19–21.

Judges 17–18: On Religious Guns-for-Hire, Sellouts in Ministry, and Sins Coming Home to Roost (Bible Talk, Ep. 80)

9Marks — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 05:00:03 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Judges 17–18.

Judges 15–16: On the Bald, Eyeless Jester Who Is Used by God (Bible Talk, Ep. 79)

9Marks — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 05:00:02 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Judges 15–16.

Judges 13-14: On the Birth and Betrothal of Israel's Surprising, Set-Apart, and Sinful Savior (Bible Talk, Ep. 78)

9Marks — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 05:00:02 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Judges 13–14. They discuss Samson, Israel's surprising, set-apart, and sinful savior.

Judges 11-12: On the Tragic Tale of Jephthah and the Tragic Consequences of Not Knowing Your Bible (Bible Talk, Ep. 77)

9Marks — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 05:00:03 -0500

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Judges 11–12.

Judges 9-10: On Loose Lugnuts, Israel’s Anti-King, and the Utter Stupidity of Evil (Bible Talk, Ep. 76)

9Marks — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 05:00:04 -0500

As we near the midpoint of Judges, the wheels are starting to fall off. Israel has long wanted a king. In Abimelech, they finally get what they want—and the results are disastrous.

Judges 7-8: On the Complicated Story of Israel’s Knock-Off Priest-King Getting Toppled by a Sneeze (Bible Talk, Ep. 75)

9Marks — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:00:03 -0500

Judges 6: On the Rise of Scaredy-Cat Gideon, Prayer Fleeces, and North Face Fleeces, Too (Bible Talk, Ep. 74)

9Marks — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:02 -0500

Judges 4-5: On Barak the Bashful, Deborah the Complementarian, and Jael the Serpent-Crusher (Bible Talk, Ep. 73)

9Marks — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 05:00:02 -0500

Judges 3:7-31: On Othniel the Leader, Ehud the Left-Handed, and Clippy the Paper Clip (Bible Talk, Ep. 72)

9Marks — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:00:02 -0500

Judges 1:1–3:6: On the Pattern Set Forth in the Two-Part Introduction of the Book of Judges (Bible Talk, Ep. 71)

9Marks — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 05:00:03 -0500

On the Virgin Conception, the Sinlessness of Christ, and Hell Slinking Away, Defeated and Exhausted (with Steve Wellum)

9Marks — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:00:03 -0500

Joshua 22-24: On Joshua’s Postscript and Post-Postscript, Which Is a Lot Like a Marvel Movie’s (Bible Talk, Ep.70)

9Marks — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 05:00:03 -0500

Joshua 11–21: On the Big, Boring List of Place Names that You Should Read with Tears in Your Eyes (Bible Talk, Ep. 69)

9Marks — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 05:00:03 -0500

Joshua 9–10: On the Gibeonite Deception, Rash Vows, and Booing Woodrow Wilson (Bible Talk, Ep. 68)

9Marks — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 12:19:07 -0500

Joshua 7–8: On Achan’s Sin, the Fall of Ai, and Steph Curry’s Ankle Injury (Bible Talk, Ep. 67)

9Marks — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 05:00:03 -0500

Joshua 5–6: On the Walls of Jericho, the Fall of Jericho, and a Different Kind of “Circumcision Party” (Bible Talk, Ep. 66)

9Marks — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Joshua 3–4: On Israel’s “Monumental” Second Exodus into the Promised Land (Bible Talk, Ep. 65)

9Marks — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Joshua 1–2: On Gentile Passovers and Joshua as Jeremy Renner as Jason Bourne (Bible Talk, Ep. 64)

9Marks — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Deuteronomy 31–34: On the End of the Torah, Which Is Not at All Like The Lion King (Bible Talk, Ep. 63)

9Marks — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Deuteronomy 27–30: On the Israelites’ “Re-Dedicating” Their Lives to the Covenant and Moses Landing the Plane (Bible Talk, Ep. 62)

