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

Jun 30, 2025 • 52min
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 9)
Episode: We’re back now with Tablet VIII of the Epic of Gilgamesh, and our grief knows no bounds. Tune in and hear Amy and Chris discuss the depths of Gilgamesh's pain, grief, and loss. They also discuss how Gilgamesh memorializes his friend, and what might have happened in the missing part of the tablet. Click to listen back to PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, and PART 8.
Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh
Image Attribution: Cylinder Seal from the British Museum. See https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_1899-0418-9

4 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 1h 11min
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 8)
Dive into the emotional depths of the Epic of Gilgamesh, as the discussion centers around Enkidu's haunting dream and his struggle with mortality. Explore the intense friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, reflecting on themes of grief and legacy. Discover how divine judgment weaves into their narrative, paralleling ancient texts and the human experience. Expect intriguing connections to biblical motifs and the role of dreams, revealing the rich tapestry of ancient stories and their profound insights into life and death.

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
Kyle Keimer - Misunderstanding Sacrifice (part 2)
Episode: Kyle Keimer joins to add insights from archaeology to an earlier OnScript episode called Misunderstanding Sacrifice (listen HERE). Dru and Matt L talk about the incomplete pictures gained from archaeology AND the Bible, and how to grapple with both. This episode is cross-listed with the OnScript podcast.
Guest/Co-Host: Kyle Keimer is know to listeners of our Biblical World podcast, and follow THIS link to get to know him more.
Give: Visit our Donate Page if you would like to support the work of OnScript and Biblical World.
Image Attribution: By illustrators of the 1890 Holman Bible - http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart/1890holmanbible/bw/altarofincensealtarofburnt-offeringlaver.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9424389

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.