
Biblical World
Exploring the history, archaeology, geography, and cultures of the Bible.
Latest episodes

Apr 30, 2025 • 41min
Mary Buck - The Assyrian Period
Episode: In this first of our "Second Temple Series," Mary Buck takes us back well before the Second Temple Period, back to the Assyrian Period. Beware, there's a pop quiz here! Learn which Second Temple site is her favorite, and much more!
Host: Mary Buck is back hosting this new series!!
Image Attribution: By יעקב - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15709510
Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor.

Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 5min
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 7)
Episode: We’re back, with Tablet VI of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Chris and Amy take us on a deep dive into the "love" of Ishtar, Gilgamesh refusing that love as cruel and temporary, the Bull of Heaven's rage and death, and the impending fate of Enkidu. Tune in and enjoy! Click to listen back to PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, and PART 6.
Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh
Image Attribution: By Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92742680
Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor.

Mar 6, 2025 • 40min
Best Archaeological Finds of 2024 (Part 2) – Chris and Kyle
Discover an intriguing seal that connects biblical history to Assyrian culture, intriguing insights into the ancient depiction of 'genies'. Unearth recent finds related to cherubim near the Temple of Solomon, revealing cultural interactions between Assyrians and Judah. Explore narratives surrounding the fall of the Assyrian Empire, linking ancient events to biblical tales. Dive into the rich archaeological history of Caesarea Philippi, revealing its significance and connections to various deities and early Christianity.

Feb 10, 2025 • 60min
Best Archaeological Finds of 2024 (Part 1) - Chris and Kyle
Episode: Back by popular demand is our Best Archaeological Finds series, and this one for 2024 (we're not that far into 2025!). Enjoy this first of a two-part series.
Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer
Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor.
Image Attribution: Cuneiform tablet known as Letter ZTT 22. (Credit: Ziyaret Tepe Archaeological Project)

Jan 23, 2025 • 48min
Egyptology and the Exodus Narrative - Chris and Mark (Egypt Series)
Dive into the rich tapestry of the Exodus narrative as the conversation unfolds around key archaeological sites like Pithom, Ramses, and Succoth. Recent discoveries shed light on the Israelites' journey, linking historical events with biblical texts. Explore the complexities of interpreting ancient geography and how linguistic insights reshape our understanding. The hosts highlight exciting interdisciplinary work, revealing the significance of these findings in illuminating the intersection of archaeology and biblical history.

Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 9min
Historical Geography - John Monson
Episode: In this episode, Kyle and Chris are joined by John Monson to discuss the history of one of their favorite subjects – the Historical Geography of the Bible.
Guest: Dr. Monson was born to missionary parents in Zaire but spent most of his youth in Jerusalem, Israel, where he developed an interest in biblical studies, archaeology, and historical geography. Prior to coming to Trinity he taught for eleven years at Wheaton College, where he received the Faculty Achievement Award in Teaching. His archaeological fieldwork has taken him to Syria, Lebanon, and numerous excavations in Israel. He's the author of Dothan I: Remains from the Tell (1953-1964), co-editor, (Eisenbrauns, 2005), 1 Kings in the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, and The Temple of Solomon (Oxford University Press, forthcoming) (adapted from the TEDS website).
Hosts: Chris and Kyle
Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor.
Resource: Jerusalem University College offers short term study courses in Historical Geography in the land of Israel, both in-person and online. https://www.juc.edu/academics/short-term-study-programs/historical-geographical/
Image Attribution: https://www.juc.edu/academics/master-arts/biblical-history-and-geography/

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 34min
Chris and Kyle - Archaeology: What It Is and What It Does
Dive into the thrilling world of biblical archaeology! Discover the importance of accurate representation in media and learn about non-invasive excavation techniques like geomagnetic surveying. The hosts share personal anecdotes and reflections, highlighting the connection between archaeological findings and biblical texts. Unravel mysteries near the Sea of Galilee and explore the evolution of methodologies. This engaging conversation emphasizes the significance of historical context and invites listener interaction for a richer understanding.

4 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 1h 5min
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 6)
Dive into the epic narrative of Gilgamesh as Chris and Amy explore the mystical cedar forest, the formidable guardian Humbaba, and the themes of friendship and bravery. Discover the haunting emotional complexities of power, guilt, and betrayal that drive the characters. They unravel the significance of cedar trees in ancient culture, drawing striking parallels to modern ecological issues. The discussion also contrasts ancient Mesopotamian beliefs with biblical teachings, emphasizing our connection to nature and hinting at the tale's tragic future.

Oct 9, 2024 • 58min
The Ephraimite Conquest of Bethel in Judges
Episode: Chris and Kyle continue their series on the book of Judges, looking at the Ephraimite conquest of Bethel in Judges 1:22-26. They cover problems in the archaeology of Bethel, and they discuss the identity of the "Hittites" in this same passage.
Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer
Give: Help support OnScript and Biblical World as we grow and develop. Click HERE.
Image: Khirbet Banat Bar, sometimes identified with the town of Zeredah in Ephraim, birthplace of Jeroboam. By Bukvoed - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97495425

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 15min
Sennacherib's War Camps - Chris and Kyle
Episode: In this episode, Chris and Kyle discuss a recent journal article that claims to have found new evidence of Sennacherib’s 701 BC campaign against Judah. The article makes a lot of interesting, but ultimately problematic claims about the Historical Geography of the Biblical World. (Note: Although the audio makes reference to video, we were unable to do the video)
Hosts: Chris and Kyle
Give: Help support OnScript and Biblical World as we grow and develop. Click HERE.
Image: King seated on his throne, within the walls of a captured city, including three houses and seven tents. [Quyunjik], Layard, nypl.digitalcollections.510d47dc-4779-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99.001.g
Stephen Compton Article - https://popular-archaeology.com/article/first-ever-discovery-of-ancient-assyrian-military-camps-includes-biblical-site/