Episode 215: Pete Enns & Jared Byas - The Center of the Hebrew Bible
Aug 29, 2022
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Biblical scholars Pete Enns and Jared Byas unpack the centrality of monarchy in the Hebrew Bible, exploring themes in Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. They discuss how not every biblical story should be used devotionally today, touching on the Messianic language in the New Testament and the transition from tribal leadership to monarchy in ancient Israel. The podcast also delves into King Hezekiah's defense against the Assyrian attack and theological and political aspects of kings in the Hebrew Bible.
The Israelite monarchy's division into Northern and Southern kingdoms shaped biblical theology and narratives.
The exile of Israelites in Babylon and subsequent return under Cyrus holds significant theological importance.
Deep dives
Overview of the Podcast Episode
The podcast episode explores the historical trajectory of the Israelite monarchy, starting from the roots of the monarchy with Saul, David, and Solomon, all the way through the split into the Northern and Southern kingdoms, exile, and the subsequent return to the land. It delves into the complexities of how the monarchic period shapes the narrative and theological underpinnings of the Hebrew Bible.
The Split between the North and South
The podcast discusses the significant split between the Northern and Southern kingdoms following the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. It highlights the political and religious tensions that led to the division, with the North eventually falling to Assyria in 722 BCE and the South later falling to Babylon in 586 BCE.
Exile and Return
The episode delves into the exile of the Israelites, exploring the Babylonian captivity in 586 BCE and the subsequent return following the decree issued by Cyrus in 539 BCE. It touches on the theological significance of the exile and the themes of repentance and restoration.
The New Testament Transition
Lastly, the podcast episode connects the historical narrative of the Hebrew Bible to the New Testament era, pointing out the continuity and impact of the Israelite monarchy on the advent of Jesus as the Messiah. It mentions the intertestamental period, the reign of Herod the Great, and the political unrest leading into the time of Jesus.
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared unpack the centrality of the monarchy in the Hebrew Bible, the function of monarchy within the biblical narrative arc, and how not every story or book of the Bible is meant to be used as a devotional for our modern times.