9Marks — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 11:47:22 -0400

Deuteronomy 18–26: On a Series of Prophetic Laterals that Eventually Get to Jesus (Bible Talk, Ep. 61)

9Marks — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Deuteronomy 14-17: On Proto-Temples, IHOP Booths, and the Morality of Monarchies (Bible Talk, Ep. 60)

9Marks — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 05:00:02 -0400

Deuteronomy 12–13: On Church Discipline, Oracle-Mongers, and Barbecues at the Garden of Eden (Bible Talk, Ep. 59)

9Marks — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Deuteronomy 9–11: On Our Willful Inability to Perform Open-Heart Surgery on Ourselves (Bible Talk, Ep. 58)

9Marks — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:29:17 -0400

Deuteronomy 7–8: On God’s Love, Our Security, and Turtles All the Way Down (Bible Talk, Ep. 57)

9Marks — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Deuteronomy 5–6: On "Fam Deevs," Mar Duke, and the Shema (Bible Talk, Ep. 56)

9Marks — Wed, 18 May 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Deuteronomy 4: On the Heart of the Old Testament, "Seeing" with Our Ears, & a Healthy, Protestant Suspicion of Sensory Overload (Ep. 55)

9Marks — Thu, 12 May 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Deuteronomy 1–3: On Moses’ Final Words on the Cusp of the Cusp of the Promised Land (Bible Talk, Ep. 54)

9Marks — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Numbers 32–36: On Murderers, Manslayers, and Not Being Bored by Moses’ Border Drawing (Bible Talk, Ep. 53)

9Marks — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Numbers 26-31: On Another Census, Another Set of Laws, and Moses’ Last Military Mission in Midian (Bible Talk, Episode 52)

9Marks — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:00:03 -0400

Numbers 24–25: On Jacob's Star and Israel's Scepter (Bible Talk, Episode 51)

9Marks — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 05:00:03 -0500

Numbers 22–23: On Balak’s Ominous Cough, Balaam’s Greedy Perseverance, and the Beleaguered People of God (Bible Talk, Ep. 50)

9Marks — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 08:15:15 -0500

The story of Balaam and Balak raises an all-important question: “What will win out—the might of Moab or the promises of God?”

Numbers 20–21: On Two Funerals, Charles Spurgeon's Conversion, and a Legion of Snake-Demon Lieutenants (Bible Talk, Ep. 49)

9Marks — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 02:00:03 -0500

Miriam and Aaron die, the people complain (again!), and Moses makes a grave error with even graver consequences. Oh, and there are also a fiery snakes.

Numbers 17–19: On Warrior-Priests, Heifer Ashes, and Aaron's Almond Joy (Bible Talk, Ep. 48)

9Marks — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 11:24:08 -0500

Numbers 15–16: On the Absurdity of Theonomy, the Corrupting Nature of J.Crew Sponsorship, and Korah’s Rebellion (Bible Talk, Ep. 47)

9Marks — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 09:50:07 -0500

Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Numbers 15–16. They cover Korah’s Rebellion, the absurdity of theonomy, and . . . more laws about purification and the priesthood? Why!?

Numbers 12–14: On Israel’s Disastrous Attempt to Reverse the Exodus (Bible Talk, Ep. 46)

9Marks — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:33:59 -0500

There’s no way around it: these chapters are grim. Moses’ siblings turn on him, the Israelites want to stone him, and the Lord seems ready to end the covenant.

How did we get here? Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Numbers 12–14.

Numbers 9–11: On Ten Homer Simpsons Worth of Quail Judgment (Bible Talk, Ep. 45)

9Marks — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 07:26:55 -0500

Finally, Israel leaves Mount Sinai. They march toward the Promised Land and, for a while, things go well! They take the Passover, the LORD dwells among them, and the people are marching according to the word of the Lord.

And then . . . the people start to grumble.

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Sam Emadi and Jim Hamilton about Numbers 9–11.

