Dr. Taylor Gray discusses how ancient iconography can enhance the way we read the Bible, focusing on cherubim and seraphim. The challenges of pottery with images linked to YHWH and Asherah in ancient Israelite society are explored, shedding light on the significance of art in understanding the biblical world.

Dr. Taylor Gray is an associate faculty member at Israel Bible Center. He recently released a new course called Divine Imagery in the Biblical World. We sit down with Dr. Gray to talk about the study of iconography, its growth over the last few decades, and its ability to give modern readers a glimpse into how ancient people perceived the world. Enroll in the class Divine Imagery in the Biblical World HEREView Othmar Keel's influential book Symbolism of the Biblical WorldExplore a catalogue of ancient art through this German websiteFind out how you can get this and many other courses with one small monthly subscription at: https://israelbiblecenter.comStay connected with IBC on Facebook @IsraelBibleCenter or Twitter @IsraelStudy

Exploring the fluidity of Israelite belief in God's form. Ancient beliefs of gods manifesting in objects. Exploring local manifestations of Hashem. Perspectives on divine manifestation in the Hebrew Bible. Origins and consequences of divine embodiment in theology.

Dr. Benjamin Sommer and Dr. Yeshaya Gruber to discuss God's Bodies in the Bible. Is it controversial to claim that God has a body? Are ancient Near Eastern conceptions of deities reflected or refuted in the Hebrew Bible? These questions lead us into a conversation about God's presence.  Watch the whole Round Table Talk with Dr. Sommer called God's Bodies in the BibleExplore the book The Bodies of God and the World of Ancient Israel.Take Dr. Gruber's class Kabbalah and the Bible, Part 1Find out how you can get this and many other courses with one small monthly subscription at: https://israelbiblecenter.comStay connected with IBC on Facebook @IsraelBibleCenter or Twitter @IsraelStudy

Dr. Drew Longacre discusses the controversial imprecatory Psalms, exploring the tension between them and moral teachings. They delve into the complexity of human emotions expressed in these Psalms and the importance of aligning prayers with God's righteousness. The podcast also introduces a new online tool for studying the Psalms in-depth.

Dr. Drew Longacre is a guest lecturer at IBC who recently released a course on the Psalms. Today we explore the organization of the Psalter along with what the Dead Sea Scrolls contribute to our understanding of how to read the psalms. Enroll in the course Psalms: A Songbook for the Ages HEREExplore the new resource on the psalms through the Cambridge Digital Bible HEREFind out how you can get this and many other courses with one small monthly subscription at: https://israelbiblecenter.comStay connected with IBC on Facebook @IsraelBibleCenter or Twitter @IsraelStudy

What is archaeology's role in helping us interpret the Bible? In last week’s episode we raised some initial guiding principles related to what archaeology is, and this week we discover how complex this conversation can be. Around the table today are Dr. Yeshaya Gruber, Dr. Nicholas Schaser, and Dr. Cyndi Parker. Dr. Gruber starts with a comment about the conquest narratives, and then we will rewind to dating the Exodus which influences how we look at the archaeology. And if you hang in there, we will even talk about how the gospel writers use the site of Jericho to tell a story of restoration. Listen to this Round Table Talk with archaeologist Jodi Magnuss: https://israelbiblecenter.com/roundtable-talks/archaeology-life-first-century/Find out how you can get this and many other courses with one small monthly subscription at: https://israelbiblecenter.comStay connected with IBC on Facebook @IsraelBibleCenter or Twitter @IsraelStudy

Archaeology is a fantastic tool to help modern audiences understand the world of the Bible and the lives of the people depicted in the Bible. But what is archaeology's role in helping us interpret the Bible? This was the topic of conversation between three of Israel Bible Center's faculty.Listen to this Round Table Talk with archaeologist Jodi Magnuss: https://israelbiblecenter.com/roundtable-talks/archaeology-life-first-century/Find out how you can get this and many other courses with one small monthly subscription at: https://israelbiblecenter.comStay connected with IBC on Facebook @IsraelBibleCenter or Twitter @IsraelStudy

Answering the question, "Who is the Servant in Isaiah 53" is the topic of this conversation. Dr. Yeshaya Gruber, Dr. Tupá Guerra, and Dr. Nicholas Schaser gather around the table to discuss the nuances of this passage. We start with the Dead Sea Scrolls and move on to discuss how the New Testament writers use Isaiah's writings to point to Jesus and also other people.Find out how you can get this and many other courses with one small monthly subscription at: https://israelbiblecenter.comStay connected with IBC on Facebook @IsraelBibleCenter or Twitter @IsraelStudy

When you read the Servant Song in Isaiah 53, to whom do you think it is referring? Traditions point to a singular person and also to a collection of people. Answering the question, "Who is the Servant in Isaiah 53" is the topic of this conversation. Dr. Yeshaya Gruber, Dr. Tupá Guerra, and Dr. Nicholas Schaser gather around the table to discuss the nuances of this passage.Find out how you can get this and many other courses with one small monthly subscription at: https://israelbiblecenter.comStay connected with IBC on Facebook @IsraelBibleCenter or Twitter @IsraelStudy