Hebrew Bible Insights

The Book of Psalms is far more than ancient poetry—it’s the prayerbook of the Church and a vital guide for encountering Jesus. In this episode, we interview Chad Bird, author and scholar who specializes in teaching the Old Testament to Christians. We ask a variety of questions related to his newest book "Untamed Prayers." We explore why the Psalms are essential for Christians today. We discuss how the New Testament interprets the Psalms, the connection between David and Jesus, and how to see Christ even in Psalms that aren’t quoted in the New Testament. We also talk about the beauty of reading the Psalms in Hebrew, the intentional structure of the book, and how the Church Fathers used the Psalms for formation and devotion. From wrestling with the language of enemies to learning how to pray through every season of life, this episode is a call to dive deeper into the Psalms and meet Jesus there.Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He holds master's degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He has contributed articles to Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Modern Reformation, The Federalist, Lutheran Forum, and other journals and websites. He is also the author of several books, including The Christ Key & Limping with God.Untamed Prayers - 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms: https://a.co/d/eeZ9ilMChapters0:00–1:08 Intro1:09–3:29 Why Psalms is important3:30–7:06 How the New Testament interprets Psalms7:07–11:45 Thinking about David and Jesus11:46–16:19 Seeing Jesus in Psalms even if the chapter isn’t quoted in the New Testament16:20–22:31 Insights from Reading Psalms in Hebrew22:32–31:14 Intentional ordering of Psalms31:15–34:11 Psalms as the prayerbook of the Church34:12–37:50 Church Fathers and Psalms37:51–41:30 Prayerbook of the soldiers of Christ41:31–45:38 Encountering Jesus in Psalms45:39–53:04 Understanding “enemies” in Psalms53:05–56:34 Admonishment to read the PsalmsJoin our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

Read the Bible in Hebrew with Matthew: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsightsPsalm 1 is rich with meaning, and reading it in Hebrew brings out layers we often miss. In this episode, Matthew (MA in Biblical Literature and Semitic Languages) walks through key Hebrew language insights that deepen our understanding of this foundational psalm. We explore the meaning of the word “happy” or “blessed,” the beautiful poetic style of the psalm, and how Hebrew parallelism and verb tense in verse 1 set the tone for the whole psalm. We also dive into what it really means to “meditate” on God’s law, why Torah is central to this psalm, and how Psalm 1 connects to Genesis, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and ultimately, to Jesus Christ. Whether you know Hebrew or not, this episode will help you appreciate the beauty and depth of Psalm 1 in a whole new way.Chapters0:00-2:00 Intro2:01-3:45 Psalm 1 in Hebrew and English3:46-17:50 Happiness Word Study17:51-20:31 Beautiful style in Psalm 120:32-33:26 Parallelism and Tense in Psalm 1:133:27-40:28 What is “Meditate” and “Law”?40:29-52:02 Why meditating on Torah is strongly emphasized52:03-59:12 Parallels to Genesis, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel59:13-1:04:09 Jesus and Psalm 1Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the most fascinating and important archaeological discoveries for understanding the world of the Bible. In this episode, we sit down with Dead Sea Scrolls scholar, Dr. Andrew Perrin, to explore the rich and complex world of these ancient texts. From the famous Isaiah Scroll and the commentary on Habakkuk to Aramaic dream visions, scribal traditions, and the Pseudepigrapha, this conversation uncovers the diversity of writings found at Qumran. We also dive into the Enoch literature, the War Scroll, and how the theme of Messiah shows up in the scrolls. Along the way, we discuss the historical context of Scripture, the role of scribes, and the importance of curiosity when it comes to exploring these texts. Whether you’re new to the Dead Sea Scrolls or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers insights, resources, and plenty to reflect on.Link to Dr. Andrew Perrin’s book “Lost Words and Forgotten Worlds: Rediscovering the Dead Sea Scrolls” https://a.co/d/essK7cmDr. Andrew Perrin’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DrAndrewPerrin/featuredDr. Andrew Perrin’s recommended Dead Sea Scroll ResourcesDigital Images of Dead Sea Scrolls: https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/?locale=en_USDead Sea Scrolls Bible: https://a.co/d/44awjn8The Dead Sea Scrolls: a New Translation: https://a.co/d/aJSzXnVChapters0:00-2:09 Intro2:10-10:21 Isaiah in the Dead Sea Scrolls10:22-18:28 Commentary on Habakkuk in the Dead Sea Scrolls18:29-24:10 Aramaic dream vision texts24:11-30:02 Scribal and Sacred Languages30:03-37:12 Pseudepigrapha37:13-43:25 Enoch43:26-49:38 The War Scroll and Ritual Purity49:39-53:12 Historical context of Scripture53:13-57:02 The influence of scribes57:03-1:02:29 Theme of Messiah in Dead Sea Scrolls1:02:30-1:10:36 Personal thoughts on searching and being curious1:10:37- Resources for Dead Sea ScrollsJoin our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

After liberation from Egypt, the focus shifts to covenant and worship. The Hebrew term 'avad' illustrates the complex relationship between service to God and past oppression. The significance of the Sabbath is analyzed, showcasing its connection to creation and holiness. Discussion on the tabernacle emphasizes the transformation from servitude to sacred service, reflecting God's presence among His people. Themes of obedience, idolatry, and divine worship are explored, enriching our understanding of the Exodus narrative and its implications for believers today.