Numbers 5–8: On How Moses’ Test for Adultery Is Different Than Monty Python’s Test for Witches (Bible Talk, Ep. 44)

9Marks — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 08:00:37 -0500

As Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, we discover a strange test for adultery, the genesis of the Nazirite vow, and one of the most well-known passages in the whole Bible.

Numbers 1–4: On Kohath, Gershon, & Merari—Israel’s Best Furniture Store (Bible Talk, Ep. 43)

9Marks — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:37:00 -0500

By the time we get to the beginning of Numbers, Israel is poised to take the Promised Land. But first, they need to receive their marching orders.

Leviticus 26-27: On “Oh, No, This Isn’t a Warning - This Is a Prophecy” (Bible Talk, Ep. 42)

9Marks — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 03:45:02 -0400

Leviticus ends with a speech from the Lord that sounds like a warning. But in reality, it’s a prophecy of what’s to come for Israel—in all its high highs and low lows. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats about Leviticus 26–27.

Leviticus 21-25: On Sacred Time and Sacred Space (Bible Talk, Ep. 41)

9Marks — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 04:00:13 -0400

In the Old Testament, the Lord wants his people to be holy as he is holy (Lev. 20:26). That means sacred lives, but it also means he them to be marked of by sacred times and sacred places.

Alex chats with Jim and Sam about Leviticus 21–25.

Leviticus 17-20: On Goat Demons and the Golden Rule (Bible Talk, Ep. 40)

9Marks — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 04:00:04 -0400

Leviticus 17–20 covers a lot: goat demons, the meaning of blood, Molech, the holiness of God, and loving your neighbor as yourself. How does it all fit together?

Leviticus 16: On the Pinnacle of the Pentateuch (Bible Talk, Ep. 39)

9Marks — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 02:20:43 -0400

For a while now, Jim and Sam have been saying that Leviticus 16—the Day of the Atonement—is the theological center of the Torah. In this episode, they finally defend their case.

Leviticus 11–15: On Why You Can Step on Bugs and Eat Rock Badger Nuggets—And Still Go to Church (Bible Talk, Ep. 38)

9Marks — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:00:07 -0400

In Leviticus, uncleanness results from death. That’s the big idea of Leviticus 11–15 and its discussion of chewing the cud, leprosy, and bodily discharges.

Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about the next section of Leviticus.

Leviticus 8–10: On What the Deaths of Nadab and Abihu Have to Do With Church Membership and Discipline (Bible Talk, Ep. 37)

9Marks — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 03:30:13 -0400

At the end of Leviticus 9, it’s almost as if we’ve fixed the problem of sin. But in the very next chapter, the Lord strikes down two priests—Nadab and Abihu—for offering “strange fire.”

In this episode of Bible Talk, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi chat about Leviticus 8–10.

Leviticus 1–7: On the Difference Between Being the Quarterback and Tailgating Outside the Stadium (Bible Talk, Ep 36)

9Marks — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 03:00:07 -0400

The book of Leviticus isn’t just a bunch of random rules. It provides an answer to the problem that’s been swirling over God’s people since Genesis 3: How can a sinful people dwell in the midst of a holy God?

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duck talks with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Leviticus 1–7.

Exodus 35-40: On How It Started, How It’s Going, and the Beautiful End of Exodus (Bible Talk, Ep. 35)

9Marks — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 07:33:24 -0400

By the end of Exodus, our story has come full circle. Humanity has been exiled since the Garden. But now, God will dwell amidst his people and they will have access to his presence.

Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Exodus 35–40.

Exodus 34: On YHWH’s Self-Expositional Sermon and Why We Have It Better than Radiant-Faced Moses (Bible Talk, Ep. 34)

9Marks — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 02:30:02 -0400

In Exodus 34, Moses learns that the God who has saved and revealed himself to Israel is a God who has established his justice so that he can display the wonders of his mercy. This becomes the center of biblical theology.

Exodus 32-33: On Worshiping YHWH in a Carnival Mirror (Bible Talk, Ep. 33)

9Marks — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 23:26:16 -0400

In Exodus 26–31, Moses is on the mountain talking with God. While that was happening, what were God’s people up to?

