History in the Bible

Scholars debate the extent and aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Judah, examining conflicting biblical accounts. The number of deportations and the population left behind remains uncertain. The rule of Gedaliah in Benjamin and his assassination add to the mystery surrounding Jeremiah's fate. Jeremiah's message of consolation challenges old beliefs and shapes the religion of Judaism. The origin and inclusion of the book of Baruch and the letter of Jeremiah in different religious canons are analyzed.

Four prophets of the Babylonian Crisis are discussed: Zephaniah warns of destruction, Jeremiah advises surrender, Nahum gloats over the Assyrian fall, Habakkuk questions God's tolerance of injustice.

The podcast discusses the Babylonian conquest of Judah, including the alliances and diplomatic failures of the Judeans with Babylon and Egypt. It explores the warnings of doom given by the prophet Jeremiah and the eventual release of Jeccania after years of captivity. The chapter also delves into the burning of the temple and the theories surrounding the fate of the Ark of the Covenant.

Learn about the reign of King Manasseh and his vassal role under Assyria. Discover the brutal nature of Assyrian king Asha Bani Paul and the rediscovery of his library. Explore the historical authenticity of King Manasseh's captivity and the debate over the inclusion of his prayer in the Bible. Dive into the reigns of King Ammon and his son Josiah, discussing their actions and the religious reformation initiated by Josiah. Uncover King Josiah's reforms and the role of female prophets in Hebrew culture.

In this co-released episode, Steve Guerra of the History of the Papacy podcast and I finish (for now) our series on the apocalyptic literature, with a discussion of how views on the afterlife changed in the Second Temple period.

Isaiah, a crowd-pleasing prophet, introduces new theological ideas. Micah serves as his counterpoint. Topics include ambiguity of Isaiah, interpretations of prophecies, different translations, Micah's critique of rulers, and God's forgiveness.

In this podcast, learn how King Hezekiah turned a refugee crisis into an opportunity to strengthen his monarchy and shape the religious identity of the Hebrews. Discover his religious reforms, doubts about his dedication to Yahweh, and his preparations for an attack by the Assyrians. Explore the biblical story of his encounter with the Assyrian king and the ultimate salvation of Jerusalem.

King Ahaz of Judah calls on Assyria to save him from King Pekah of Israel and the kingdom of Aram-Damascus. That works out a treat: Aram-Damascus is left in ruins, and Israel left a rump state. The prophet Isaiah puts his oar in, to no effect. Pekah is followed by his son Hoshea, who makes a bad diplomatic move and is annihilated by Assyria. So begins the Jewish diaspora.

In this co-released episode, Steve Guerra of the History of the Papacy podcast and I continue our series on the apocalyptic literature, with the second of two episodes on the earliest Christian apocalypse, the Book of Revelation. We find lots of magical numbers.

In Judah, we meet a bunch of kings: Uzziah, Jotham and Ahaz. Uzziah gets leprosy when he offends the priests. Jotham's reign is confused, just like I am. Ahaz is threatened on all sides. Back in Israel, Jeroboam II is followed by Zechariah, then in quick succession by Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah. Israel is falling apart. King Retzin of Aram-Damascus hammers the Hebrews, but is squashed by the Assyrians.