Dive into the rich meaning of the word 'serve' in Exodus, where it unfolds a profound relationship between liberation and worship. The discussion reveals how Israel's journey is not just about escaping slavery but about embracing a divine purpose. Fascinating connections to Genesis illuminate themes of oppression and redemption, while the significance of Passover as a spiritual act is explored. Discover how these ancient narratives shape our understanding of identity, calling, and the essence of true servitude to Yahweh.

Dive into the diverse roles of biblical prophets with Dr. Todd Hibbard. In this episode, we discuss his book "Prophets and Prophecy," examining the phenomenological aspects of prophecy and its implications for economic and legal criticisms in ancient Israel and Judah. Dr. Hibbard also connects these insights to modern Christian perspectives and the teachings of Jesus, offering a transformative look at how these ancient messages influence our understanding of justice and righteousness today.Todd Hibbard is Professor and Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy. He has a PhD in Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity from the University of Notre Dame"Prophets and Prophecy" by Todd Hibbard: https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/4987-2/prophets-and-prophecy.aspx"Prophets and Prophecy" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Prophets-Prophecy-Ancient-Israel-Judah-ebook/dp/B0DWNCLDFZ/ref=sr_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sxBHKoR22_luBKs21tBXq1fv1BwHay9GHSMiV3gXuhyTjJEFe46bpThS4woa9_oar7l090zyKjwhqejMz9U_Eg.Ub67uRwgXOZlaiDQK2qP8hNdvIBpUTwprV5KuOasmrA&dib_tag=se&qid=1742787297&refinements=p_27%3AJ+Todd+Hibbard&s=books&sr=1-2Chapters0:00-6:33 Intro6:34-14:56 Diversity of what prophets do14:57-23:39 The Phenomena of Prophecy23:40-28:28 Prophets of the Bible vs prophets of the ancient Near East28:29-34:15 Prophets as Social Critics34:16-41:00 The economy of ancient Israel41:01-45:45 Where to start with prophets45:46-53:39 Proverbs and Prophets53:40-1:00:59 Jesus as a prophetic social criticJoin our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

Read 1 Enoch with us in the Hebrew Bible Book Club: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsightsIn today's episode, we explore the significance of the Book of 1 Enoch and its impact on early Christian thought. Although most Christians today do not consider this book canonical, 1 Enoch offers valuable insights into Jewish eschatology and its influence on the New Testament. It is even quoted by Jude who says that Enoch prophesied. We delve into how early Christians, including church fathers like St. Irenaeus, engaged with Enoch's visions and teachings, and what this means for understanding prophetic traditions and the Gospel today. Join us as we uncover why 1 Enoch remains a vital text for Christians seeking a deeper historical and theological context.Chapters0:00-7:12 Why does the book of 1 Enoch matter?7:13-12:39 How we first encountered 1 Enoch12:40-19:42 1 Enoch and the Biblical Canon19:43-27:02 Enoch in Scripture and Enoch as a prophet27:03-37:10 St. Irenaeus of the early church and Enoch37:11-46:08 Prophetic tradition, the ancient Near East, and Enoch46:09-55:35 The Incarnation, the Gospel, and EnochJoin our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

Dive into the fascinating world of biblical characters, where heroes and villains blur together. Explore the complexities of figures like King David and Saul through nuanced interpretations rooted in ancient context. Discover the significance of exile and the power of repentance, along with insights from St. John Chrysostom. The conversation challenges simplistic views, urging listeners to engage deeply with the text. Plus, get introduced to the Book of First Enoch and its relevance in understanding ancient narratives!

Join a Hebrew language cohort with Matthew Delaney: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsightsIn today’s episode, we chat with Bobby about his fascinating journey into the world of biblical languages and dive deep into his work on a Hebrew dictionary. What inspired him to create it? How do we understand Hebrew words beyond the Bible? And what’s the deal with Paleo Hebrew? We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the joys and challenges of putting together a dictionary and how the process shaped Bobby spiritually. It’s a rich and inspiring conversation for anyone interested in biblical studies, language, or the intersection of work and personal formation.“Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic Dictionary” https://zondervanacademic.com/products/biblical-hebrew-and-aramaic-dictionaryRobert R. Duke, (PhD, University of California, Los Angeles) is a professor in the Honors College and former dean of the School of Theology at Azusa Pacific University. He is the author of The Social Location of the Visions of Amram and serves as the director of the Scholars Initiative at the Museum of the Bible.Chapters0:00-2:25 Introduction2:26-8:11 Dr. Kirk’s journey in biblical studies8:12-11:28 Elevator pitch for Agur11:29-15:23 Order, Disorder, and Stuart Weeks15:24-26:11 History of Wisdom Literature Interpretation26:12-34:20 Agur the Eccentric Genius34:21-45:40 What is Philology?45:41-56:31 Difficult title and the genre of Agur56:32-1:02:52 Humor in the Bible1:02:53-1:09:07 The Big Picture Flow of Proverbs 301:09:08-1:16:05 Reading Agur as Christian ScriptureJoin our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

Alexander Kirk, an assistant professor at Beeson Divinity School specializing in Hebrew and Old Testament, dives into the intriguing character of Agur from Proverbs 30. He discusses Agur's eccentric genius and humor, unraveling complexities within wisdom literature. The conversation explores how philology enriches our understanding of ancient texts and the significance of interpreting Proverbs through original languages. Kirk also highlights the balance of humor and humility in Agur's wisdom, inviting deeper engagement with biblical teachings.