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Exodus 32–33, in which God’s people “worship” God in terribly destructive ways.

Exodus 26-31: On Chip & Joanna Gaines’ Tour through the Furniture of Faith (Bible Talk, Ep. 32)

9Marks — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 23:34:35 -0400

When we get to Exodus 26–31, we’re tempted to let our eyes glaze over what seems to be an overly long list of the Tabernacle furniture and its accompanying details. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi what these chapters tell us and why we as Christians should care about them.

Exodus 24-25: On the Floor of Heaven and the Feet of God (Bible Talk, Ep. 31)

9Marks — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 08:42:27 -0400

In Exodus 24–25, the summit of Sinai becomes the floor of heaven. Through Israel, God is once again establishing a connection between heaven and earth. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about what all this means.

Exodus 22-23: On Israel’s Bloated Sheep Market—and Other Jewels of Jewish Jurisprudence (Bible Talk, Ep. 30)

9Marks — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 04:00:18 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi continue their conversation through Exodus. This time, they discuss all those laws in Exodus 22–23. Why are they there? Why should Christians not just let their eyes glaze over them?

Exodus 21: On Slavery, Proportional Justice, Goring Oxen, and Other Easy Topics (Bible Talk, Ep. 29)

9Marks — Wed, 26 May 2021 11:05:46 -0400

When Moses refers to slavery in the Torah, how should we understand it? What about “justice”? In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about a difficult chapter of Scripture: Exodus 21.

Exodus 19–20: On Thoughts, Words, Deeds, Deeds, Words, Thoughts (Bible Talk, Ep. 28)

9Marks — Wed, 19 May 2021 13:06:46 -0400

At this point in Exodus, we have the people of God at the mountain of God to receive the Law of God in order to engage in the worship of God.

Exodus 16–18: On the Benefits of Small Government, Good In-Laws, and a Plurality of Elders (Bible Talk, Ep. 27)

9Marks — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 12:58:40 -0400

It doesn’t take long for the Israelites to go from singing by the sea to grumbling against God, begging him to take them back to Egypt.

Exodus 14–15: From Beheading the Snake to Singing by the Sea (Bible Talk, Ep. 26)

9Marks — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 12:49:12 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Exodus 14–15.

Here, the people of Israel are overjoyed as they move from beheading the snake to singing by the sea.

Exodus 11–13: On the Presbyterian Exodus and the “Very Great” Podcast Named Bible Talk (Bible Talk, Ep. 25)

9Marks — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 08:31:44 -0400

Bible Talk’s conversations through Exodus finally arrive at the exodus.

Exodus 8–10: On Finding Out There’s Something Rotten in the State of Egypt (Plus a Defense of Our References to Harry Potter!) (Ep. 24)

9Marks — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 08:21:18 -0400

Exodus 8 begins with a plague of frogs. By the end of Exodus 10, the whole nation of Egypt is covered in total darkness—so much so that “they did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days.” It’s as if the people of Egypt were stuck in a grave.

But the people of Israel? Moses tells us: “But all the people of Israel had light where they lived.”

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Exodus 8–10.

Exodus 5–7: On Slowed-Down Wifi and Waiting in a Two-Hour Line Before Space Mountain (Bible Talk, Ep. 23)

9Marks — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 11:00:58 -0400

By the end of Exodus 7, the Lord has brought the first plague against Egypt. But before we get there, Moses makes us wait.

Exodus 3–4: On Moses Milling about in Midian Until His Momentous Mountain Moment (Bible Talk, Ep. 22)

9Marks — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 05:50:00 -0500

At the beginning of Exodus 3, Moses is just milling about in Midian. Then the LORD shows up—and everything changes.

Exodus 1–2: On Moses and the Ark—And Tracking Aslan on the Move (Bible Talk, Ep. 21)

9Marks — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 08:58:13 -0500

Genesis ends with Joseph’s bones in a box in the belly of the beast. Exodus begins with Israel being fruitful and multiplying under the harsh rule of a Pharaoh who knows neither Joseph nor his God. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Exodus 1–2.

