History in the Bible
Garry Stevens
A guide to the history presented in the Bible, for people of all faiths and backgrounds, presented by an independent podcaster, and biblical studies buff. I explore the religion of ancient Israel, the beginnings of Christianity, then finally the evolution of the heirs of Abraham to the year 200. I discuss every single book in every Bible (there are more than you think!). Lightly garnished with a dash of drollery, a soupçon of scrutiny, and not one ounce of objectivity. Not one ounce! The main narrative concluded in January 2024. But I continue to publish Afterlife shows.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 6, 2017 • 26min
2.2 In Babylon II: Ezekiel and Job
In the book of Ezekiel God transforms from furious father to jealous husband. The prophet is commanded to protest against the Judeans with performance art. He has a few passages no-one can make head nor tail of. I also reluctantly tackle the book of Job, that most difficult of books.
Jul 23, 2017 • 26min
2.1 In Babylon I: The Exile
In the first episode of series two, I begin with the Judeans in exile in Babylon. We move from the prophet Jeremiah to the prophet Ezekiel, and his crazy imagery, imagery that has inflamed Christian iconography for centuries. But not only Christians. Ezekiel is the father of Jewish mysticism, a movement which the rabbis only quashed in the early Middle Ages.
Jun 13, 2017 • 1h 1min
Bonus 17: A Conversation with Dan Libenson of Judaism Unbound
My special guest is Dan Libenson of the Judaism Unbound podcast. We talk about the Bible, the history of the Jewish religion, the difficulties of translation, how Jews and Christians think about God, and many other matters. All good fun!
May 21, 2017 • 34min
1.57 Modern Debates: End of an Era
In the final episode of series one, I explain why I am leaving the remaining books of the Old Testament to my second series. I introduce the lush literature of the Second temple period, and describe in detail the nature of Judean religion as it was at the destruction of the kingdom of Judah. I reflect on what I have learnt making this series, and what is coming in series two.
May 7, 2017 • 28min
1.56 Modern Debates: Into Exile.
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.
Apr 23, 2017 • 21min
1.55 Four Prophets of the Babylonian Crisis
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.
Apr 9, 2017 • 29min
1.54 The Babylonian Conquest of Judah
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.
Mar 26, 2017 • 28min
1.53 Evil King Manasseh and the Reformation of Josiah
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.
Mar 19, 2017 • 53min
Bonus 16: After Life - Surviving the Apocalypse
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.
Mar 12, 2017 • 27min
1.52 Isaiah and Micah, Prophets of the Assyrian Crisis
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.