Genesis 1–50: The Academy Awards Episode (Bible Talk, Ep. 20)

9Marks — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 11:44:40 -0500

Alex Duke hosts the “Academy Awards of Genesis,” in which he gives some superlatives and asks Jim and Sam to look back and reflect on what they’ve learned as they’ve walked slowly through Moses’ masterpiece.

Genesis 48–50: On Genesis Fading to Black, Like the Extended Edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Bible Talk, Ep. 19)

9Marks — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 07:43:25 -0500

In chapters 48–50, Genesis finally fades to black . . . very, very slowly.

Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Moses’ conclusion—which includes Jacob’s death, Joseph’s death, and a fascinating snapshot of “what could have been” for Egypt.

Genesis 46–47: On "Rosebud," Clunky Portmanteaus, and—At Last!—the Reunion of Father and Son (Bible Talk, Ep. 18)

9Marks — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 07:01:07 -0500

It’s been decades since Jacob found out his beloved son Joseph had been torn apart by wild animals (Gen. 33:37). But at the end of last week’s episode, he discovered he was wrong! Joseph is alive! And so he wants to go see him before he dies.

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Genesis 46–47. They cover this long-awaited reunion, and the tribes of Israel settling in Goshen.

Genesis 44–45: On the Shift from Fratricide to Forgiveness, Famine to Feast (Bible Talk, Ep. 17)

9Marks — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 03:00:15 -0500

Finally, Bible Talk is back—and finally, Joseph tells his brothers who he really is. In this episode, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Genesis 44–45.

Matthew 1–2: On The Virgin Mary, a Hail Mary, and Casper the Friendly Ghost (A Special Christmas Episode)

9Marks — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 06:24:21 -0500

Bible Talk celebrates Christmas!

In Matthew 1–2, the Gospel writer regularly appeals to the Old Testament to show that what’s happening in the present is a fulfillment of past prophecies. But when you begin to scrutinize the texts in their original context, it’s not at clear that they point forward to the Messiah.

This raises a few questions: How does the Old Testament predict Jesus’ birth? More broadly, how do the New Testament writers understand Old Testament prophecy? Do they twist the text to make it say something the original authors never intended? More broadly, is there more than one kind of promise-and-fulfillment?

In this special Christmas episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about Matthew 1–2 in order to find answers to these questions. Spoiler alert: they’re fascinating!

Genesis 42–43: On Joseph's Brilliant, Premeditated-ish Plan for His Bowed-Down Brothers (Bible Talk, Ep. 15)

9Marks — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 08:02:13 -0500

In Genesis 42–43, Joseph has a brilliant plan to see if his brothers have been humbled, or if they’re still as wicked as they were when they threw him into a well and sold him into slavery.

Genesis 40–41: On Joseph's Rise from Gen Pop to the Second in Command (Bible Talk, Ep. 14)

9Marks — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 11:19:41 -0500

At the beginning of Genesis 40, Joseph is living in the belly of the beast: an Egyptian prison. By the end of Genesis 41, he’s Pharaoh‘s second-in-command. But no matter his station, God’s favor remains on Joseph.

Genesis 37–39: On Being Like Joseph and Not Being Like Judah - At Least Not Yet (Bible Talk, Ep. 13)

9Marks — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 07:49:04 -0500

Joseph’s story resolves every major plot-line of Genesis, proving that Moses is a “literary genius,” as Jim Hamilton puts it.

Alex Duke chats with Jim & Sam about Genesis 37–39. They cover Joseph’s brothers, Judah & Tamar, and Joseph & Potiphar’s wife.

Genesis 34–36: On Dinah’s Defiling, Jacob’s Sons’ War Crimes, and Other Things That Ought Not Be Done in Israel (Bible Talk, Ep. 12)

9Marks — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 06:40:39 -0500

These chapters of Genesis cover some dark terrain, things that ought not be done in Israel (34:7). Shechem violates Dinah. Two of his others sons—Simeon and Levi—commit a war crime. And Esau’s descent away from God’s people is finally codified through his genealogy (Gen. 36).

What’s God up to in Genesis 34–36? Even amidst his chosen people’s sin and wickedness, he’s still preserving and preparing them for his purposes.

Genesis 32–33: On Jacob’s Rumbling Reconciliation with Esau and a Main Event Even Better Than WrestleMania III’s (Bible Talk, Ep. 11)

9Marks — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 07:25:40 -0500

In Genesis 32–33, Jacob has two life-altering confrontations—one with the angel of God & one with the adversary of his lifetime: Esau, his brother. What happens next may surprise you.

Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton & Sam Emadi about all this & more.

Genesis 29–31: On Rachel's Junk Science, Jacob's Ancient Eugenics, and the Fear of Isaac's Unshakeable Sovereignty (Bible Talk, Ep. 10)

9Marks — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:09:27 -0500

There’s a lot of deception and re-deception going on here. There's also some poetic justice, some pathetic names, some junk science, and a tense camel chase. In Episode 10 of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Genesis 29–31.

Genesis 27–28 | On Deception, Dreams, & Soap-Operatic Heartbreak (Bible Talk, Ep. 9)

9Marks — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 15:13:33 -0500

These chapters of Genesis continue the story of Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau. They play out like an episode of a soap opera: family member against family member; deceit on top of deceit; the promise of revenge.

Genesis 24–26: On When Isaac Meets Rebekah, Esau's Stupid Trade, and Sam's Fever Dreams about the Exodus (Bible Talk, Ep. 8)

9Marks — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 08:02:00 -0400

In these chapters, Moses shifts his attention to the next generation of the promised line. As he does, familiar themes show up.

Genesis 21–23: On Ishmael's Expulsion, Isaac's Sacrifice, and Abraham's Graveyard (Bible Talk, Ep. 7)

9Marks — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:14:30 -0400

Moses spends so much time cultivating an expectation for Isaac’s birth. But then, out of nowhere, the Lord tests Abraham, telling him to sacrifice his son, his only son whom he loves. Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton & Sam Emadi about Genesis 21–23.

Genesis 18–20: On Sordid Sins and the Glimmer of Grace, Even in Sodom and Gomorrah (Bible Talk, Ep. 6)

9Marks — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 09:15:43 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about the Genesis 18–20. These chapters cover some of the darkest episodes in all of Scripture. We see the wages of sin—death—on full display. And yet, we also see glimmers of God’s grace and mercy.

Genesis 15–17: On The Lord's Covenant Ceremony, Sarah's Covenant Scheme, and Abraham's Covenant Sign (Bible Talk, Ep. 5)

9Marks — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 15:30:33 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about the Lord’s covenant ceremony (Gen. 15), Sarah’s covenant scheme (Gen. 16), and Abraham’s covenant sign (Gen. 17).

Genesis 12–14 | On Lot’s Fateful Journey East, the War of the Pirate-Kings, and Abram’s “Aragorn Moment”

9Marks — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:39:14 -0400

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about a towering Old Testament figure: Abram of the Chaldeans. What kind of man is he?

Genesis 6:9–11:32: On the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and PETA's Beef with Genesis 9:3

9Marks — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 07:46:48 -0400

In this third episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Noah and the flood, the genealogy of Genesis 10, the Tower of Babel, and what all of this has to do with Jesus.

Genesis 3:20–6:8: On Cain & Abel, the Nephilim, and the Progeny of George Foreman

9Marks — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 06:32:32 -0400

In the second episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Genesis 3:20–6:8. As man’s sinfulness grows both broader and deeper, God is still preserving a line of promise.

Genesis 1:1-3:19: On the Serpent, the Promised Seed, and Nahash the King of the Ammonites

9Marks — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 12:06:45 -0400

In this inaugural episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about the first three chapters of Genesis. These first three chapters of the Bible are so important because they set the trajectory for everything that comes next—all the way until we get to Revelation 22.